Course summary
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.
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 for the MQ programme should have: A 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. 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. Entry to the programme will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check (child and adult workforce, child barred list) carried out by the University of Birmingham. We may be able to consider an existing Enhanced DBS certificate provided this is registered with the DBS Update Service and is at this exact same level. If a new Enhanced DBS check is required applicants will be liable for the cost of this check.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
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