The BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice – Top-Up builds on your existing degree to develop advanced professional expertise in inclusive education. This one-year honours programme focuses on practical strategies that support children and young people with diverse learning needs across early years, primary, post-primary, and specialist education environments.
The programme encourages a reflective and professional approach to inclusive practice, equipping you with the skills to support self-regulation, participation, and positive learning outcomes. Rather than focusing solely on behaviour management, you will learn how to create supportive learning environments that promote inclusion and engagement for all learners.
Delivered through flexible blended learning, this programme allows you to complete your honours degree while continuing to work or manage other commitments.
Career & Study Pathways in Inclusive Education
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice – Top-Up develop specialist knowledge and practical experience that is increasingly valued across education and support services.
This qualification prepares you for roles that support the inclusion of children and young people with additional learning needs across a wide range of educational and community settings.
Typical career pathways include:
Graduates may also progress to postgraduate study in inclusive education, special educational needs, education leadership, or child development, supporting advancement into specialist or leadership roles.
Teaching, Learning & Practical Training
The programme is designed to combine academic knowledge with practical professional development, ensuring graduates are confident applying inclusive strategies in real educational settings.
You will explore evidence-based approaches to supporting children with diverse needs while developing skills in reflective practice, collaborative working, and inclusive learning design.
The course integrates theory, practice, and real-world application, preparing you to contribute effectively to inclusive education environments.
Learning Approach
Teaching is delivered through a blended learning model, combining online lectures, workshops, and independent study.
Learning methods include:
This flexible learning structure allows you to balance study with employment while building advanced professional knowledge.
Practical & Placement Experience
Students complete 100 hours of practical placement, allowing you to apply inclusive education strategies in real learning environments.
Placement hours are fully flexible, allowing you to organise them at times that suit your schedule. Hours can be completed in a block or spread across the academic year, supporting those combining work and study.
Placement settings may include:
If you are already employed in a support or inclusive education role, you may be able to complete the placement within your workplace, allowing you to integrate learning directly into professional practice.
Academic Support
Students on the BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice – Top-Up benefit from strong academic and professional support throughout their studies.
Support includes:
This structured support helps students confidently progress through the programme while balancing professional commitments.
SEN Expert Teaching
The programme is delivered by lecturers with extensive experience in inclusive education, special educational needs (SEN), and educational practice.
Teaching is informed by current research, policy, and real-world professional experience, ensuring that the programme reflects best practice in supporting diverse learners.
Learning from experienced practitioners allows you to develop practical strategies that can be applied immediately in education and support settings.
Award
This level 8 honours degree top-up, awarded by the University of Essex, is recognised across Ireland and the UK.
| College | Portobello Institute |
| Course ID | 202243 |
| Course Location | EU |
| Location Postcode | Dublin 1 |
| Course Type | Blended Learning - Mix of Classroom & Online |
| Course Qualification | Honours Bachelor Degree |
| Awarding Body | University of Essex |
| Awarding Body Details | Undergraduate Honours Degree |
| Course Start Date | 12th September 2026 |
| Course Duration | One year |
| Course Fee | €3,720.00 |
| Entry Requirements | Entry to this course is by direct application to Portobello Institute. A level 7 Ordinary degree in Early Childhood Care & Education, Inclusive Education Practice or equivalent is required to qualify for this course. Applications are reviewed on a case by case basis and entry is via interview. All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language eg. completing a major award at QQI level 6 completed through English or hold a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 |
| Career Path | Graduates of the BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice develop the specialist knowledge and practical skills required to support inclusive learning environments and children with additional educational needs across early years and school settings. As inclusive education continues to expand across Ireland and internationally, there is increasing demand for practitioners who understand special educational needs (SEN), behaviour support, child development and inclusive teaching practices. This degree prepares graduates to support diverse learners while contributing to inclusive educational environments. Career Opportunities Graduates of the BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice commonly work in: Early learning and care (ELC) settings Primary schools Post-primary schools Special education settings Additional needs and disability services Community and family support services Typical graduate roles include: Inclusive education practitioner Special educational needs (SEN) support practitioner Learning support assistant or educator Inclusion support coordinator Behaviour support practitioner Additional needs educator Professionals with qualifications in inclusive education are valued for their ability to support learners with diverse needs, implement inclusive teaching strategies and promote positive behaviour and participation in learning. Progression and Further Study The BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice also provides a strong academic foundation for further study in education and child development. Graduates may progress to postgraduate programmes in areas such as: Special and Inclusive Education Educational Leadership and Management Child Development and Additional Needs Behaviour Analysis or Behaviour Support These progression routes can lead to specialist, leadership or advisory roles within inclusive education services and educational organisations. |
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