Course Overview
The BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice – Top-Up is a one-year Level 8 honours degree designed for graduates of ordinary degree programmes in education or early learning. It develops advanced skills in inclusive practice, behaviour support, and SEN, preparing graduates for specialist roles supporting children and young people in education settings.
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:
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support Practitioner
- Special Needs Assistant (SNA)
- Inclusion Support Worker
- Learning Support Assistant
- Early Years Inclusion Practitioner
- Behaviour Support Practitioner
- Education Support Roles in primary or secondary schools
- Community and disability support services
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:
- Interactive online lectures and seminars
- Case-based learning and real-world scenarios
- Reflective professional practice
- Applied assessments connected to workplace contexts
- Peer collaboration and professional networking
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:
- Special education settings
- Early learning and care environments
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Inclusion support services
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:
- Dedicated academic tutors
- Structured feedback on assessments
- Access to digital learning resources and academic databases
- Guidance on research, academic writing, and reflective practice
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.
CATS = Module Credits in the UK
ECTS = Module Credits in Ireland
If you join this Top-Up course and already hold a level 7 degree Inclusive Education Practice degree from Portobello Institute (University of Essex validated programme), you will complete the following modules:
- Professional Development: Sharing the Learning – 15 CATS/7.5ECTS
- Research Methods for Evidence-based Practice and Dissertation – 45 CATS/22.5 ECTS
If you are joining this Top-Up course and hold a hold a level 7 degree Early Childhood Care & Education degree from Portobello Institute (University of Essex validated programme), or A relevant qualification from a different provider you will complete the following modules:
- Approaches to Inclusive Education OR Understanding Development in Middle Childhood and
Adolescence – 30 CATS/15 ECTS - Psychology of Learning and Behaviour – 30 CATS/15 ECTS
- Professional Development: Sharing the Learning – 15 CATS/7.5ECTS
- Research Methods for Evidence-based Practice and Dissertation – 45 CATS/22.5 ECTS
Jacinta Murphy
Jacinta Murphy is the Programme Lead for Portobello Institute’s BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care & Education, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care & Education, and BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice degrees. With more than 30 years of experience in the early years and inclusive education sector, she brings extensive knowledge and expertise to her role.
Industry Experience & Career
- 30+ years of experience in early childhood and inclusive education
- Experience working with children, families, and staff across rural, urban, affluent, and disadvantaged areas
- Extensive insight into the development of the early years and inclusive education sector, including changes in legislation, frameworks, and professional practice
- Holds an MA in Early Childhood Studies, BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies, and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International)
- Specialist interests include children’s rights, equity and inclusion, UDL, trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice, child-centred and play-based learning, and relational pedagogy
- Supported children with complex needs through July Provision, a home-based programme
- Helped establish a Homework Club, Mother and Toddler Group, and Women’s Group in a disadvantaged community, with the Women’s Group later receiving a prestigious Millennium Award
- Served as a HETAC Montessori Course Liaison and Child Protection Course Facilitator
Jacinta’s Pathway in Early Years and Inclusive Education
Jacinta’s career in early childhood and inclusive education began in 1994, initially because the working hours suited her family life. She quickly became fascinated by how young children learn and develop, and her interest in the field grew from there.
At the time, the sector was largely unregulated, prompting Jacinta to begin reading more widely and questioning how practice could be improved.
In 2000, she returned to education to study the Montessori Method – a decision that confirmed the direction she wanted her career to take.
“When I returned to education, I knew I had found my life’s passion,” says Jacinta. “I am passionate about my job, and I want to instil in others what has been given to me.”
She adds: “Since then, I have not stopped learning – through study, through working with children and families, and through my role as a manager and lead educator in rural, urban, affluent, and disadvantaged areas.
“My experiences provide me with vast industry insight as I have experienced vast changes within our sector, frameworks, legislation, and beyond.”
Teaching and Guiding Students
Jacinta joined Portobello Institute as a part-time tutor in 2004 and now works full-time with students across a range of early years and inclusive education programmes.
She is currently the Programme Lead for the BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care & Education, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care & Education, and BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice, including the one-year top-up pathways.
Jacinta’s teaching centres on the value each student brings to the classroom.
“True learning is a two-way process,” she says. “I love to see students discussing their life experiences to make sense of theory.”
Many of Jacinta’s students are already working in the sector, and she believes their practical knowledge should be recognised and brought into the learning experience.
“Just as no two children learn in the same way, the same could be said of adults,” she explains. “People learn in different ways, so I try to use a variety of approaches to suit the needs of the group.”
By drawing on real situations from early years environments, Jacinta helps students connect what they are learning with the decisions they will make as educators.
As Programme Lead, she is also involved in developing programme content and ensuring it remains current, reflecting evolving sector standards and the latest research.
For Jacinta, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is seeing how students develop over the course of their studies.
“I enjoy facilitating learning and seeing students progress in confidence and self-belief, and go on to do things they may not have thought possible when they first began their studies.”
“I also understand the pressure of completing studies with work, families, and other commitments,” adds Jacinta. “I have been there and can offer some practical tips.”
Developing Confident, Reflective Educators
Jacinta wants students to graduate with more than knowledge; she wants them to develop the mindset and professional awareness to respond thoughtfully in practice.
She places strong emphasis on relationships, the quality of interactions within early years and inclusive education environments, and the importance of reflective practice.
“Building respectful, reciprocal relationships is essential to providing quality experiences which benefit children’s learning and development,” says Jacinta.
“I hope to instil the ability to reflect critically without criticising, to examine attributes, biases and areas for improvement, and to plan accordingly.
“Seeing students have the confidence to undertake interesting research and then go on to further study to pursue the career they desire, for example, a PME, is incredibly rewarding.”
Advice for Students
Jacinta encourages students to value their own knowledge and experience while remaining open to learning, reflection, and change. Early years and inclusive education practice, she recognises, is never static.
“In a setting, each year brings a different group dynamic,” explains Jacinta. “Therefore, it is essential to have the ability to reflect upon and amend provisions and practices to meet the needs of children, families, and staff.
She adds: “My advice to students is to jump in. Don’t wait for the ‘right’ time, as it will never happen. If life gets overwhelming when studying, as it sometimes can, just talk to us we can always find a way forward.”
Why Portobello Institute
When you ask Jacinta what sets the learning experience at Portobello Institute apart, she points to its connection to real practice.
“Lecturers have real-life experience and their finger on the changes within the education sector,” she explains. “They bring theory and academic literature to life by providing examples of what this looks like in the daily life of the classroom.”
That understanding also extends to the realities of returning to education while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.
Jacinta believes students benefit from a teaching team that recognises these competing demands and adapts its approach to help different learners engage and progress.
“There is guidance and understanding throughout the learning experience – from help with digital issues and additional guidance with assessments to a variety of teaching methods and resources designed to meet different learning needs.
“Students also have access to a dedicated Student Wellbeing Liaison, who can help them manage their wellbeing alongside the other demands of life.”
Jacinta has experienced that encouragement herself since first joining Portobello.
“The team at Portobello had belief in my ability even before I did,” she says. “At times, this meant pushing me outside my comfort zone, but that is what progression is all about.
“I will always be grateful for the guidance I received. It breeds a special type of loyalty.”
Explore Early Years and Inclusive Education at Portobello Institute
Ready to start or progress your career in early years or inclusive education? Portobello Institute offers a range of pathways into the profession – from QQI level 5 and 6 certificates to degree and postgraduate programmes.
Visit the faculty to find the right programme for you.
Course starting 9th September 2026
The Autumn academic year of the blended learning delivery mode of this degree commences onSeptember 9th, 2026.
Your start date and course schedule depends on where your previous qualification is from, and any module exemptions you may have.
In general, if your previous qualification is from University of Essex through Portobello Institute, an example provisional schedule of the top up year is available here. This is our schedule from our May 2026 intake. The Autumn schedule will be published when it becomes available.
In general, if your previous qualifications are from any other education provider, a example provisional class schedule is available here. The Autumn schedule will be published when it becomes available.
Please speak to our admissions advisor about your entry route.
Saturday workshops are held online from 10am to 1pm.
Evening webinars are scheduled between 7 – 9pm and are recorded should you be unavailable to attend the live session.
You are required to complete 100 hours in an inclusive environment for each academic year. This can be completed at a time convenient to you and within your role if you are employed within SEND.
Course materials are available weekly for download from our eLearning platform. Tutor support from expert practitioners and structured online content make this course flexible and accessible alongside your work and family commitments.
Work Placement
The placement hours (100 hours each academic year) can be taken as a block or on a weekly basis to suit your needs if you are combining work and studies. If you are employed in an inclusive support role, you can do the placement at your place of work.
Garda Vetting
Before starting clinical placements, students on this programme must complete up-to-date Garda Vetting, which is conducted through Portobello Institute.
Carried out by the National Vetting Bureau of An Garda Síochána, Garda Vetting is a legal requirement for anyone undertaking work or activities involving children or vulnerable adults.
Vetting checks whether an individual has a criminal record or any relevant information that may need to be considered before they begin placement.
Learn about the Garda Vetting process at Portobello Institute here.
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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1Complete the online application form.
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2Review of your application with confirmation of eligibility criteria and entry requirements being met or a request for further information
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3You will be "Provisionally Accepted" and offered a place by email.
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4Confirm your acceptance of a place and pay the deposit as detailed.
Course: €3,385 + Exam Body Reg. Fee: €335.00
Option 1
33% deposit payment (€1,348.05), followed by 8 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €365.
- €342.12 due in month 1
- €342.12 due in month 2
- €342.12 due in month 3
- €342.12 due in month 4
- €342.12 due in month 5
- €342.12 due in month 6
- €342.12 due in month 7
- €342.12 due in month 8
