Course Summary
The BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice – 1 Year Top-Up at Portobello Institute is a one-year honours degree for those who already hold a relevant level 7 qualification and are ready to complete a level 8 award to progress their careers in inclusive education.
Building on previous study in education, early learning, or inclusive practice, this top-up degree develops advanced understanding of SEN, behaviour support, child development, reflective practice, and inclusive learning environments.
Awarded by University of Essex and delivered by Portobello Institute in Dublin, the programme focuses on practical, evidence-based approaches that help children and young people participate more fully across early years, primary, post-primary, and specialist education settings.
The blended learning format is designed to suit those balancing work, study, and other commitments. 100 hours of placement can be completed as a block or on a weekly basis, and those already employed in an inclusive support role may be able to complete placement in their workplace.
- Awarding body: University of Essex
- Qualification outcome: BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice (NFQ level 8)
- Key progression note: Graduates may progress to postgraduate study in inclusive education or related fields, including Portobello Institute’s MA Inclusive Education and SEN.
Further Information
Book a call with Career Pathway Consultant Limin Bai to discuss study options
Fees, payment plan, and funding information is available.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Language Options
* Time abroad utilising this language
Disclaimer: Details subject to change - always check with the college.
Note: It may also be possible to do an Erasmus+ Programme allowing you to study abroad for a
period of at least 2 months to 12 months. This study can be through English or through your
language of choice � please check with your course coordinator to see if this is possible
for this course.
Entry Requirements
Disclaimer: Details subject to change - If this is a course you are considering applying for you should check on the Colleges' website to ensure you have the latest entry requirements information.
If you believe the data above to be incorrect, please let us know at [email protected] - thank you.
PLC Progression Links
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
What Career Pathways Are Available?
Building on prior qualifications and professional experience, graduates of the BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice can bring specialist knowledge and practical placement experience into education, care, community, and support settings.
The degree develops understanding of special educational needs, child development, behaviour and learning, safeguarding, inclusive practice, leadership, research, and professional development. This knowledge can support roles where graduates help children and young people access learning, participate more fully, and receive appropriate educational support.
- Inclusive education practitioner
- Special educational needs (SEN) support practitioner
- Learning support educator
- Behaviour support practitioner
- Inclusion coordinator
Career opportunities may be found in early years settings, primary schools, post-primary schools, special education settings, disability services, family support services, charities, community organisations, and education support services.
This honours degree also provides progression opportunities to postgraduate study in areas such as:
- MA Inclusive Education and SEN at Portobello Institute
- Educational Leadership
- Child Development and Additional Needs
- Behaviour Analysis or Behaviour Support
Further Research
DISCLAIMER: These links are to official sources of information for this course - we accept no responsibility for the information on them.