Overview
  • Overview
  • Programme Structure
  • Modules
  • Entry Requirements

Specialist Diploma in Specific Learning Differences

Course Description

 

Discover an exciting learning journey with the DAS Academy and join us in our mission to make a difference in the lives of people with specific learning differences.

 

This Specialist Diploma is designed by the DAS Academy and is registered with the Committee for Private Education (CPE) - part of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). It is also recognised by the Register of Educational Therapist (ASIA) [RETA].

 

The Specialist Diploma in SpLD is a full-time/part-time programme and can be completed in a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 36 months. For the award of the Specialist Diploma in Specific Learning Differences, participants have to successfully complete six modules. Students are expected to complete 2 compulsory modules and allowed to select the other 3 elective modules based on their preferences. Students must pass all assessments for all 5 taught modules, in order to proceed with the practicum module to complete the Specialist Diploma. In other words, all assignments are submitted as required under the Specialist Diploma. Modules are designed to run consecutively, and students should complete the Specialist Diploma within a year.

 

Students are allowed to apply for intermission of studies, should the need arises, and continue taking the module in the following run within the maximum term of 3 years.

 

Upcoming Open House

 

Sat, 19 Jan 2019, 10:00am to 11:30am. Please click here to register.

 

Intakes

 

Students can enter the course at the start of any of the first 5 modules.

 

Application Period

 

Application is always open. Applications must be submitted at least 1 month before the start of any of the first 5 modules. 

 

Teacher-Student Ratio

 

This programme has a student-teacher ratio of 1:35.

  

Graduation

 

To attain the Specialist Diploma in Specific Learning Differences, the student must have obtained a pass for all module assessment(s) (Modules 1 –  6). Students have up to 3 years (from commencement of the core/first module) to complete the Specialist Diploma in SpLD.

 

More Information

 

Information about the Specialist Diploma such as Module Information, Time Table and Entry Criteria can be viewed by clicking the tabs above.

 

Students and graduates of the Specialist Diploma programme have enjoyed the curriculum and praised delivery of the content. Click here to read what they say!
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Fees

 

Course Fees: $5,136 (inclusive of GST)

 

Non-refundable Application Fee: $32.10 (inclusive of GST)

 

Late Payment Fee: $32.10 (inclusive of GST)

 

Accreditation of Prior Learning - Non-refundable APL processing fee: $53.50.

 

If you have previously undertaken any of the modules as certificate courses that make up the Specialist Diploma (e.g. Certificate in Dyslexia & Literacy Teaching) or its equivalent within the last three years, you may be exempted from part of the Specialist Diploma via Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). This will prevent you from duplicating study which has been previously completed.

 

  • EFFECTIVE CURRICULUM

    Building on the established Special Educational Needs (SEN) framework from the University of South Wales, the programme is imbued with local perspectives to ensure relevance in the Singaporean context.

     

    Students will appreciate learning the theory from a fusion of Eastern and Westen SEN practices. The intellectually rigorous context allows practioners to develop their skills of communication, critical thinking and research in the field of SEN at the Master's level.

     

    The Master of Arts in Special Educational Needs (MA SEN) will provide a huge boost in academic and professional development for teachers, allied educators, parents and anyone looking to further their knowledge in supporting individuals with special learning needs.

  • EXPERIENCED LECTURERS

    With more than 10 years of practical experience each, DAS Academy lecturers share their experiences in suppporting children with learning differences.

     

    Lecturers from the University of South Wales (UK) will also visit during term-time for each module, ensuring that students receive a balanced view of their syllabus from both local and international perspectives.

  • INTERACTIVE & COLLABORATIVE LEARNING

    Lesson formats engages students by having lively discussions and outside perspectives by guest lecturers will make for an enriching classroom experience for everyone.

     

    The Master of Arts in Special Educational Needs (MA SEN) programme utilises a variety of classroom styles to provide the best learning environment for our students. These styles include: lecture-style teaching, group discussions, sharing sessions as well as invited guest lecturers who will share about their experiences in supporting individuals with special educational needs.

     

    At the end of the taught lectures, students are expected to engage in independent study and to initiate contact with their lecturers to maintain the momentum of learning.

Programme Structure

Compulsory Modules  

Understanding Dyslexia
Dyslexia ad Literacy Teaching
Elective A Modules (Choose 2)   

Educational Psychology
Understanding Speech, Language and Communication Needs
Dyscalculia and Numeracy Teaching
Dyslexia and Chinese Language Support
IEP Planning for SpLD Learners 
Supporting SpLD Learners in English language Exam Skills
Supporting SpLD Learners in FEHE
Teaching Morphology to SpLD Learners
Elective B Modules (Choose 1)
Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced English Literacy Skills
Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced Chinese Literacy Skills
Supporting At-risk Preschoolers in Literacy 
Practicum Module  
Specific Differences in Practice (10-hours intervention, 5 consultation hours with supervisor)

 

Assessments

 

All module assessments are compulsory. Some of the assessments are undertaken during the lecturing time frame while others require students to submit at a stipulated time.

 

Potential deadlines for certain assessments (period in brackets) are listed in the table above. These periods however are subject to changes.

 

All assessments (where applicable) are to be submitted to student.services@dasacademy.edu.sg, except for physical portfolios which are to be submitted in person at the DAS Academy (Rex House). All assessments are due by 5:30pm (1730hrs) on the specified due date.

 

 

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Modules

For the award of the Specialist Diploma in Specific Learning Differences, students have to complete 6 modules. The Specialist Diploma is delivered on weekday evenings and/or Saturdays, twice a week with a total of 130 contact hours for the entire diploma.

 

Module Description

 

Please click here to learn more about the modules.

 

Dates of Upcoming Modules

 

Module No. Compulsory Modules Dates Time
1 Understanding Dyslexia

2018 Run 2: 3, 10 17 November 2018

2019 Run 1: 19, 26 Jan, 2 February 2019

2019 Run 2: 27 July, 3, 17, 24, 31 August 2019

 
2 Dyslexia and Literacy Teaching

2018 Run 2: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 & 26 November 2018

2019 Run 1: 5, 12, 19, 26 Jan & 2, 9 Feb 2019

Run 1: 9.30am – 5.30pm

Run 2: 9.30am – 5.30pm

 

Module No. Elective A - Choose 2 Modules Dates Time
1 Educational Psychology

2018 Run 2: 3, 10, 17. 24 & 31 October 2018

2019 Run 1: 13, 20, 27 February 2019 & 6, 13 March 2019

Run 1: 6.30pm – 9.30pm


Run 2: 6.30pm – 9.30pm
2 Understanding Speech, Language and Communication Needs

Run 1: 4 & 11 May 2019


Run 2: 21 & 28 September 2019

Run 1: 9.30am – 6.00pm


Run 2: 9.30am – 6.00pm
3 Dyscalculia and Numeracy Teaching

Run 1: 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 January 2019

Run 2: 26, 27, 28 March 2019

Run 3: 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 May 2019

Run 4: 9, 10, 11 September 2019

Run 1: 9.30am - 4.30pm

Run 2: (26, 27) 9.30am - 4.30pm, (28) 9.30am - 12.30pm

Run 3: 9.30m - 4.30pm

Run 4: (9, 10) 9.30am - 4.30pm, (11) 9.30am - 12.30pm
4 Dyslexia and Chinese Language Support

2018 Run 2: 26, 27, 28 November 2018

2019 Run 1: 25, 26, 27 February 2019

2019 Run 2: 24, 25 26 June 2019

 
5 IEP Planning for SpLD Learners

21, 22, 23 March 2019

 
6

Supporting SpLD Learners in English language Exam Skills

Run 1: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 April 2019

Run 2: 11, 12, 13 September 2019

  
7 Supporting SpLD Learners in FEHE

3, 4 June 2019

  9.30am to 6.00pm
8 Teaching Morphology to SpLD Learners  5, 12, 19 October 2019  

 

Module No. Elective B - Choose 1 Module Dates Time
1 Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced English Literacy Skills

Run 1: 7, 8, 9 & 10 January 2019


Run 2: 6, 13, 20, 27 July 2019

Run 1: (7, 8, 9) 9.30am – 4.30pm, (10) 9.30am – 12.30pm


Run 2: (6, 13, 20) 9.30am - 4.30pm, (27) 6.30pm – 9.30pm
2 Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced Chinese Literacy Skills

 

Run 1: 22, 29, 30 January and 12, 13, 19, 20 February 2019


Run 18, 19, 20 21 November 2019

 
3 Supporting At-risk Preschoolers in Literacy

26, 27 April, 4, 11 May 2019

 

 

                 Practicum Module Dates Time
1 Specific Learning Differences in Practice

4 March 2019
3 June 2019
2 September 2019
2 December 2019

Specific Differences in Practice (10-hours intervention, 5 consultation hours with supervisor)

 

Module Descriptions are on the blue section below. Please swipe left and right to view information for each module.

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Entry Requirement

Minimum Age: 18 years old

Academic Level: Minimum 5 GCE ‘O’ level passes, or equivalent

Language Proficiency: GCE ‘O’ Level pass in English Language as the 1st Language, or equivalent

  

Applications can be submitted online or by mail.

 

By mail: Please mail the application and application fee (cheque payment only) to:

DAS Academy Ltd
73 Bukit Timah Road
#05-01 Rex House
Singapore 229832

 

Closing Date

For updated information on the closing date, please contact DAS Academy.

For more details, please contact the DAS Academy at info@dasacademy.edu.sg.

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