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MEd/PGDip Mandatory Qualification for Teachers of Children and Young People with Visual Impairment

Our Mandatory Qualification for Teachers of Children and Young People with Visual Impairment course from University of Birmingham in vision impairments provide opportunities for professional development for those who want to make a difference to the lives of children and young people with vision impairments.

Quick Facts

  
Part-time Duration: 3 years (MEd)
2 years (PGDip)
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £7,050 per year
Location: Online

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 Vision are blended learning programmes 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. 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 are also two face to face study weekends which you must attend if you wish to gain the mandatory qualification.

Please note: alternative courses (PGDip/MA Education of Children and Young People with Vision Impairments) is also open to teachers (as well as other professionals with appropriate qualifications) working with children and young people with vision impairments who do not wish, or are not eligible, to obtain qualified status to teach children and young people with vision impairment.

Courses included:

  • Assessment of Children and Young People with Vision Impairments: Understanding and Meeting Individual Needs
  • Policy and SEND Professional Identity
  • Curriculum Access for Children and Young People with Vision Impairments
  • Social and Emotional Development in Children and Young People with Vision Impairment
  • Special Studies in Special Education
  • Effective Teaching of Learners with Sensory Impairment (Additional module for the PGDip/MA mandatory qualification only)

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

The MA/PGDip Mandatory Qualification for Teachers of Children and Young People with Vision Impairments 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 qualified teacher for children with vision impairments status – for example lecturers of students with vision impairments and educational psychologists.

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 equivalent;
  • normally, a minimum of three years’ teaching experience;
  • mentor support from a qualified teacher of vision impairments (QTVI);
  • either paid employment, or a formalised volunteer role with a view to employment as a QTVI, in a capacity that involves regular and ongoing teaching of children and young people with vision impairments throughout the duration of the two year programme.

Learn more