Mandatory Qualification for Teachers of Children and Young People with Vision Impairments

University of Birmingham
Postgraduate PgDip Distance learning 2 Years Teaching

About this course

Approved by the Department of Education and designed to fit around busy working lives, this is a blended learning programme that enable qualified teachers (QTS or QTLS) to gain specialist skills and knowledge that make a difference to children and young people in the classroom Learn from top experts, integrate your experiences, and explore research and policy to enhance inclusive education practices.

Start shaping the future of sensory education with us by developing your expertise to lead and innovate in supporting children with vision impairments. With tailored guidance from top experts, you’ll be prepared to confidently take on impactful roles and advanced career opportunities in this field.

Why study this course at the University of Birmingham? Course highlights Our Department of Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs (DISN) blends global expertise with practical insights to drive inclusion and social justice through innovative research and tailored education. Study our Mandatory Qualification for Teachers of Children and Young People with Vision Impairments and enjoy a distinctive, flexible learning experience, taught by leading experts. This part-time, distance course allows you to tailor your studies through diverse modules and a 60-credit dissertation.

  • Specialist-Led Training: The University of Birmingham trains approximately 100 specialist teachers annually, making it the UK's largest vision impairment teacher training provider.

  • Flexible Study Options: Choose from a wide range of modules and study online, part-time, to fit your professional commitments.

  • Practice-Oriented and Collaborative Learning: The course emphasises practical application, connecting with mainstream settings, special schools, and sensory support services to help keep provision up to date and relevant to practice.

    Career opportunities This course is ideal for teachers who are already qualified to teach school-aged children in England but require the mandatory qualification to achieve Qualified Teacher of Children and Young People with Vision Impairments (QTVI) status from the Department for Education.

    The PGDip/MA Education of Children and Young People with Vision Impairments qualifications are suitable for professionals who do not wish, or are not eligible, to obtain QTVI status – for example, lecturers of students with vision impairments, and educational psychologists.

    There is the opportunity to work towards a further professional qualification in the field of Education both within schools and in other settings, including progression to a PhD or EdD. The excellent careers advice provided by personal tutors has encouraged many of our graduates to successfully apply for leadership roles working with children and young people with vision impairments.

  • Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    2317 Teachers of English as a foreign language
    2316 Special and additional needs education teaching professionals
    2319 Teaching professionals
    2324 Early education and childcare services managers
    2329 Other educational professionals n.e.c
    2321 Head teachers and principals

    Course Details

    Qualification
    Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip
    Study Mode
    Distance learning
    Duration
    2 Years
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    Birmingham
    Scheme
    Postgraduate
    Subjects
    Teaching