Course Overview
If you hold a level 7 BA (Ord) in Early Childhood Care & Education, a BA (Ord) in Inclusive Education Practice from Portobello Institute, or an equivalent qualification from other institutions, you can progress to this one-year level 8 BA (Hons) in Inclusive Education Practice Top-Up through blended learning.
This one-year top-up programme is a valuable addition to your ordinary degree, designed to enhance your skills and confidence with a practical focus on inclusive education. It encourages a reflective, professional approach to managing challenging behaviours and fostering inclusivity across various educational settings.
The course equips you to support children in developing positive self-regulation, shifting focus away from behaviour and toward solutions. This qualification can open doors to diverse career opportunities in areas supporting the inclusion of children and young adults in education and society.
You will complete 100 hours of flexible placement in settings like special education, early learning, primary, or secondary schools. The programme’s blended learning format allows you to study while working, and you’ll have the chance to network with fellow professionals.
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
Position: Early Years Lecturer
“When I returned to education in 2000 to study Montessori Teaching, I knew I had found my life’s passion. I am passionate about my job and I want to instil in others what has been given to me.”
About Jacinta
I began working in early education in 1994, and to be honest, did not know what I was taking on, but the times of work fitted with my family! Little did I know that I would find my life’s passion.
I was fascinated by these young people and the fact that the sector was unregulated and basically providers could do what they liked. I began to read on the subject and improve my practice and returned to education in 2000 to study the Montessori Method.
Since then, I have not stopped learning, through study, working with children and families, and through my role as a manager/lead practitioner 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 other.
In a setting, each year brings a different group dynamic, 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. I hope that bringing my practical experiences in the setting into my tutorials allows students to link theory and practice.
In 2004, I became a tutor at Portobello Institute on a part-time basis. Currently, I work full-time for the Institute supporting full-time QQI Level 6 students in Child Development, Early Childhood Curriculum, Social, Legal and Health Studies and Personal and Professional Development.
I am part of a vital, vibrant team who supports Level 7 Early Childhood Studies Degree students studying through a blended approach. I lead modules such as Children’s Rights in Today’s World, Enquiry-Based Learning and Communicating in Multilingual Contexts.
Jacinta’s Teaching Philosophy
My approach is that all students have something to give and to learn, true learning is a two-way process, I love to see students discussing their life experiences to make sense of theory.
Many of the students are experienced practitioners and their practical knowledge should be valued. Just as no two children learn the same, similar could be said of adults, people learn in different ways and therefore I try to use a variety of approaches to suit the needs of the group in question.
I also understand the pressure of completing studies with work, families, and other commitments, as I have been there, and can offer some practical tips.
My greatest achievements as a tutor are to see students who are returning to education with little confidence in themselves and their abilities, blossom and grow both as students and practitioners.
Key valuable graduate attributes are, of course, the knowledge required to be an early year’s practitioner and the ability to apply that knowledge in their setting.
However, there are other equally vital tools, such as compassion, to be able to look at situations from various perspectives to gain understanding and allow for appropriate planning.
The ability to reach, support and work with all children, families, and staff in the setting is fundamental to quality provision.
Building respectful, reciprocal relationships is essential to providing quality experiences which benefit children’s learning and development.
I hope to instil the ability to reflect critically, without criticising, to examine attributes, biases, and areas for improvement and to plan accordingly.
Qualifications
- MA Early Childhood Studies
- BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
Industry Participation
- Teacher providing July Provision, a home-based programme for children with complex needs.
- Assisted the set up of a Homework Club, Mother and Toddler Group and Woman’s Group in a disadvantaged area through government funding. This group won a Millennium Award for their efforts, it was a proud day to receive this award in Dublin Castle with 2 others.
- HETAC Montessori Course Liaison
- Child Protection Course facilitator
March 2025 Course Schedule
The academic year runs from 26/04/25 to 08/04/26.
There are 2 Saturday workshops, and four evening webinars per term. An example of the schedule can be found here, it is subject to change.
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. One-to-one tutor support 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.
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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