Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia)

Entry requirements

Applications will be welcomed from primary teachers, post-primary teachers and other professionals in the education community who have completed registration with the Teaching Council. Applicants are required to have a Honours degree with a minimum of H2.2 with at least 3 years work experience in education/teaching.

You need to have access to students/learners who have ongoing reading/writing difficulties - either in your own school or in your educational setting. At least three pupils/students with ongoing difficulties in the area of literacy will be needed (for assessment purposes, detailed planning in the area of literacy, and teaching).

Months of entry

September

Course content

Dyslexia affects one in 10 students in Ireland. In this course, the only one of its kind in Ireland, you’ll learn best-practice teaching strategies for students with literacy difficulties. You’ll also come to understand how to assess people for dyslexia.

This part-time programme is centred around three core areas: understanding the development of language and literacy learning; identifying and assessing specific learning difficulties and dyslexia; and managing curriculum-based interventions and evidence-based practice and support.

Gain skills to work at home or abroad
Throughout your study, you’ll explore the current conceptualisation of dyslexia and basic psychometrics concepts. You’ll also learn how to complete literacy assessments in reading, writing and spelling, and how to create a personalised support and intervention programme.

This programme is aligned with the updated accreditation framework introduced by the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC), the body responsible for approving specialist teacher assessor qualifications.

Successful graduates of the MEd in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) are eligible to apply for an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) through any of the three recognised professional bodies: PATOSS, the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), and the Dyslexia Guild.

This ensures that your APC qualification is nationally and internationally recognised, and prepares you to carry out high-quality diagnostic assessment and specialist teaching in line with current professional standards.

In addition, the programme meets the requirements for Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA).

As a graduate, you’ll be sought after for roles in dyslexia assessment and specialist teaching at home and abroad, as well as disability support positions at third-level institutions.