Unlock Your Future: Career Opportunities with a BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice

Are you passionate about creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all children?

Do you believe that every child, regardless of their background or ability, deserves equal access to education?

Are you looking for a career where you can make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with additional needs?

If you’ve ever found yourself questioning how education systems can better serve learners with special educational needs, or if you’re already working in a support role and want to turn your experience into a recognised qualification, then the BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice could be the perfect next step in your journey.

This degree doesn’t just prepare you for a job, it equips you for a career with purpose.

You'll gain the skills, confidence and academic grounding to work across a wide range of educational and care-based settings, supporting children with diverse emotional, behavioural and learning needs.

You’ll learn how to advocate for inclusion, influence policy, and contribute to real change in schools, communities and government bodies.

Whether your goal is to work hands-on with children and young people, support families and educators, shape inclusive policy, or pursue advanced study and research, this course opens the door to meaningful and varied career pathways.

This degree empowers you to support learning and inclusion across a variety of settings, preparing you for diverse and impactful career options.

Let's explore the career progression pathways opportunities with this qualification.

Recognition and Professionalisation

This course is designed to strengthen your professional identity and equip you with the qualifications to work effectively in educational and care settings.

Whether you’re already employed in the field or entering from a different background, you will graduate as a degree-qualified practitioner with in-depth knowledge of inclusive education.

Develop Expertise to Support Diverse Learners

You’ll gain the skills to support children and young people with a wide range of educational, emotional, behavioural and care-based needs.

Your expertise will be valued across mainstream schools, special education settings, and community programmes.

Careers Working with Children with SEND

Graduates of the course are well-prepared to work directly with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Opportunities are available in public and private schools, early years settings, residential care, and community support organisations.

Build a Career in Community, Charity and Government Sectors

With a degree in Inclusive Education Practice, you’ll also be qualified for specialist roles in community and charity organisations, as well as government agencies.

Graduates can go on to work with respected bodies such as the National Council for Special Education and Better Start (AIM), contributing to vital support systems for children and families.

Shape Education Policy in Ireland and Beyond

For those interested in systemic change, this course can lead to roles in policy development within government departments and public bodies that focus on special needs and inclusive education.

Graduates may contribute to the work of organisations such as the Department of Education, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

Your understanding of inclusive practices and educational needs will support the development of strategies and policies that improve access and learning outcomes for all children and young people.

Begin a Career in Research or Academia

The course also provides a strong foundation for those who wish to explore educational research.

Holding this level 8 honours degree may support your progression to further postgraduate studies, master's programmes and beyond.

You may choose to become a researcher or pursue an academic career in universities or research institutes, contributing to the growing field of inclusive education.

Progress to Teaching Roles

For those who want to inspire young minds from the very beginning, you can progress to a Professional Master of Education and qualify as a primary teacher. Your background in inclusive education will be a strong asset in today’s diverse classrooms. Irish language requirements will apply.

Graduates could also go on to work as tutors in further education as tutors in FE e.g. tutoring on level 5 and 6 Special Needs Assisting courses.

It's important to note that in order to register with the Teaching Council as a Further Education Teacher, completion of an accredited further education teaching qualification is required. Temporary registration may be granted by the Teaching Council for three years on the basis of an Honours degree to allow time to complete an accredited teaching course.

Pathways to Postgraduate Study

If you’re aiming to continue your academic journey, this degree offers a clear route into Level 9 postgraduate qualifications in areas such as:

• Inclusive Education and SEND
• Early Childhood Studies
• Education Studies
• Play Therapy
• Other specialist fields related to education and care

Choosing the BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice means choosing a future filled with possibility.

Whether you want to support children directly, influence policy, or pursue further study, this degree equips you with the knowledge, confidence and professional recognition to make a lasting impact.

Visit the course page for more information.