Mandatory Qualification for Teachers of Children and Young People with Vision Impairments (Taught)

Approved by the Department of Education and designed to fit around busy working lives, this is a blended learning programme that enable qualified teachers (QTS or QTLS) to gain specialist skills and knowledge that make a difference to children and young people in the classroom Learn from top experts, integrate your experiences, and explore research and policy to enhance inclusive education practices.

Start shaping the future of sensory education with us by developing your expertise to lead and innovate in supporting children with vision impairments. With tailored guidance from top experts, you’ll be prepared to confidently take on impactful roles and advanced career opportunities in this field.

Why study this course at the University of Birmingham?
Course highlights
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. Study our Mandatory Qualification for Teachers of Children and Young People with Vision Impairments and enjoy a distinctive, flexible learning experience, taught by leading experts. This part-time, distance course allows you to tailor your studies through diverse modules and a 60-credit dissertation.

• Specialist-Led Training: The University of Birmingham trains approximately 100 specialist teachers annually, making it the UK's largest vision impairment teacher training provider.

• Flexible Study Options: Choose from a wide range of modules and study online, part-time, to fit your professional commitments.

• Practice-Oriented and Collaborative Learning: The course emphasises practical application, connecting with mainstream settings, special schools, and sensory support services to help keep provision up to date and relevant to practice.

Career opportunities
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.

There is the opportunity to work towards a further professional qualification in the field of Education both within schools and in other settings, including progression to a PhD or EdD. The excellent careers advice provided by personal tutors has encouraged many of our graduates to successfully apply for leadership roles working with children and young people with vision impairments.