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Top 50
QS World Rankings 2026
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Course overview
Our MA course provides the mandatory qualification to become a certified Teacher of the Deaf and supports progression into specialist and leadership roles in deaf education.
Taught by leading academics at our top-ranked School of Education, the programme is designed to fit around your schedule, combining flexible online learning with real-time opportunities to engage in group work and seminars, plus four mandatory 2-day study weekends for in-person cohort interaction.
Course Structure
Our MA course runs over 3 years, while the PGDip runs over 2 years. Both courses are delivered part-time in a distance-learning mode.
Year 1
Year 1
You will study modules in Audiological Management, Communication and Language Development in Deaf Children and Young People, and Policy and SEND Professional Identity.
Year 2
Year 2
You will study modules in Curriculum Access for Deaf learners and the Development of Deaf Children and Young People. Those on the non mandatory course will also study a module on Inclusion: Universal and Specialist Approaches whilst those on the mandatory course will study Effective Teaching of Learners with Sensory Impairment.
Year 3
Year 3
You will focus on completing your Dissertation.
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Course highlights
Our MA/PGDip Mandatory Qualification in Deaf Education is one of the largest deaf education courses in the UK and is designed to fit around busy working lives.
The course is:
- Is approved by the Department of Education
- Has strong links with mainstream settings, specialist schools and sensory support services
- Encourages reflective practice
- Is taught by senior practitioners and researchers
- Top 50
in the world for Education and Teaching subjects
QS World Rankings 2026
- #68
QS World University Rankings 2027
QS Top Universities
Course delivery
The teaching uses a range of learning methods, including online classes, discussions and group activities.
- Online live classes: Meet your teaching team and receive 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.
Module information
The MA programme is comprised of 180 credits of taught material, which includes a 60-credit dissertation project.
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.
Mandatory modules
Mandatory modules
In Year 1, the following modules must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Audiological Management | 20 |
| Communication and Language Development in Deaf Children and Young People | 20 |
| Policy and SEND Professional Identity | 20 |
In Year 2, you will take the following modules:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Curriculum access for Deaf Learners | 20 |
| Effective Teaching of Learners with Sensory Impairment | 20 |
| The development of deaf children and young people | 20 |
MA students will complete a dissertation in Year 3:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 |
Non mandatory modules
Non mandatory modules
In Year 1, the following modules must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Audiological Management | 20 |
| Communication and Language Development in Deaf Children and Young People | 20 |
| Policy and SEND Professional Identity | 20 |
In Year 2, you will take the following modules:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Curriculum access for Deaf Learners | 20 |
| Inclusion : Universal and Specialist Approaches | 20 |
| The development of deaf children and young people | 20 |
MA students will complete a dissertation in Year 3:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- A first degree or diploma
or five years of relevant professional experience, training or other relevant qualifications
In addition to the general entry requirements, applicants must have:
- Department for Education (DfE) Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teaching and Learning Skills (QTLS) status or equivalent
- a minimum of one years’ teaching experience
- mentor support from a qualified teacher of deaf children
- paid employment or a formalised volunteer role with a view to employment as qualified teacher of the deaf, in a capacity that involves regular and ongoing teaching of deaf children and young people 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).
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.
International entry requirements
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.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £4,500
3 years part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees are fixed at this price for each year of study for the duration of the 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.
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.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 28 August 2026
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Ask us a question
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
Career opportunities
Our MA/PGDip in Deaf Education will prepare you for a diverse range of careers in deaf education.
The course is ideal for teachers needing the mandatory Qualified Teacher of the Deaf status, and for education professionals, including lecturers and educational psychologists. Graduates often progress to PhD or EdD programmes, and into leadership roles, including as specialist teachers, educational audiologists, and BSL interpreters.
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
We are consistently one of the top universities targeted by graduate employers
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
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At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
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.
Accommodation
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Birmingham: a city built for students
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Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
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