Program Overview

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Deaf Education (Teacher of the Deaf Qualification) PGDip

The Postgraduate Diploma in Deaf Education is a two-year course leading to the Mandatory Qualification for Teacher of the Deaf (QToD) for England and Wales. This course is taught part-time using blended learning, providing the opportunity to study both online and face-to-face.

Course Overview

The course is led by national and international leaders, as well as senior practitioners in the field. It integrates cutting-edge research knowledge with practitioner expertise, enabling students to become skilled, knowledgeable, and critical practitioners.

Course Highlights

• Work closely with peers and build a strong network of colleagues throughout the UK across a wide range of settings.
• Approved by the Department for Education, benefiting from a course that combines research knowledge with practitioner expertise.
• Assessments are varied and designed to help students develop the skills needed in the field.
• The course welcomes suitably qualified deaf and hearing applicants and provides appropriate access and support arrangements for all students.
• A partial-fee scholarship is available to UK Deaf Education schools or services funding two or more students in a single year.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Department for Education (DfE), this course meets the requirements of the mandatory qualification for Teacher of the Deaf, for England and Wales.

Course Details and Modules

PGDip Deaf Education comprises five core modules delivered across two years. All modules are developed in conjunction with the new Mandatory Qualification (MQ), and students build a portfolio of professional skills across the two years to demonstrate proficiency against the required MQ competencies.

Course Structure

The course structure includes:

• Year 1 compulsory modules:
  • The Ecological Context of Deaf Education (30 credits)
  • Depending on the year of joining, students study one of the following modules in Year 1 and the other in Year 2:
    • Educational Audiology (30 credits)
    • Deafness and Development (30 credits)
• Year 2 compulsory modules:
  • Professional Placement (15 credits)
  • Facilitating Learning in Deaf Education (15 credits)
  • Depending on the year of joining, students study one of the following modules in Year 2 and the other in Year 1:
    • Educational Audiology (30 credits)
    • Deafness and Development (30 credits)

Learning and Teaching

Each semester includes a study day or a short residential in Leeds, followed by online sessions. Students are expected to commit to the equivalent of one study day per week as a minimum for this course.

Assessment

Assessment is through a combination of presentations, essays, critical reports, case studies, and a practical skills portfolio that includes a minimum of 20 days assessed placement. Assessed presentations may be delivered in BSL.

Applying

Entry Requirements

• A bachelor degree or non-UK equivalent.
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) (required for Teacher of the Deaf award).
• One year of teaching experience or experience of working with deaf children in educational settings.
• Contact with a school or service that will enable students to work with deaf children to meet the requirements of the Mandatory Qualification.
• British (or local) Sign Language CACDP/Signature/iBSL Level 1 (required for Teacher of the Deaf award) or equivalent.
• Access to local sign language tuition.
• Access to internet facilities for e-learning.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.

How to Apply

The application deadline is Friday, 15 August 2025. If intending to apply for funding, students should submit an application for a place on the chosen course at least one month before any specific scholarship deadline.

Fees

UK: Ł7,334 (Total). This fee includes some meals during the residentials in Leeds but does not include accommodation, other food costs, travel costs, or costs associated with course attendance and teaching placements.

Scholarships and Financial Support

Scholarships are available to UK/EU schools or services funding multiple students in a single year to the MA or PGDip Deaf Education (Teacher of the Deaf) courses.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will use the knowledge and skills developed throughout this specialist teaching qualification to progress in their existing educational roles or pursue opportunities in schools, local authority support services, or clinical programs.

Work Placements and Industry Experience

For the Teacher of the Deaf award, a minimum 20-day assessed teaching placement is required. Additional days may be required depending on experience.