S.L. 327.472 Art. 4Requirements for admission.

(1) Applicants may be registered as students in the course if they are in possession of the following qualifications obtained from this University, or from any other university approved by

Senate for this purpose:

(a) for the SpLD area of specialization:

either

(i) a first cycle degree classified with at least Second Class (Honours) in Education or Communication Therapy, together with a minimum of two years’ work experience in education or communication therapy; or

(ii) a first cycle degree classified with at least Second Class (Honours) in any other area, together with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education in any area and a minimum of two years’ work experience in education;

or

(iii) a teacher’s certificate with at least five years’ teaching experience; or

(iv) any first cycle degree followed by a recognised teaching qualification together with two years’ experience in an education setting;

(b) for the Culturally Responsive Education, and the Inclusive Schools and Communities areas of specialization: either

(i) a first cycle degree classified with at least Second Class (Honours) in one of the following areas: Psychology, Education, Communication Therapy, Social Work, Youth and Community Studies, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Nursing, or any other area deemed relevant by the Board; or

(ii) a first cycle degree classified with at least Second Class (Honours) in any other area together with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education in any area; or

(iii) a teacher’s certificate with at least three years’ teaching experience and other suitable qualifications obtained following their first cycle degree or the teacher’s certificate; or

(iv) any first cycle degree followed by a recognised teaching qualification together with one years’ experience in an education setting.

(2) The Board of Studies shall recommend to Senate the number of applicants that may be allowed to register in each area of specialization, depending on the availability of resources. The number of available places shall be announced at the time of the call for applications.

(3) If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available places, applicants shall be selected using the following criteria, weighted as follows:

(a) degree type and classification - 20%;

(b) professional aptitude and disposition - 40%;

(c) work experience in the area or a related field - 20%; and

(d) performance during the interview - 20%.

(4) The interviewing board appointed by the Board of Studies shall be composed of at least three members.

(5) For the purpose of selection, applicants who fully satisfy the entry requirements by 31st August preceding the commencement of the course shall be considered first.