Mandatory Qualification for Teachers of Children and Young People with Vision Impairments MA / PGDip

Approved by the Department for Education, this flexible blended‑learning programme enables qualified teachers (QTS or QTLS) to gain recognised specialist skills in sensory impairment. You’ll learn from sector‑leading experts, integrate classroom experience with research and policy, and strengthen your practice in inclusive and accessible education.

Course Structure

• Specialist‑led training: Birmingham trains around 100 specialist  vision‑impairment teachers annually, making it the UK’s largest provider. 
• Flexible study options: Choose from multiple modules and study online, part‑time, alongside your work.
• Practice‑focused learning: Apply learning in mainstream and specialist settings to maintain current, relevant practice.
• Study at VICTAR, leading centre of excellence in vision impairment teaching and research

• Online live classes: Meet your teaching team and get guided support for your first module.
• Group work and seminars: Collaborate in real time to discuss topics and reflect on practice.
• Study weekends: Attend four required study weekends at the School of Education. Dates TBC

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

Those completing the MA (Mandatory Qualification) will need to complete the Effective Teaching of Learners with Sensory Impairment module in your second year which includes the teaching placement. Those completing the MA (Non Mandatory Qualification) will study the same modules, but instead of the Effective Teaching of Learners with Sensory Impairment module you will take the 'Inclusion: Universal and Specialist Approaches' module.

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
• a minimum of one year's 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 programme.

Submission of evidence for QTS/QTLS is mandatory for admission, along with documentation clearly confirming your Teacher Reference Number (TRN). Please note that for enrolment onto this course, Early Years Teaching Status does NOT count as qualified teacher status (QTS).

As well as those requirements already listed, you will be expected to have:

• access to a braille machine for the duration of the programme
• internet access from home and/or work
• appropriate resources, commitment and a line manager’s agreement to allow full engagement in all the required components of the programme (e.g. attendance at residential study weekends and online study days and tutorials; agreement from line manager for release for educational visits, teaching placements and ideally a minimum of half a day per week study time; a mentor who is a QTVI)

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.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in any 2 skills and 4 in the other two skills
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English presessional programmes

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Tuition fee deposits for international students

International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.

Postgraduate Masters loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we have put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

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 QTVI status – for example, lecturers of students with vision impairments, and educational psychologists.

There is the opportunity to work towards a further professional qualification in the field of Education both within schools and in other settings, including progression to a PhD or EdD. The excellent careers advice provided by personal tutors has encouraged many of our graduates to successfully apply for leadership roles working with children and young people with vision impairments.

Your careers toolkit

Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.

Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:

• Careers support services and Careers Network
• Work experience and placements
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Alumni and employer connections
• Global opportunities and life experience
• Careers in the curriculum

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.