Program Overview

Introduction to the FdSc Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Course

The FdSc Vision Rehabilitation Specialist course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding required to work with individuals who have a vision impairment. This foundation degree course is a blend of face-to-face teaching blocks, independent study, and work-based learning placements.

Course Overview

The course focuses on enabling adults with a vision impairment to be as independent as possible in their daily lives. Students will develop individual training courses for people based on their unique needs and aspirations. The initial learning focuses on the individual and the impacts of vision impairment on all aspects of life.

What's Covered in the Course

• Vision impairment is a life-changing experience, and students will learn to work with people who are at a crisis point in their lives.
• A Vision Rehabilitation Specialist's strength is to be a problem solver and respond to a person's unique and complex situation.
• Students will develop skills to enable people with a vision impairment to become independent in their daily lives, including teaching orientation and mobility skills, safety and independence in the kitchen and home, and techniques to overcome communication barriers.

Why Choose This Course

• The course is delivered through seven block teaching weeks spread throughout each academic year, blended with work placements and online study.
• Students will benefit from learning from an experienced teaching team and specialists from the sector, as well as using specialist resource rooms and training kitchens.
• The course is accepted as the trusted qualification to be employed as a Rehabilitation Worker in local authorities and non-statutory agencies across the UK.

Entry Requirements

Essential Requirements

• Applicants need GCSE English Language or English Literature at grade C/4 or above.
• Alternatively, other level 2 equivalents are accepted, or students may be asked to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests.
• Plus one of the following:
  • Level 3 NVQ or Diploma or equivalent (full award)
  • Two or more A-Levels (DD/48 UCAS Tariff points) or a BTEC ordinary National Diploma
  • Level 2 NVQ or Diploma (full award) plus a written paper
  • Five GCSE passes at grade 4 (grade C) or above plus a written paper

Fees and How to Apply

UK Students

• Annual and modular tuition fees are applicable to the first year of study.
• The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study.
• Award: FdSc
• Starting: September 2026
• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 2 years
• Fees: Ł6,000 in 2026/27

Course in Depth

Year One

• Visual Impairment and Specialist Assessment (40 credits)
• Foundations of Indoor Orientation and Mobility (20 credits)
• Foundations of Outdoor Orientation and Mobility (20 credits)
• Independent Living Skills 1 (20 credits)
• Independent Living Skills 2 (20 credits)
• Work Based Learning Year 1 (0 credits)

Year Two

• Professional Practice (40 credits)
• Orientation and Mobility Routes and Crossings (20 credits)
• Advanced Orientation and Mobility (20 credits)
• Technology Communications and Low Vision Therapy 1 (20 credits)
• Technology Communications and Low Vision Therapy 2 (20 credits)
• Work Based Learning Year 2 (0 credits)

Employability

Enhancing Employability Skills

• Students will graduate with a recognized and valuable rehabilitation worker qualification.
• The course develops a range of problem-solving skills crucial in practice.
• Graduates will gain knowledge and experience from working with a range of professionals in a multi-disciplinary setting.

Placements

• Students will complete a work-based learning placement in each academic year.
• The first year placement involves 40 days of work experience, while the second year placement involves 60 days.
• Placements provide invaluable opportunities to build hands-on experience and skills from the vision impairment sector.

Facilities and Staff

Facilities

• The University has invested over Ł400 million in its facilities, including an upgrade to the Skills and Simulation facilities at City South Campus.
• Facilities include a Home Environment Room, Assisted Living Space, and Assisted Kitchen, which simulate real situations that students may encounter in the workplace.

Staff

• The course team includes experienced lecturers and specialists from the sector, such as Peter Cooke, David Bignell, and Susan Cadby.
• Staff have a background in vision impairment and rehabilitation work, providing students with expert knowledge and guidance throughout the course.