Course summary
Our programmes in Multi-Sensory Impairment (Deafblindness) provide 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, 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. Please note: an alternative course (MA Education of Learners with Multi-Sensory Impairment/Deafblindness) is also open to teachers (as well as other professionals with appropriate qualifications) working with children and young people with multi-sensory impairments who do not wish, or are not eligible, to obtain QTMSI (qualified teacher of the deaf) status. Why study this course? 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. The Department of Disability Inclusion and Special Needs (DISN) is currently the only provider in England (and the UK and Europe) in all three specialist areas. Therefore, one of the strongest aspects of our provision is the consistency and coherence of the structure and delivery of the sensory pathways. The programme with its three sensory pathways exists within DISN with its strong international reputation for professional development, in a culture of research across inclusion, special education and educational psychology. You will be tutored by senior practitioners and researchers in your specialist area.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
International applicants
Speakers of English as a second language will be required to hold an IELTs 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band or equivalent qualification.
Entry requirements
Applicants are normally required to have a first degree or diplomas or five years of relevant professional experience, training or other relevant qualifications. In addition to the general entry requirements, applicants should have: Department for Education (DfE) Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teaching and Learning Skills (QTLS) status or equivalent. Submission of evidence for QTS/QTLS is mandatory for admission, along with documentation clearly confirming your Teacher Reference Number (TRN). normally, a minimum of one year's teaching experience; mentor support from a qualified teacher of children with multi-sensory impairment (Deafblindness); either paid employment, or a formalised volunteer role with a view to employment as a teacher of children with multi-sensory impairment (Deafblindness), in a capacity that involves regular and ongoing teaching of children and young people with multi-sensory impairment throughout the duration of the programme. Entry to the programme will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check with barred list for children and adults. Please note that for enrolment onto this course, Early Years Teaching Status does NOT count as qualified teacher status (QTS). Programme staff will discuss the course with all suitable candidates.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
For more detailed information on available funding and fees for postgraduate courses please visit:
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/fees-funding
Provider information
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT