Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) - Online (PGCert)

About the Course

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 school level students with Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia).

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

• Develop the specialist knowledge, skills and confidence to be a specialist teacher and/or assessor for dyslexia.
• Be part of a specialist programme for educational 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 may enable participants to apply to a professional association for membership such as for an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).

How to apply

To apply for this course, please contact teacher.education@hope.ac.uk for a full application pack, as we cannot accept the standard university application form.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by SASC (The SpLD Assessment Committee) and is designed for teachers and other education professionals who want to develop their specialist knowledge, skills and confidence in identifying, assessing, teaching and supporting learners with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties.

Modules

Module 1: Identification, intervention and teaching

Together we will explore the knowledge, understanding and practical experience required to be specialist SpLD teacher of dyslexic learners (school age). 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 of a specific structured, multi-sensory teaching programme. 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 may enable participants to apply for recognition of the teaching specialism from a professional association.

Content

• Developing understanding of the practice and principles involved in the identification and assessment of learners with SpLD (dyslexia)
• Follow and individualise a specialist teaching programme to meet individual learner needs.
• Evaluation of personal specialist practice

Module 2: Psychometrics and diagnostic assessments

This module focuses on supporting practitioners to further investigate the role of the specialist SpLD (dyslexia) teacher of dyslexic learners (school level). 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.

Successful completion of module 1 and 2 may enable participants to apply to professional association for membership such as for an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).

Content

• The statutory and regulatory context for SpLD (dyslexia) and the implications for effective specialist assessments
• Critical reflection upon the theory and practice of psychometrics
• Identification of opportunities to increase inclusive approaches
• Develop an understanding of the social, emotional and community issues that may affect learners with SpLD (dyslexia)

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification.

Qualified Teacher status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning Skills (QTLS).

Applicants from other educational professionals who do not hold QTS/QTLS; e.g. Teaching Assistants, with appropriate professional qualifications and relevant educational experience may apply for this PGCert if they fulfil the entry requirements.

Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) is required.

This PGCert is open to UK applicants working in appropriate UK settings. Applications from individuals residing and working in a self governing British Crown Dependency might be considered.

All applicants will need to ensure they are able to work in an appropriate one to one educational situation with pupils (aged between 7-16/9-16 years) in order to complete the modules before a place is offered on the course. A letter of support from a mainstream school headteacher (of an appropriately aged school setting) indicating their support for the duration of the period of study will be required. Other letters of support may also 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 pupils ) will take place in 1:1 (face to face) professional settings during the normal working hours of that setting and where appropriate insurance is in place for that setting. Further entry requirement details are available in the course application pack

Note: this course is not suitable for applicants wishing to work with learners over 16 years of age

International Entry Requirements

Possess a degree from an overseas institution that is judged by the Registrar or Nominee to be equivalent to a second class honours degree from a UK University.

For students whose first language is not English there is a language requirement of IELTS 6.5 overall with 6 minimum of all components. In addition to this, we also accept a wide range of International Qualifications, for more information please visit our English Language Requirements page.

For additional information about country specific entry requirements visit the your country pages. 

*Part time study is not available for Non-UK applicants

Teaching and Research

Both modules will be delivered on a part-time basis, through fully online learning, including:

• Reflective upon workplace and practical activities
• Access to the extensive Liverpool Hope University Library including e-books and journal collections
• Online Academic tutorial support
• Online discussion forums
• Online support from Liverpool Hope University including IT support and library suppor

In addition, there may be an opportunity to attend (subject to sufficient numbers) an optional face to face meeting per module at the Liverpool Hope University Campus, Liverpool L16 9JD.

Home Fees

Please contact teacher.education@hope.ac.uk for information relating to the fees and payment plans for this course.

Additional Costs

There will be additional costs for core texts for each module and teaching resources. For those progressing to module 2, participants will be required to purchase diagnostic tests specified by the University. Further details will be provided in the application pack. Additional costs may also include costs for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

Post course: application to professional associations will incur additional costs

Funding your studies

Further details regarding Postgraduate loan etc are available from the course administrators at teacher.education@hope.ac.uk

Careers

Successful completion of module 1 of the Liverpool Hope University course may enable participants to apply to a professional association for recognition of specialist teaching.

Successful completion of module 1 and module 2 may enable participants to apply to a professional association for membership such as for an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).

Successful participants may apply to transfer 60 credits into a full Masters.