Special & Inclusive Education - Letterkenny
This programme is suitable for students who wish to work or develop careers in the education, health and social care sectors to provide quality inclusive services for individuals in marginalised groups in an ever-evolving and diverse society.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Atlantic Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | Atlantic Technological University | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 years full-time.
Recommended Study Hours per week
17.5 hours per week
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
This is a full time course which will be delivered on-campus.
Specific Subjects or course requirements
6 subjects at O6/H7 which must include:
– 2 subjects at H5
– English or Irish at O6/H7
– Maths at O6/H7 or Foundation Maths at F2
Garda Vetting
Entrants to this programme will be required to undergo vetting by An Garda Síochána
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
Students who achieve grade H6 or better in the Higher (Honours) maths exam will receive 25 additional points. Bonus points will also apply to Honours maths results from previous years. For maths results from 2016 and earlier, applicants will need to have achieved a grade of HD3 or better to qualify for bonus points.
Maths
Maths with a minimum grade of O6/H7 or F2* is the minimum requirement for most programmes. However, there are a few programmes for which Mathematics is not an entry requirement and others for which foundation maths may not be sufficient or for which the minimum grade required is higher, e.g. H5 or better. It is important to check individual programme descriptors for specific maths requirement.
* Foundation Level Mathematics is accepted for the purposes of entry requirements in the case of any programme where Higher or Ordinary Level Mathematics is not a requirement.
Foundation maths at and above grade F2 (80%) is accepted as meeting the maths requirement for most, but not all, programmes. Typically, foundation maths is not accepted for our engineering, education or nursing programmes. Nor is foundation maths accepted for some ab initio level 8 programmes. Please check individual programme descriptors to see the minimum maths requirement.
Where accepted, points for qualifying Foundation Maths are:
FI 20 points
F2 12 points
Qualifying Maths Programme
ATU runs a qualifying maths programme, Enabling Maths, for applicants who are otherwise eligible but who do not meet the maths requirement for the programme to which they may have applied.
The programme is typically held online after the Leaving Certificate results become available. Please see the ATU website for details of dates and times. Passing a qualifying maths programme at ATU will compensate for failure to matriculate in maths via the Leaving Certificate or equivalent school-leaving exam. Passing a qualifying maths course will not compensate for any other deficit in the entry requirements. Students passing the Enabling Mathematics Course will be eligible for a place on ATU programmes where the Maths entry requirement is Ordinary Level Maths at 06/H7.
There are some programmes where the Enabling Mathematics course is not accepted for entry.
In all cases applicants must meet the other minimum entry requirements and the current points for the programme they wish to attend. Entry requirements will vary depending on your chosen programme
QQI FET Applicants General Information
ATU reserve a quota of places for QQI FET applicants on all programmes. Applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office and provide their Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) on the CAO application form. Applicants must be studying for or have achieved a full major QQI FET Level 5 or higher award. A component certificate (minor award) will not meet the minimum entry requirements. If you have accumulated your major award over several years you will need to apply to QQI for the major award.
The following minimum entry requirements will apply to graduates of QQI/FET Major Award at Level 5 or 6.
Level 6 Higher Certificate: A pass in any QQI/ FET Level 5 or Level 6 Major Award.
Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree: A pass in any QQI/ FET Level 5 or Level 6 Major Award.
Level 8 Honours Degree: A pass with distinction grade in at least three components in any QQI FET Level 5 or 6 Major Award.
Additional specific requirements apply to some programmes. Several programmes require an essential major award in a related discipline and specific modules to meet the minimum entry requirement. Please refer to the relevant Undergraduate course page on www.atu.ie for specific details on QQI Entry Requirements for these courses; they can also be viewed on the QQI FET Applicants section on the CAO website cao.ie
QQI FET results cannot be added to Leaving Certificate points. Where applicants have taken both exams, the QQI FET award will be considered for Round 0 and if not successful, the Leaving Certificate results will be considered for Round 1. For programmes having a specific QQI FET quota, results are considered in CAO Round 0 (early August). QQI FET scores will not normally be considered after Round 0 where the quota had been met. If the quota remains unfilled after Round 0 additional offers for this quota may be made in subsequent rounds.
Advanced Entry using a QQI FET Level 6 Major Award
Advanced Entry application can be used by an applicant to apply for entry to stage 2 of a programme at ATU, following completion of a related QQI FET Level 6 major award. Please see the Advanced Entry page at atu.ie
Careers / Further progression
Progression
On successful completion of this programme students can apply for progression to a Level 9 programme. Examples of which (within ATU) include, but not limited to:
-MSc in Advancing Health and Social Care
-MSc in Gerontology Practice
-MA in Social Work
-MA in Professional Leadership
-MA in Social Care and Social Justice
-MA in Leadership and Advocacy in the Early Years
-MA in Transformative Practices in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
-MA in Contemporary Innovations in Education
-MA in Special Education
-MA in Special Learning Difficulties
-MA in Professional Studies in Special Educational Needs
-MSc in Outdoor Education, Sustainability and Well-being.
Students may also pursue a Professional Masters in Education.
Careers
SNA in Primary/Post-Primary setting
Advisors in Inclusive Practice Special Schools and Autism classrooms
Higher Education Disability Officer
Community Worker/Advocate
Disability Support Worker
Healthcare Advocate/Health Promotion
Organisations supporting Marginalised Communities
Pathway to primary teaching
Further information
September 2026
ATU reserve a quota of places for mature students on all programmes. Applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office and must be over 23 on January 1st of the calendar year of application. Mature applicants are not required to have met the standard entry requirements and are assessed based on their relevant work/life experience and any accredited courses they have completed. As part of the CAO mature application process applicants must provide a detailed statement of interest. Please visit atu.ie/mature and cao.ie/mature
Additional specific requirements apply to some programmes e.g submission of an e-portfolio for some Art programmes and sitting a mature applicant assessment test with the NMBI for Nursing programmes. Please refer to the relevant Undergraduate course page on atu.ie for specific requirements.
Mature Applications are considered in CAO Round A (early July). Mature applicants will not normally be considered after Round A where the quota has been met. If the quota remains unfilled after Round A additional offers for this quota may be made in subsequent rounds.
If English is not your first language, proof that you meet the English Language Requirement must be provided. Details of acceptable proof can be found on the CAO website.
All mature applicants will be assessed on previous qualifications and their personal statements. For high demand programmes, applicants will be ranked in order of merit or called for interview. Mature applicants applying for nursing will be selected on the basis of an external test organised by the Nursing Board. Please check individual programme descriptions for more information.
UK and Northern Ireland Applicants
Iarrthóirí ón Ríocht Aontaithe agus Ó Thuaisceart Éirinn
An award at Level 3 on the UK framework is the minimum entry standard for year one.
Who can apply?
Applicants who have completed a recognised award at UK Framework Level 3 or higher are eligible for consideration for Year 1.
Standard Applicants: those presenting a combination of GCE A-levels, AS-levels and GCSEs.
Non-Standard Applicants: those presenting Awards other than GCE/GCSE combination. Non-Standard Applicants include BTEC, AVCE, Foundation Degree and IGCSE award holders.
Applicants must meet the minimum entry requirement for the programme they are applying for before they can compete for a place.
The subject entry requirements for each programme and any extra entry requirements, (e.g. a Portfolio may be required for some Art Courses) must also be met.
The CAO issues offer of places based on a points competition. Applicants Examination results are “scored”, with the highest grades getting highest points. The more points you achieve the better your chance of getting an offer.
How to Apply
All applications for entry to full-time undergraduate courses in ATU are made via the Central Applications Office at cao.ie
Applications open in November each year for entry the following September.
The CAO have an informative and helpful guide titled “Applying for the CAO with GCE/A/AS Level & GCSE Qualifications” The CAO Handbook gives details of the application process.
For ATU Level 6 or Level 7 programmes applicants will need:
Five different recognised GCSE/GCE subjects.
These must include at least one GCE A-Level at grade E or better.
The remaining four may be drawn from GCSE (Grades A-C only) or AS grades A-E.
Subjects must include either English or Irish - minimum acceptable grade, GCSE at C or higher.
In most cases applicants will be required to present maths, where required, the minimum acceptable grade is usually GCSE grade C, but a higher grade may be specified for some programmes, especially in engineering or computing.
Where specific other subjects are required the minimum acceptable grade, GCSE at C or higher.
For ATU Level 8 ab initio programmes applicants will need:
Six different recognised GCSE/GCE subjects.
These must include at least two GCE A-Levels at grade C or higher.
The remaining 4 can be drawn from GCSE (Grades A-C only), or from A-Levels or AS grades A-E
Applied A-Level subjects may be used to meet the minimum requirements.
It is possible to meet the minimum requirements through a combination of exams taken over more than one year.
Meeting the minimum requirements outlined may not be sufficient to guarantee selection. Entry is competitive and ranking is based on points. Points are derived from GCE A-Level grades. The better your GCE results the better your chance of selection
Non-standard UK/NI Applicants
Awards other than GCE/GCSE combination are regarded as non-standard and are not included in CAO centralised automated processing. If you are including UK awards other than the standard GCE/GCSE combination as part of your application, you will need to submit supporting documents. Details of the alternate qualification(s) should be supplied to CAO (if applying for entry to the first year) or directly to ATU (if applying for advanced entry, i.e. entry to Years 2, 3, or 4).
Whether or not a non-standard award will be recognised, and to what degree, will depend on the framework level, the learning outcomes achieved, and how those learning outcomes fit in with the prerequisites of the programme for which application is being made.
ATU will consider awards at UK Framework Level 3 or higher, including BTECs, AVCs, GNVQs, etc.
Please attach the following for any non-standard awards you may be presenting at UK Level 3 or higher
1. The Award Certificate
2. A transcript of results - showing subject is taken and grades achieved
3. A copy of the syllabus or the programme schedule showing modules are taken, credits that apply and expected learning outcomes.
Except for GCSE certificates at grade C or higher, awards below UK framework Level 3 do not contribute to matriculation and will be disregarded.
Entry 2026
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
This programme is suitable for students who wish to work or develop careers in the education, health and social care sectors to provide quality inclusive services for individuals in marginalised groups in an ever-evolving and diverse society.
The aim of this course is to provide students with the professional knowledge, skills and competencies to effectively support people with Special Educational Needs, disabilities or learning differences across a diverse range of settings. Students will be supported in gaining a thorough depth of knowledge and understanding of Special Educational Needs through engagement with national and international research, policy and legislation related to inclusive practice. This programme aims to enhance professional practice as well as open up study and career progression opportunities for students.
Year 1
Semester Module Details Credits Mandatory / Elective
1 Human Anatomy and Physiology 05 Mandatory
1 Introduction to Irish Law 05 Mandatory
1 Academic Attainment and IT Skills 10 Mandatory
1 The Role of the Special Needs Assistant (SNA) 10 Mandatory
2 Play, Recreational Activities and the Developing Child 05 Mandatory
2 Child Protection and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults 10 Mandatory
2 Care Skills: Principles, Ethics & Practices 10 Mandatory
2 Diversity, Inclusion and Policy 05 Mandatory
Year 2
Semester Module Details Credits Mandatory / Elective
1 Health and Wellbeing 05 Mandatory
1 Law, Disability, Special Needs and Children's Rights 05 Mandatory
1 Autism Advocacy 10 Mandatory
1 Functional Behaviour and Positive Supports 10 Mandatory
2 Family Support and Positive Partnerships 05 Mandatory
2 Supporting the Curriculum across the Lifespan 10 Mandatory
2 Observations and Support Plans 10 Mandatory
2 Practice Placement I 05 Mandatory
Year 3
Semester Module Details Credits Mandatory / Elective
1 Introduction to Health Promotion 05 Mandatory
1 Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) 10 Mandatory
1 Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence 05 Mandatory
1 Research Studies 10 Mandatory
2 Reflective Practice 05 Mandatory
2 Disability and Effective Practices 10 Mandatory
2 Technology to Foster Engagement 05 Mandatory
2 Practice Placement II 10 Mandatory
Year 4
Semester Module Details Credits Mandatory / Elective
1 Design Principles for Universal Participation 10 Mandatory
1 Leadership and Development for Inclusive Practice 05 Mandatory
1 Transformative Approaches to Inclusive Practice 05 Mandatory
1 Action Project Through Professional Practice 10 Mandatory
2 Empowering Inclusive Participation for Healthier Lifestyles 05 Mandatory
2 Research to Promote Inclusive Practice 10 Mandatory
2 Transitions Management 05 Mandatory
2 Mental Health and Wellbeing in Contemporary Contexts 10 Mandatory
Assessment is through a variety of means to include authentic assessment that relates to the real working world. Practice Placement is an integral part of the students experience where the student has opportunity to apply theory to practice and enhance their skillset through reflective practice.
Head of Department of Early Education and Social Studies
Dr Nigel McKelvey
E: EESS.Donegal@atu.ie