Entry requirements

First class or upper second class honours degree in a relevant discipline (applications from students who do not hold a 1st or 2:1 Honours Degree (or equivalent), but have appropriate professional experience may be considered).
Qualified Teacher status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning Skills (QTLS).
Applicants without Qualified Teacher status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning Skills (QTLS) are able to apply if they are able to demonstrate experience supporting learners of a school age (18 years or under).
We will also consider applications from professionals in related fields, such as speech therapists, educational psychologists and occupational therapists.
This PGCert is only open to UK applicants who are currently working in appropriate UK settings.
All applicants will need to ensure they are able to work in an appropriate one to one situation with pupils in order to complete the modules before a place is offered on the course. A letter of support from a school headteacher (of an appropriately aged school setting) indicating their support with this will be required.
All applicants will require a written statement from head teachers / managers supporting their suitability as a specialist teacher and confirmation that they satisfy the Disclosure and Barring Service’s (DBS) mandatory criteria of 'Clearance to work with children and/or vulnerable adults'.
Currently, there is an expectation that the specialist teaching and assessments that students undertake for the duration of the programme of study (with appropriately aged participants) will take place in 1:1 (face to face) situations.
Course applicants must have a minimum of two years relevant professional experience in teaching or experience supporting learners of a school age (18 years or under). In some cases, appropriate professional educational experience in another phase of education may be considered. A letter of suitability, on headed paper, from the applicants line manager will be required.

Months of entry

January

Course content

This Postgraduate Certificate aims to support teachers and professionals working in education to gain the confidence, knowledge and skills to identify, assess, plan, teach and support students with Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia).

Through critical reflection, participants on the programme will develop their understanding of the barriers to participation and learning that pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) can encounter.

• Develop the specialist knowledge, skills and confidence to be a specialist teacher and/or assessor for dyslexia.

• Be part of a specialist programme for professionals.

• Investigate research and literature relevant to SpLD dyslexia and relate this to specialist teaching and assessment.

• The two modules that make up the award each carry 30 Masters level credits, which can be used towards a Masters programme.

• Successful completion of the course will enable students to apply to the British Dyslexia Association for Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA) and for an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC). Professionals with AMBDA / APC are able to be Exam Access Arrangements Assessors.

Course Overview

Module 1: Identification, intervention and teaching (ATS/APS)

Together we will explore the knowledge, understanding and practical experience required to be specialist SpLD teacher of dyslexic learners (up to the age of 18). Through investigation of research and literature you will develop a critical understanding of issues that may affect dyslexic learners and their families. Developing your understanding of the nature and definition of dyslexia will enable you to reflect on your understanding and construct structured, multisensory teaching programmes. By the end of the module you will have grown in your own practice enabling you to identify a profile of learner’s strengths and areas to be developed and plan subsequent teaching programmes and interventions.

Successful completion of module 1 will enable participants with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) to apply to the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) for Approved Teacher Status (ATS). Participants who do not hold QTS or QTLS status who successfully complete module 1 will be able to apply to the BDA for Approved Practitioner Status (APS).

Content

• Developing understanding of the practice and principles involved in the identification and assessment of learners with SpLD (dyslexia).

• Critical reflection upon the role of Information Technology.

• Follow and individualise a teaching programme to meet individual learner needs.

• Evaluation of personal specialist practice.

Module 2: Psychometrics and diagnostic assessments (AMBDA)

This module focuses on supporting practitioners to further investigate the role of the specialist SpLD (dyslexia) teacher of dyslexic learners (up to the age of 18). The module particularly focuses upon the construct, use and analysis of diagnostic assessments and how such assessments inform inclusive practice and individualised interventions.

The module will encompass critical learning and understanding from module 1 of the PGCert in SpLD (dyslexia) to enable the further development of professional qualities, knowledge and understanding required of the specialist SpLD (dyslexia) teacher. Successful completion of module 2 will enable participants to apply to the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) for Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA) status.

Content

• The statutory and regulatory context for SpLD (dyslexia) and the implications for effective specialist teaching and assessment.

• Critical reflection upon the theory and practice of psychometrics.

• Identification of opportunities to increase inclusive approaches.

• Critical appraisal of teaching programmes and specialist practice.

• Develop an understanding of the social, emotional and community issues that may affect learners with SpLD (dyslexia).

Fees and funding

Module 1 only: £1,540

Full Programme: Full Postgraduate Certificate in Specific Learning Difficulties (dyslexia), includes modules 1 and 2. £2,600.

Payment Plans are available for payment in instalments.

Additional costs

There will be additional costs for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance, core texts for each module and, for those progressing to module 2, you will be required to purchase diagnostic tests. Full details will be provided in the application pack.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

PGCert
part time
24 months
- Online learningis available for this qualification

Both modules will be delivered on a part-time basis, through fully online learning, including: • Reflective upon workplace and practical activities. • Participation in online webinars. • Access to the extensive Liverpool Hope University Library including e-books and journal collections. • Academic tutorial support via zoom and email. • Online discussion forums with academics and other students. • Online support from Liverpool Hope University including IT support and library support. In addition, there will be an opportunity to attend an optional face to face meeting per module at the Liverpool Hope University Campus, Liverpool L16 9JD.

Course contact details

Name: The PLD Team
Email: pld@hope.ac.uk

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Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia)