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Funding Available

Eligible courses are approved for the Caregivers Training Grant (CTG).

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Specialist Diploma

in Learning Support for Specific Learning Differences (SpLD)

Designed for those seeking to develop their knowledge and skills in supporting learners with dyslexia and other learning differences.

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Next Intake

Throughout the year, subject to the start date of selected module.

Duration

18-36 months
127 hours

Part-time

Mode

Blended Learning

Face-to-face & Online

DELIVERY

Weekdays

Block Delivery or over few weeks

About the Programme

Go beyond awareness.
Build capability that changes practice.

The Specialist Diploma in Learning Support for Specific Learning Differences provides a comprehensive foundation in dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Recognising that learners with dyslexia may experience challenges beyond literacy, the programme extends into related areas of learning and development to support a more holistic understanding of learner needs.

Recognised Qualification

Awarded by DAS Academy upon successful completion.

Learn from Practitioners

Taught by experienced lecturers and field experts.

Practical & Relevant

Evidence-informed strategies you can apply immediately.

Flexible Blended Learning

Balance your studies with work and personal commitments.

Stackable
Pathway

Build upon our Certificate Courses to progress your career.

Career Advancement

Strengthen your credentials in the SEN sector.

Who Is It For

Individuals who aspire to support students with dyslexia and other specific learning differences, who may learn differently

Learn At Your Own Pace and Expand Your Expertise

This programme introduces a teaching approach that is built on international practices with an Asian perspective. Recognising that learners with dyslexia often have co-occurring SpLDs, this programme equips individuals with knowledge and skills to support other areas that learners with dyslexia may face challenges in, including Math, Chinese, exam skills, executive function, and language development. The bite-sized modules make learning accessible for adult learners, while the choice of modules offers autonomy in charting their own learning pathway.

Programme at a Glance

Study Mode

Part-time

Delivery

Most modules are delivered in intensive weekday teaching blocks. Some modules may be conducted weekly or fortnightly.

Class Timing

Weekday mornings (typically 9.30am–12.30pm). No weekend classes.

Delivery Mode

Most modules are delivered in intensive weekday teaching blocks. Some modules may be conducted weekly or fortnightly.

Enrollment

Register directly for the Specialist Diploma. Certificate courses are not a prerequisite.

Programme Commencement

Throughout the year, subject to the start date of the selected module.

Be Recognised in the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Sector

Be awarded the Specialist Diploma in Supporting Learners with SpLD upon successful completion of the programme. Students in this programme may also apply for membership with the Register of Educational Therapists (ASIA) (RETA) which connect SEN practitioners by recognising their professional status and endorsing their qualifications and providing opportunities for professional development.

Course Delivery

Teaching and delivery

The lectures are delivered mainly by DAS Academy lecturers with extensive field experience, supported by other DAS professionals whenever relevant. With effect from 1 November 2024, we will be implementing a blend of face-to-face and online lectures. The delivery format will be indicated in the course schedule.

Assessment

Typical module assignments include quizzes, written assessments, lesson plans and presentations.

Upcoming intakes and application period

This programme admits students monthly. Application closes on the 7th of each month.

Teacher-student ratio

This programme has a student-teacher ratio of 1:22.

Join our upcoming online preview session, click here →
PROGRAMME FEES

Course Fees

$6,310.80

(inclusive of 9% GST)

*The Credit Card Instalment Payment Plan (IPP) is applicable for OCBC Visa/Mastercard.

  • The eligible cardholder may choose to pay in Monthly Instalments over 6 and 12 months.
  • A minimum amount of $500.00 for each transaction.
  • The IPP is interest-free to cardholders.

Updated 23 Apr 202

Wef 1 Jan 2024 (incl. of GST at 9%)
Non-refundable Application Fee$109
Accreditation of Prior Learning –
Non-Refundable APL Processing Fee		$109

Payment Course Fees

Applicants will be notified to make payment of course fee in two installments, once their applications have been accepted.

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 the study which has been previously completed.

View fee breakdown →

PAYMENT

Applicants will be notified to make payment of course fee in two installments, once their applications have been accepted.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Eligible OCBC Visa/Mastercard cardholders may opt for the Credit Card Instalment Payment Plan (IPP).
– Payment may be made through monthly instalments over 6 or 12 months.
– Minimum transaction amount: $500
– The IPP is interest-free for eligible cardholders.

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Course Dates

View the full schedule of upcoming module runs and application deadlines for the Specialist Diploma.

View Course Dates
Programme Structure

Flexible Learning. Structured for Progress.

The Specialist Diploma in Learning Support for Specific Learning Differences can be completed within 18 to 36 months. Participants must successfully complete seven modules (127 hours) to achieve the Specialist Diploma award.

Individual modules may also be taken as standalone Certificate Courses

Two Compulsory Modules
  • 10-hour teaching intervention
  • 5 hours of consultation with supervisor
Our Lecturers

Learn from Experienced Practitioners

Hamada Yusuf

Lecturer, Lead Educational Therapist, Senior Specialist Teacher & RETA Fellow

Siti Asjamiah

Lecturer, Lead Educational Therapist, Senior Specialist Teacher & RETA Fellow

Jolene Pang

Lecturer, RETA Associate Fellow

Catherine Ni Chun Hong

Adjunct Lecturer, Educational Therapist

Dr Tan Ah Hong

Adjunct Lecturer, Consultant in Chinese Programme

Felicia Poh

Adjunct Lecturer

View all lecturers →
Why Choose Us?

Taught by Experienced Practitioners

Learn from practitioners with experience supporting learners with dyslexia and other learning differences.

Practical & Relevant

Connect theory to classroom and intervention practice.

Tailored Learning Pathway

Choose modules that align with your interests and goals.

Testimonials

“Through the DAS Academy learning journey, I gained valuable, research-based knowledge and practical strategies to better support students with learning differences. The experience strengthened my confidence as an educator and reshaped the way I approach lesson design and student engagement. I now teach with greater empathy, clarity, and purpose. Every educator who wishes to make a meaningful impact is encouraged to take this journey.”

— Tan Xin

Flexi Educational Therapist (Chinese), Dyslexia Association of Singapore Specialist Diploma in Educational Therapy (Chinese Support)

“This programme has given me a profound understanding of how to recognise and support the diverse learning differences among children. It encouraged me to think creatively and apply varied strategies to meet each learner’s unique needs. I have come to realise that education is not a one-size-fits-all approach and must be adaptable so that every child has the opportunity to thrive and catch up at their own pace. The course also reshaped my perspective on education as a dynamic and evolving process beyond rote learning. It has truly empowered me to become a more responsive, empathetic, and effective educator.”

— Bernice Chok Siew Wei

Learning Centre Director Specialist Diploma in Learning Support for Specific Learning Differences

Entry Requirements

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.

View full requirements →

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Teaching Practicum module conducted?

Students are required to teach a learner who may be at risk of literacy difficulties for 10 lessons, each lesson should be a duration of 1 hour. The learner will have to be sourced from students’ own contacts. A mentor will be assigned to you for a duration of 5 hours, which will run concurrently with the teaching practicum.

You should have achieved a Certificate of Achievement for 6 completed modules. The application fee of $32.10 and Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) of $53.50 will be required for conversion.

Please contact our Student Services at 6336 2555 for the cost of the Practicum Module. Please note that the Practicum module must be completed no later than 3 years from the completion date of your first Certificate Course.

Yes, you can indicate your interest to make the conversion here. Our Student Services Associate will get in touch with you on how to proceed.

View all FAQ →

Ready to make a difference?

Join a community of professionals committed to supporting learners with dyslexia and other Specific Learning Differences.

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