Teachers of Children and Young People with Multi-Sensory Impairment (Deafblindness)

University of Birmingham
Postgraduate PgDip Distance learning 2 Years Teaching

About this course

Our PGDip/Master of Arts Teacher of children with Multi-Sensory Impairments (MSI) with Mandatory Qualification (MQ) provides opportunities for professional development for those who want to make a difference to the lives of children and young people with Multi-Sensory Impairment (Deafblindness).

Approved by the Department of Education and designed to fit around busy working lives, our blended programmes enable qualified teachers (QTS or QTLS) to gain specialist qualification, skills and knowledge that make a difference to children and the adults who support them in the classroom. Build specialised skills in inclusive education and enhance your career with this practical, hands-on course.

One programme, different pathways We offer a range of study pathways for anyone interested in learning more about multi-sensory impairment (deafblindness). If you’re a teacher, you can pursue the PGDip with the Mandatory Qualification (MQ), or continue for a third year to complete a Master of Arts (MA) with MQ.

For those without Qualified Teacher Status or not seeking the MQ, the PGDip/MA pathway provides an excellent opportunity to deepen your expertise in supporting children with MSI while working towards a PGDip or master's degree.

Why study this course at the University of Birmingham? Our hands-on courses equip you with the practical skills to support children and young people with MSI across diverse settings and age groups. You’ll connect with experts in MSI and Sensory Impairment and learn how to apply your skills effectively to support individuals, families, and professional teams.

Approved by the Department of Education and designed to fit around busy working lives, the PGDip/MA Mandatory Qualification for Teachers of Children and Young People with Multi-Sensory Impairment (Deafblindness) are blended learning programmes that enable qualified teachers (QTS or QTLS) to gain specialist skills and knowledge that make a difference to children and the adults who support them in the classroom. You will be able to work through online learning materials at your own pace and will be supported by both online tutorials and live lectures. There will also be two face to face study weekends that you must attend if you wish to gain the mandatory qualification.

  • Extensive Expertise: The University of Birmingham has successfully delivered mandatory teaching qualifications in the three specialist areas for over 30 years and a high proportion of the trained specialist teachers in the field across the UK are our alumni.

  • Leading Provider: We are currently the only provider in England (and the UK and Europe) in all three specialist areas. One of the strongest aspects of our provision is the consistency and coherence of the structure and delivery of the sensory pathways.

  • Flexible Learning: Study part-time with a range of module options and distance learning flexibility.

  • Career Advancement: Develop advanced skills and insights to enhance career opportunities in diverse educational and care settings.

    Career opportunities The MA/PGDip Mandatory Qualification for Teachers of Children and Young People with Multi-Sensory Impairment (Deafblindness) 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 multi-sensory impairment (Deafblindness) from the Department for Education. The MA Education of Learners with Multi-Sensory Impairment (Deafblindness) qualification is suitable for professionals who do not wish, or are not eligible, to obtain qualified teacher for children with multi-sensory impairment (Deafblindness) status – for example lecturers of students with vision impairments and educational psychologists.

    • 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
    2321 Head teachers and principals
    2329 Other educational professionals n.e.c

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    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

    Offered by

    University of Birmingham

    Birmingham

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