Special Needs Awareness & Assisting - Inclusive Education & Training
Have a passion for caring and enjoy working with children and adults alike? Want a career that allows you to work from a preschool setting all the way to third level and beyond? Then Special Needs is an area that could appeal to you!
| Award Name | Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
38 weeks.
Entry Requirements
Minimum
• Applicants must be 16+ years of age on entry to the course.
• You must hold a recent and relevant QQI Level 5 Major Award (or equivalent) in a related course.
• Applicants with relevant work experience will also be considered.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B2 or Higher).
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional
• Applicants must express an interest in learning and practicing new skills.
• Good interpersonal skills are essential.
• Basic computer skills desirable.
• Experience working or volunteering in a childcare, care or learning environment is an advantage but not essential.
• Garda vetting is a requirement for this programme and participation is subject to a satisfactory outcome of the Garda vetting process.
Careers / Further progression
What are the progression opportunities?
A lot of our students go on to work as Special Needs Assistants in schools and other settings while others use it as a steppingstone into other areas of interest in related fields such as Teaching and Social Care.
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You should check individual university websites for specific entry criteria for courses.
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results. You may also apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year.
What are the employment opportunities?
Employment is available in a variety of settings from preschools to third level institutions. Year on year more SNA positions have been allocated in the area of education in the budget just this year alone an additional 1,165 additional positions were announced. Many students get opportunities to work immediately on a part time basis covering July provision hours and subbing. Likewise, if you prefer a career meeting the needs of people in the community there are a lot of options to become a personal assistant to a people with a disability.
Further information
Start date: 07/09/2026.
Applications for all full-time programmes should be made online via the Kerry College. Your application will be processed using our FETCHCOURSES system.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Why should I apply?
Kick start your career with a recognised trusted academic qualification combined with hands on experience in the field of education. A course in Special Needs Awareness & Assisting gives you the opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of Special Needs as well as the educational underpinnings required to be an asset in any setting. Work experience is an integral part of the course that lets you apply the skills you learn in Kerry College in the classroom. Workshops and professional speakers help add to your knowledge throughout the year. Want a career that encourages you to advance professionally whilst working on the job and gives you the opportunity to have a career caring for others in both the private and public sector then Special Needs Awareness & Assisting at Kerry College could be for you.
What is the certification?
QQI Level 6 Major Award Certificate in Inclusive Education & Training (6M2263).
What will I study?
Assistive Technology (6N2211)
Communications (6N1950)
Differentiated Learning and Instruction (6N2225)
Disability Awareness (6N1975)
Inclusive Education Practice (6N2226)
Mental Health Awareness (6N2209)
Special Needs Assisting (6N1957)
Work Experience (6N1946)
6M2263 - Inclusive Education & Training
Kerry College - Listowel Campus
Unit 1, Listowel Business Development Centre,
Listowel Business Park,
Clieveragh,
Listowel
Co. Kerry.
V31PC79
t: (068) 22655
e: listowel@kerrycollege.ie
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm