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

Develop the specialist expertise to lead, innovate and advance your career in vision impairment education, supporting children and young people with sensory impairments in schools and specialist settings. 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.

Department: Teacher Education (Continuing Professional Development)  |  Duration: MA: 3 years PT; PGDip: 2 years PT  |  Study mode: online  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

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.

Career pathways

This course is ideal for teachers who are already qualified to teach school-aged children in England but require the mandatory qualification to achieve Qualified Teacher of Children and Young People with Vision Impairments (QTVI) status from the Department for Education. 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.

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