The BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice at Portobello Institute is designed for educators and practitioners who want to develop specialist skills to support inclusive learning environments and children with additional needs across early years and school settings.
This degree focuses on practical inclusive education strategies, behaviour support and child development, preparing graduates to work confidently with diverse learners in modern educational environments.
A key theme of the programme is understanding behaviour within its wider social, emotional and environmental context. Rather than viewing behaviour as belonging to the child alone, students learn how to support children to develop positive regulation, engagement and participation in learning.
Through a combination of blended learning, reflective practice and placement-based training, the programme allows you to continue working while gaining a recognised honours degree and building a professional network with peers working across education and care settings.
Career & Study Pathways in Inclusive Education
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice are equipped with specialist knowledge in inclusive education, special educational needs (SEN), behaviour support and child development, supporting career progression across a range of educational and care settings.
Graduates commonly work in:
Typical career pathways include:
As inclusive education continues to expand across Ireland and internationally, there is growing demand for professionals with specialist training in supporting learners with diverse needs and creating inclusive learning environments.
This honours degree also provides progression opportunities to postgraduate study in areas such as:
Teaching, Learning & Practical Training
The BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice combines academic study with practical professional experience, ensuring graduates develop the knowledge and applied skills required to support inclusive learning environments.
The programme is delivered through blended learning, combining online learning with structured teaching and applied assignments. This flexible format enables students to continue working while studying.
Students engage with:
This approach ensures that theory is directly applied within real education and care settings.
Learning Approach
The learning approach emphasises evidence-based inclusive practice, reflective professional development and applied behaviour support strategies.
Students explore key perspectives on behaviour, inclusion and child development while developing practical strategies to support children and young people with diverse needs.
A core focus of the programme is helping practitioners:
Practical & Placement Experience
Professional placement is a key feature of the BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice, allowing students to apply their learning directly within inclusive education environments.
Students complete 100 hours of placement each year, gaining practical experience across a range of settings, including:
Placements are designed to be flexible, enabling many students to complete their hours within their existing workplace while balancing study and professional commitments.
Placement experience allows students to develop skills in:
What You Will Study
The BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice covers the key knowledge and practical skills required to support inclusive education across early years and school settings.
Core areas of study include:
By the end of the programme, graduates will have developed the expertise required to support inclusive learning, understand additional needs and implement effective behaviour support strategies in educational settings.
Academic Support & SEN Expert Teaching
Students studying the BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice benefit from a supportive academic environment and teaching from lecturers with extensive expertise in inclusive education, special educational needs (SEN), behaviour support and child development.
Teaching is informed by both current research and professional experience, ensuring that learning remains relevant to contemporary inclusive education practice.
Students are supported through:
This combination of expert SEN teaching, strong academic support and applied professional learning helps students develop the knowledge, confidence and practical capability required to succeed in inclusive education practice.
Award
This honours degree is awarded by the University of Essex and aligns with the qualifications frameworks in Ireland and the UK.
| College | Portobello Institute |
| Course ID | 202240 |
| 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 | 3rd October 2026 |
| Course Duration | Three years |
| Course Fee | €3,720.00 |
| Entry Requirements | Entry to this course is by direct application to Portobello Institute. If you are applying with a Leaving Certificate, six recognised subjects at a pass level or equivalent are recognised. Without a Leaving Certificate applicants must meet one of the following criteria: Hold a QQI level 5 major award in relevant area, an undergraduate degree in another subject. Experiential Learning in SEND or related field with QQI Level 5 & 6 SNA awards. Mature entry is at 21 years. Mature student applications are reviewed on a case by case basis and entry is via interview. We have developed a flexible system of entry points and exemptions to recognise our applicants’ prior qualifications. Please speak to our admissions team for more information. 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 at Portobello Institute have strong career opportunities supporting children and young people with additional needs across early years and school settings. The programme develops specialist knowledge in inclusive education, child development, and behaviour support, preparing you to work with diverse learners and contribute to inclusive learning environments. Inclusive Education Career Opportunities This programme prepares you for roles across education, support services, and community settings. Typical career pathways include: Inclusive Education Practitioner Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support Practitioner Learning Support Assistant or Educator Inclusion Support Coordinator Behaviour Support Practitioner Additional Needs Educator These roles involve supporting learners with diverse needs, implementing inclusive practices, and promoting participation, engagement, and positive behaviour in educational settings. Employers Recruiting Our Graduates Graduates work across a range of education and support environments, including: Early learning and care (ELC) settings Primary schools Post-primary schools Special education settings Disability and additional needs services Community and family support services These organisations value professionals who can support inclusion and respond to a wide range of learning needs. Why Inclusive Education Graduates Are in Demand As inclusive education continues to expand across Ireland and internationally, there is increasing demand for professionals who understand special educational needs, behaviour support, and inclusive practice. Employers require practitioners who can support diverse learners and contribute to inclusive learning environments. What You Will Develop Through this programme, you will develop: Knowledge of inclusive education and special educational needs Understanding of child development and behaviour support Skills in supporting learning across a range of needs Experience working in inclusive education settings Confidence promoting participation and engagement This prepares you for roles supporting inclusion across education and care environments. Progression to Further Study Graduates may progress to postgraduate study in areas such as: Special and Inclusive Education Educational Leadership and Management Child Development and Additional Needs Behaviour Analysis or Behaviour Support This qualification provides a strong foundation for progression into specialist, leadership, and advisory roles within inclusive education. |
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