Psychology with Special Needs Assisting (SNA)
Are you interested in applying psychology theories to the area of Special Needs Assisting in an educational setting and gaining employment as an SNA/ Inclusion Support Assistant? Then consider studying for this QQI Level 5 qualification and take your first steps towards a career in this area.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time. 5 Days Mornings Option.
Entry Requirements
• You must have achieved 5 passes or 5 O6/ H7s or a combination of 5 O6/H7s or have achieved the LCA with a Merit profile, or have achieved a full relevant QQI Level 4 Award.
• Mature applicants (aged 21 and over) and other applicants without the formal entry requirements will be assessed individually for suitability.
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of this course, you can pursue employment as an SNA in Primary and Post-Primary Schools.
Progression
If you want to get a degree, then you can apply through the CAO system for entry to courses in the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme such as:
• Bachelor of Science in Education and Training (DC235) Dublin City University
• BA Early Childhood Care & Education (SE911)South East Technological University [Waterford]
• BSc Early Childhood Education (CM020) Marino Institute of Education
• Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Early Childhood Education (TU995) Technological University Dublin [Grangegorman]
Further information
Start Date: 14/09/2026.
Student Financial Support
The range of schemes and measures available to assist students in Further Education Colleges include the:
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
Back To Education Allowance (BTEA)
Maintenance Grant Scheme
Fund For Students With Disabilities
Other Funding
PLC Bursary for Displaced Persons (Ukraine) Scheme 2023
www.studentfinance.ie provides comprehensive and user-friendly information on the range of financial support schemes and programmes available to full-time further and higher education students.
You can apply online. Click on the “Application Weblink” above. You will need to have your PPS number and an email address to complete the application.
Are you curious about people and what motivates them? Do you have an interest in Psychology and would you like to gain knowledge and understanding of this area? Are you interested in applying psychology theories to the area of Special Needs Assisting in an educational setting and gain employment as an SNA? Would you like to progress to study for a degree? Yes? Then consider studying for this QQI Level 5 qualification and take your first steps towards a career in this area.
What will I study?
The following modules are covered on the programme:
• Human Growth and Development
• Child Development
• Psychology
• Understanding Special Needs
• Special Needs Assisting
• Word Processing
• Communications
• Work Experience
• First Aid Responder (FAR)
Assessment and Certification
• Assessment is based on a combination of assignments and exams.
• You will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Community Health Services (5M4468).
5M4468 - Community Health Services.
Dublin College Blackrock,
Main Street,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin,
A94 X383
t: +353 1 2889717
e: office@bfei.ie