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. Enhance your career prospects by developing expertise and specialised skills in inclusive education, with this practically based, practice-driven course of study. 

One programme, different pathways

There are a range of pathways for study, open to all those with an interest in learning more about multi-sensory impairment (Deafblindness). If you are a teacher, you can choose to study either for the PGDip/Mandatory Qualification (MQ), or, by continuing for a third year, you can complete an MA/MQ.

If you don’t wish to obtain the MQ, or you don’t have Qualified Teacher Status, you are more than welcome to follow the PGDip/MA pathway, and build your knowledge of working with children with MSI as you study towards an MA or a PGDip. 

Course structure

Those studying towards the MA with (Mandatory Qualification) will need to complete all the modules below, worth 20 credits each and a dissertation worth 60 credits.

Those on the MA (Non-Mandatory Qualification) will study the same modules but they would not undertake the Effective Teaching of Learners with Sensory Impairment module which includes a teaching placement. Instead, you will need to take the Inclusion: Universal and Specialist Approaches module from the MA inclusion programme.

Our programmes are hands-on, practical courses which seek to help you to develop a ‘toolbox of skills’ to support children and young people with MSI across all settings and ages. You will have opportunities to meet experts in the field of MSI and Sensory Impairment, and will be encouraged to recognise how and when to apply your learning in the most appropriate way to support settings, individuals, families and other professionals.  

Students describe the course as ‘transformational,’ (2024 alumnus) ‘really supportive,’ (2023 alumnus,) and ‘the best course I’ve taken,’ (2023/24 student). 

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.

• Extensive Expertise: The University of Birmingham has successfully delivered mandatory teaching qualifications in the three specialist areas for over 30 years and a high proportion of the trained specialist teachers in the field across the UK are our alumni.
• Leading Provider: We are currently the only provider in England (and the UK and Europe) in all three specialist areas. One of the strongest aspects of our provision is the consistency and coherence of the structure and delivery of the sensory pathways.
• Flexible Learning: Study part-time with a range of module options and distance learning flexibility.
• Career Advancement: Develop advanced skills and insights to enhance career opportunities in diverse educational and care settings.

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.

• Expert teaching: Your Course Leader, Hester, has been a teacher of children with Sensory Impairments since 2001. She worked as a senior specialist QTMSI/QTVI for more than ten years before taking on this role of course leader, and balances these qualifications with a PGCHE in teaching adults in higher education – expertise she uses to ensure that the course is meaningful, accessible, and inclusive to those managing work and study together.
• Range of voices and experiences 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.
• Lecturers at study weekends include a wide range of respected academics in the field of MSI, professionals with many years experience from a range of settings and situations, and individuals with lived experience of MSI.
• Authentic Assessment: 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.

Those completing the MA (Non-Mandatory Qualification) will study the same modules but they would not undertake the Effective Teaching of Learners with Sensory Impairment module which includes teaching placement. Instead, you will need to take the Inclusion: Universal and Specialist Approaches module from the MA inclusion programme

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, 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: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• 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 2025 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’ve 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.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

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.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.