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. Build specialised skills in inclusive education and enhance your career with this practical, hands-on course.

One programme, different pathways

We offer a range of study pathways for anyone interested in learning more about multi-sensory impairment (deafblindness). If you’re a teacher, you can pursue the PGDip with the Mandatory Qualification (MQ), or continue for a third year to complete a Master of Arts (MA) with MQ.

For those without Qualified Teacher Status or not seeking the MQ, the PGDip/MA pathway provides an excellent opportunity to deepen your expertise in supporting children with MSI while working towards a PGDip or master's degree.

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 hands-on courses equip you with the practical skills to support children and young people with MSI across diverse settings and age groups. You’ll connect with experts in MSI and Sensory Impairment and learn how to apply your skills effectively to support individuals, families, and professional teams.

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. Our 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. These sessions offer valuable opportunities to connect with sensory impairment experts and build lifelong networks of support and knowledge. They take place in November and May, with 2025-26 dates to be confirmed.

• Online live classes: You will get the opportunity to meet the teaching team, fellow students and we will provide a step-by-step guide to working through materials on your first module of study.
• Engage in module group work and seminars: in every module of study there are live (real time) opportunities to work together, giving you the chance to discuss key topics, share your learning and to reflect on workplace experiences.
• Study weekends feature a diverse group of respected MSI academics, experienced professionals from various settings, and individuals with lived experience of MSI.
• Every assessment is grounded in your professional practice, designed to help you apply your learning directly to your daily work—supporting you in becoming a reflective practitioner.
• Above all, we’re committed to tailoring your learning to meet your needs. Extra support is always available to help you overcome challenges or to explore specific areas of interest that are relevant to 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.

Year: 3
2027/28 Session

The following must be taken in Year 3:

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 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.

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

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

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.