Our online programme prepares practitioners to critically evaluate and develop evidence-based practices to support learners with dyslexia and other literacy difficulties.
The PG Certificate Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties and PG Certificate Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties (AMBDA) course leads to the Associate Member of the BDA (AMBDA) qualification. The course is also accredited by the BDA (British Dyslexia Association).
This course will run in a part-time mode, online for 15 months. As this programme is distance learning only it requires you to be able to access and work from a computer.
You will study four modules each worth 20 credits:
Our Department of Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs (DISN) blends global expertise with practical insights to drive inclusion and social justice through innovative research and tailored education. The Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties PGCert draws on a range of research literature and policy to explore the typical development of literacy skills and how our understanding of these can enable us to identify those with literacy difficulties. You will have an opportunity to explore the current debate on dyslexia and critically evaluate different theories of why difficulties with literacy may occur.
for Education (QS World Rankings by Subject 2024)
delivering mandatory teaching qualifications in the 3 specialist areas
in all 3 specialist areas
As part of AMBDA, you'll be supported to design, implement, and critically evaluate individual literacy programmes for learners with literacy difficulties in a variety of learning environments. You will be further supported in the principles of psychometric testing and conducting assessments of learners with literacy difficulties.
Those who take the PGCert have the option to complete a range of second and third year optional and compulsory modules including a dissertation to complete the Masters degree of MA Inclusion (Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties – AMBDA).
The course consists of a range of recorded lecturers, readings, and interactive activities. In addition, you will be supported in tutor groups with other students who work in the same phase, (where possible in the same region/country) and with a tutor with specialist qualifications in dyslexia and professional experience with learners with dyslexia in that education phase.
Studying at a distance means you can work from anywhere, such as in your home or workplace in the UK or overseas. All your studies will be in English.
All students must take four compulsory modules each worth 20 credits.
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.
You must take the following:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention and Curriculum Management for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) / Dyslexia | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Discussing Dyslexia | 20 | |
| Identification and assessment of Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)/dyslexia (AMBDA enhanced) | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Understanding Literacy Difficulties | 20 | Semester 2 |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
and professional access to learners with literacy difficulties
Applicants are also required to have at least two years of teaching experience in an educational environment. This requirement is because the course starts with one-on-one teaching, with the goal of helping you develop specialist teaching skills during your teaching practice. For those working with children, it is expected that the student has been subject to the necessary checks in their jurisdiction.
Distance learning
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 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.
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.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
The qualification will allow you to apply for a range of careers in supporting learners with literacy difficulties and dyslexia, including working in schools, colleges, and universities.
Successful completion of Modules 1-3 will allow you to apply for ATS / APS (Accredited Teacher Status / Accredited Tutor Status / or Accredited Practitioner status – depending on phase of learning and whether you have QTS. This will allow you to teach individuals as an accredited teacher.
Successful completion of the AMBDA module will allow you to apply for an Assessment Practicing Certificate. This qualification allows the holder to assess for dyslexia in the UK and certain other jurisdictions. It also allows the holder to assess for and stipulate access arrangements in public examinations.
For those who choose to continue their studies and complete an MA Inclusion (Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties – AMBDA), there are opportunities to work in a range of roles in higher education institutions such as universities.
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