Diploma Course in Special Education

Course Title                           :           Diploma Course in Special Education (Dip.SE)

For whom (target group) :          This is a structured and comprehensive Diploma program for all those who wish to study and obtain the body of knowledge (BOK) and training in the many theories and principles of Special Needs Education. This is an essential course of study for practicing pre-school, primary and secondary school teachers, special education teachers, trainee teachers, assistant teachers and teacher aides, social workers, child care and child protection workers and officers and other teacher training and psychology students who want to broaden their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of special education. This course is also suitable for those who wish to embark on further academic and/or professional studies and practical training in the field of General Psychology, Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychology and Mental Health, Teacher Training, Educational Psychology, Education Management and Pedagogy in Sri Lanka or abroad.

This course explains why people with disabilities deserve respect rather than pity in their quest for full engagement in school and post school life, why special education should be mandated by policy and law to meet the education needs of students with disabilities, how its goals are affected by the nation’s commitment to equalize educational opportunities for this group of learners, the revolutionary basis of these equal opportunity goals, why an equalized educational experience should empower students with disabilities to be self-determined at school and beyond, and how current practice falls far short of these equal rights expectations.

This course is also ideal for other teachers wanting to update their professional knowledge and skills in this area, classroom assistants seeking more knowledge about the special needs field and parents trying to understand how best to manage their child with a disability and argue for equal opportunities.

Flexible Entry Requirements:      University Graduates in any discipline or  Members of recognized Professional bodies, or School Teachers or Montessori / Assistant Teachers, or Professional / Academic Diploma or Advanced / Higher (National) Diploma holders or Holders of a Certificate / Diploma in Child Psychology, ECE, ECD, Teacher Training, Education, Montessori Teacher Training, Psychology or Counselling, and G.C.E. O/L or A/L’s and age not less than 21 years, and Fluency of the English language is essential.

Course Duration         :           16 weeks (4 Months) – part time study

Contact Hours            :          3 Hrs. per week

Total No. of Classes   :           16 class-contact sessions

Total No. of Contact Hours :           48 Hrs. of Lectures and discussion time