BSc (Hons) Qualified Habilitation Specialist (Children and Young People) – Top Up Degree at Birmingham City University

Programme overview

Qualified Habilitation Specialists are experts in relation to the practical and emotional aspects of vision impairment for children and young people (0-25 years). The BSc (Hons) Qualified Habilitation Specialist (Children and Young People) course is designed to develop you as a competent, independent, knowledgeable, and resourceful professional, ready for employment in the field of education and social care for children and young people with a vision impairment.

Faculty: Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences | Department: Health Professions, Education and Teacher Training | Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time | Study mode: full-time/part-time | Intake: September 2027 | Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The philosophy of the programme is based on developing specialist knowledge in relation to children and young people’s development and vision impairment. This course encourages you to look at a range of potential issues to enable appropriate approaches when working with children and young people with a vision impairment. You will learn about the importance of effective communication and the development of a strong relationship with young people, parents and others involved in their support. Modules include Early Child Development, Transition One, Middle Childhood Development, Transition Two, Adolescent Development, Evidence Based Practice and Placement.

Career pathways

You will progress and develop to become a pro-active, highly effective problem solver whose reflective and evidence based practice will enhance future service provision through the delivery of high standards of professional practice Embedding contributions, feedback and knowledge of best practice from practice partners, stakeholders and recognised experts; the applications of the theoretical principles in habilitation practice settings will enable you to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The key entry requirement for this programme is the attainment of level 4 and 5 qualifications in Rehabilitation Work (Visual Impairment). Candidates must hold one of the following: Foundation Degree in Rehabilitation Work (Visual Impairment) / Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (Adults): 240 credits with 120 at level 5. Diploma in Higher Education in Rehabilitation Studies (Visual Impairment): 240 credits with 120 at level 5. Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care in Rehabilitation Studies (Visual Impairment): 240 credits with 120 at level 5. Candidates who do not hold one of the above but have evidence of a level 4 certificate (e.g., Rehabilitation Officer Certificate; Mobility Instructor and Technical Officer Certificates) will be required to submit a CPD portfolio (worth up to 60 credits) and successfully complete the level 5 (15 credit) module ‘APL/Advanced Writing Skills’ module with an associated profile of experiential learning worth up to 45 credits in advance of an offer being made. All prospective candidates should have good working knowledge of Grade 2 Braille (equivalent of Lesson 22 in the RNIB Braille Primer).

Domestic applicants: GBP 6,540 a year (2027/28). full-time, 1 year; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

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