Our programmes 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.

Employability

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.

Many of those who have completed the course continue to work with people with multi-sensory impairment (deafblindness) and some continue or progress to influential roles in specialist MSI units, or as advisory teachers for pupils who are deafblind. Others take key roles in such fields as managing further education for learners with multi-sensory impairment (Deafblindness) in an LA or other setting, or go on to promoted posts in school or other management.