Deaf Education MA/Postgraduate Diploma

Our programmes in Deaf Education provide opportunities for professional development for those who want to make a difference to the lives of deaf children and young people.

Approved by the Department of Education and designed to fit around busy working lives, the PGDip/MA Mandatary Qualification in Deaf Education are blended learning programmes that enable qualified teachers (QTS or QTLS) to gain specialist skills and knowledge that make a difference to the lives of children and young people 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 are also two face to face study weekends that you must attend if you wish to gain the mandatory qualification.

Please note: an alternative course (MA Deaf Education) is also open to teachers (as well as other professionals with appropriate qualifications) working with deaf children who do not wish, or are not eligible, to obtain qualified teacher of the deaf status.

Why study this course?

• This blended learning course for teachers of deaf children is the largest in the UK and one of the leading programmes in this field both nationally and internationally
• The course is strongly rooted in practice and makes strong links with mainstream settings, special schools and sensory support services to help keep provision up to date and relevant to practice
• Our courses develop real insight and encourage reflective practice. You will be tutored by senior practitioners and researchers in the field of deaf education
• The programme with its three sensory pathways exists within the Department of Disability Inclusion and Special Needs (DISN) with its strong international reputation for professional development, in a culture of research across inclusion, special education and educational psychology.

Duration: MA: 3 years PT; PGDip: 2 years PT

Applicants are normally required to have a first degree or diplomas or five years of relevant professional experience, training or other relevant qualifications. In addition to the general entry requirements, applicants must have: · Department for Education (DfE) Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teaching and Learning Skills (QTLS) status or equivalent; · normally, a minimum of one years’ teaching experience; · mentor support from a qualified teacher of deaf children either paid employment, or a formalised volunteer role with a view to employment as qualified teacher of the deaf, in a capacity that involves regular and ongoing teaching of deaf children and young people throughout the duration of the programme. · either paid employment, or a formalised volunteer role with a view to employment as qualified teacher of the deaf, in a capacity that involves regular and ongoing teaching of deaf children and young people throughout the duration of the two year programme. Entry to the programme will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check with barred list for children and adults. 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.