Teachers of Children and Young People with Multi-Sensory Impairment (Deafblindness) MA / PGDip

Approved by the Department of Education and designed to fit around busy working lives, our blended programmes enable qualified teachers (QTS or QTLS) to gain specialist qualification, skills and knowledge that make a difference to children and the adults who support them in the classroom.

One programme, multiple pathways

Choose the pathway that matches your experience and career goals. Qualified teachers can complete the PGDip/MQ and progress to the MA/MQ with an additional year of study.

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.

Course structure

• Extensive expertise: Led by experts, Birmingham has delivered mandatory sensory‑impairment qualifications for over 30 years.
• Leading Provider: We are currently the only provider in England (and the UK and Europe) in all three specialist areas. 
• Flexible Learning: Study part-time with a range of module options and distance learning flexibility.

Our PGDip/MA programmes are delivered and assessed online. Each module is broken down into weekly study units. And each week you'll have a mixture of reading, videos/recordings and interactive activities to work through your own convenience. 

Firstly, we provide a live online induction event when you join the programme. You will get the opportunity to meet the teaching team, fellow students and we'll provide a step-by-step guide to working through materials on your first module of study.

Secondly, in every module of study there are live (real time) opportunities to engage in module group work and seminars. This gives you the chance to discuss key topics, share your learning and to reflect on workplace experiences. Hester and Claire, the course tutors are always keen to reach out with individual support and personal guidance where needed.

Thirdly, over the first two years of your study you will be able to attend four 2-day study weekends at the School of Education. The study weekends are a compulsory component of the course and attendance is a requirement. They are great opportunities to meet experts in the field of sensory impairment, and to build lifelong networks of support and knowledge. They are held in November and May. Dates for 2025-26 and to be confirmed.

All assessment tasks are based in your professional practice, and are designed to help you to apply what you’re learning to what you see and do – helping you to become a truly reflective practitioner. Above all, we aim to tailor your learning to suit your needs; there is always extra support available to help you to overcome challenges, or to explore areas or topics of specific interest to you and the children and settings you support.

Teaching staff

Hester Richardson has worked across Local Authorities and Schools in England and Wales for 26 years specialising in Special Education.

Alongside Hester, you will also work with Claire Manford, a QTMSI of fifteen years’ experience and a wide background in SEN and specialist settings. Claire is currently studying for her PhD in raising awareness of MSI in mainstream classrooms.

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.

In addition to the general entry requirements for the for the Multi‑Sensory Impairment (MSI) course, applicants for the MQ programme should have:

A Department for Education (DfE) Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teaching and Learning Skills (QTLS) status or equivalent. Submission of evidence for QTS/QTLS is mandatory for admission, along with documentation clearly confirming your Teacher Reference Number (TRN).

Normally, a minimum of one year's teaching experience; mentor support from a qualified teacher of children with multi-sensory impairment (Deafblindness); either paid employment, or a formalised volunteer role with a view to employment as a teacher of children with multi-sensory impairment (Deafblindness), in a capacity that involves regular and ongoing teaching of children and young people with multi-sensory impairment throughout the duration of the programme.

Please note that for enrolment onto this course, Early Years Teaching Status does NOT count as qualified teacher status (QTS).

Programme staff will discuss the course with all suitable candidates.

Entry to the Mandatory Qualification (MQ) 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.

Students who have not studied in English must pass a recognised English test. For more information on what proof you will need, visit our International Postgraduate requirements page

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.

Others who have completed the course 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.

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.