Advanced Diploma of Teaching Primary (Special Education)

Level: Advanced Diploma(MNQF Level 6)
Duration: 2 years(4 Semesters)
Modes: Available Modes (Full-Time)
Course Fee: Course FeeMVR 22,350

previous Intake: February Intake 2026
Campus: Male' (Full-Time)

Overview

The Advanced Diploma of Teaching Primary (Special Education) is a 2 year, 240-credit point program (MNQF Level 6) designed to train primary educators in inclusive teaching. The curriculum balances core pedagogical foundations—such as developmental psychology, curriculum studies, and science—with specialized modules including Concepts and Contexts of Special Education, Cognition and Learning, and Managing BESD. Training culminates in two practical teaching placements (Practicum I and II) to ensure hands-on classroom experience.

General Notes

Entry requirements are indicative. Depending on the sequence and the number of applications received, all qualifying students may not gain entry.
Circumstances may require the University to defer or cancel some courses, especially when the minimum class size (10 for certificate & diploma courses, 15 for Degrees courses) is not achieved.
Passes at GCE OL/SSC and HSC is considered to be grades "C" or above and passes at GCE AL is considered to be the grades "E" or above.

Structure

Semester 1

Type	Code	Name	Prerequisites	Credit Points	Fee (MVR)
CORE	CST101 Introduction to Curriculum Studies (CORE)	Introduction to Curriculum Studies	Nil	15 Introduction to Curriculum Studies (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	MAT113/MAT121 Essential Mathematics/Number Concepts (CORE)	Essential Mathematics/Number Concepts	Nil	15 Essential Mathematics/Number Concepts (CORE) (15) (15)	1,725 1,725
CORE	EST101 Developmental Psychology (CORE)	Developmental Psychology	Nil	15 Developmental Psychology (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	ENG113/ENG109 General English/Structure of English (CORE)	General English/Structure of English	Nil	15 General English/Structure of English (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
Semester Total				Semester Total	60	5,775 5,775

Semester 2

Type	Code	Name	Prerequisites	Credit Points	Fee (MVR)
CORE	SCI103 Fundamentals of Science (CORE)	Fundamentals of Science	SCI019 or 2 pass above C grade in O/L in any 2 Science subject (Chem/Bio/Phys)	15 Fundamentals of Science (CORE) (15) (15)	1,725 1,725
CORE	EST117 Concepts and Contexts of Special Education (CORE)	Concepts and Contexts of Special Education	Nil	15 Concepts and Contexts of Special Education (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	EST103 Instructional Psychology (CORE)	Instructional Psychology	Nil	15 Instructional Psychology (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	PRM107 Practicum l Primary (CORE)	Practicum l Primary	Successful completion of at least 75% (3) subjects to be completed including CST101 and the subject to be taught in PRM107	15 Practicum l Primary (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
Semester Total				Semester Total	60	5,775 5,775

Semester 3

Type	Code	Name	Prerequisites	Credit Points	Fee (MVR)
CORE	CST125 Teaching & Learning Dhivehi I (CORE)	Teaching & Learning Dhivehi I	Nil	15 Teaching & Learning Dhivehi I (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	PHE201 Physical Education I (CORE)	Physical Education I	Nil	15 Physical Education I (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	EST221 Cognition and Learning (CORE)	Cognition and Learning	Nil	15 Cognition and Learning (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	EST219 Communication and Language in SEN (CORE)	Communication and Language in SEN	NIl	15 Communication and Language in SEN (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
Semester Total				Semester Total	60	5,400 5,400

Semester 4

Type	Code	Name	Prerequisites	Credit Points	Fee (MVR)
CORE	EST225 Understanding and Managing BESD (CORE)	Understanding and Managing BESD	Nil	15 Understanding and Managing BESD (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	ENG211 Teaching Literacy in Early Years I (CORE)	Teaching Literacy in Early Years I	Nil	15 Teaching Literacy in Early Years I (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	CST175 Social Science for Early Years (CORE)	Social Science for Early Years	Nil	15 Social Science for Early Years (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	PRM233 Practicum ll for Primary (CORE)	Practicum ll for Primary	Successful completion of at least 75%(9) subjects to be completed including all subjects of year 1 and PRM107	15 Practicum ll for Primary (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
Semester Total				Semester Total	60	5,400 5,400

Course Total

240 CP

Total: 22,350

22,350

Fees stated above are tuition fees for local students. Fees for international students is twice the stated fees. All fees are quoted in MVR.

While every reasonable effort has been exerted to ensure the accuracy of the fees published by the Maldives National University, it is important to note that the University reserves the prerogative to modify fees without prior notification, whether prompted by altered circumstances or otherwise. Applicants are hereby alerted to the fact that the outlined plans for various courses (including but not limited to lecturers and terms) as disclosed in the University's publications are indicative of intent. Such representations shall not be construed as constituting a binding offer or covenant for which the University assumes liability. Should you desire to pursue a specific subject as an elective, it is incumbent upon you to verify its availability in the respective term. In the event of any verbal communication from a University representative conflicting with a document officially published by the University, the latter shall be deemed authoritative.

Careers

Graduates can pursue roles as primary school special education teachers, learning support assistants, or inclusive education aides in public and private schools. It also serves as a pathway toward a full Bachelor of Education degree.