Course summary
The Dyslexia Action Postgraduate Certificates, Diploma and MEd qualifications are a unique and prestigious programme at Master’s level 7 that provides training to become informed practitioners and specialist teachers and/or assessors. This programme was developed and is delivered and assessed by Dyslexia Action, awarded by and quality assured by Middlesex University. The courses are modular and flexible and are undertaken part-time, through online learning. Access is available 24/7 to the Virtual Learning Environment and all modules are tutor-supported through online forums. Why take the Diploma? Delegates completing this Diploma will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Examine research on literacy acquisition and related difficulties; explore a range of factors that influence typical and atypical communication, language and literacy skills and review the construct of intelligence and how it is applied in learning environments
- Develop the complex and extensive skill-set needed to be an effective specialist literacy teacher and in order to facilitate literacy understanding in learners; conduct a placement process and deliver a series of structured multisensory learning sessions with a learner
- Gain a firm grounding in key statistical concepts and in-depth knowledge of a complex, standardised literacy assessment tool; gain competence with a reporting protocol for literacy-related difficulties
- Gain knowledge of key statistical concepts associated with educational assessment; develop competence with a reporting protocol for the cognitive processing difficulties associated with dyslexia and hone consultative skills.
Modules
DAPP21-01 Literacy Acquisition – Underpinning Theory (30 credits) DAPP21-02 Specialist Literacy Teaching – Linking Theory to Practice (30 credits) DAPP21-03 Psychometric Assessment of Literacy-Related Difficulties (30 credits) DAPP21-04 Psychometric Assessment of Cognitive Processing (30 credits)
Assessment method
The assessment strategy for this programme covers both theoretical and practical elements and is designed to develop practical skills in specialist teaching and assessment and encourage evaluation of the research and evidence-based, so that theory is integrated into practice. A combination of assessment tools is used and these include:
- Assignments (formative and examined), essays and assessment reports
- Exercises and peer evaluation discussions on Moodle
- Practical teaching material assignments, case studies
- Quizzes and other online self-assessment instruments
- Reflective reports
- Weekly lesson plans and evaluations (specialist teaching)
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- British Dyslexia Association
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
Open to applicants overseas, course is online so no attendance required.
Entry requirements
The Dyslexia Action Professional Certificate and Diploma Programmes in Dyslexia and Literacy are appropriate for a wide range of professional teachers and specialists who have a relevant classroom or student learning support experience including: - Qualified teachers at all key stages, special educational needs teachers and co-ordinators (SENCOs) - Tutors and support staff in Further and Higher Education and other adult educational settings - Psychologists and Speech and language therapists with relevant experience QUALIFICATIONS Prospective students will have: - Be employed (or very recently, within the last two years) in a school or college in a teaching/teaching support role working with learners with literacy difficulties/dyslexia/SpLD in the UK or overseas - An honours degree or equivalent e.g., Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Education honours degree plus Qualified Teacher Status (QTS or QTLS) and a minimum of 2 years post qualifying teaching experience or - Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Education honours degree and a minimum of 2 years post qualifying experience, e.g., further or higher education support, employment support, independent school teaching or psychology or occupational/ speech and language therapy. - Candidates will need a high level of competence in the use of English, equivalent to at least IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 in all components) for applicants with English as a Second Language. For further information see the IELTS website org See University Regulations for Postgraduate (masters) programmes. mdx.ac.uk/about-us/policies/university-regulations Please note: We reserve the right to reject any application that does not meet the criteria specified. Candidates applying for the Diploma part of the programme should normally have a final grade of 1-9 (60%-65%) at the Certificate level in order to be considered for this part of the programme. Applicants not meeting this criterion but with significant post qualification experience will be considered with a supporting reference.
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
Professional Practice Materials
Applicants should note that the Dyslexia Action Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma qualifications are intended for individuals who wish to work as specialist literacy teachers and/or assessors in educational settings. You will need personal copies of your own test materials, books and resources on the course and you will then be able to use these for your own professional practice following the course. Costs for DAPP21-01 will amount to around £60 for the core texts.
The Diploma modules will require significant investment in psychometric assessment test materials which is in addition to the course fees. There is a Study Purchase Scheme for key assessment test batteries operated by the Dyslexia Action Shop. These test materials are resources that you will be able to use in your future professional practice once you qualify. You may also be able to borrow tests from your school or college or for a limited time from the Dyslexia Guild Library.
You will be sent a full list of required resources including assessment tests, practical teaching materials, books and materials once you have registered for the course.
Provider information
Dyslexia Action
Centurion House
London Road
Staines-upon-Thames
TW18 4AX
Course contact details
Visit our course page Contact Dyslexia Action Training Enquiries Team