Skip navigation
Postgraduate Certificate: Specialist Teaching for Literacy-Related Difficulties at Dyslexia Action - UCAS

Dyslexia Action

Degree level: Postgraduate
Awarded by: Middlesex University

Postgraduate Certificate: Specialist Teaching for Literacy-Related Difficulties (Taught)

Course options

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

The Dyslexia Action Postgraduate Certificate: Specialist Teaching for Literacy-Related Difficulties is a unique and prestigious programme at Master’s Level 7 that provides the training for qualified teachers to become informed practitioners and specialist teachers. The programme is quality assured by Middlesex University. The course is modular and flexible and are undertaken part-time, through online learning. Access is available 24/7 to the Virtual Learning Environment and all modules are tutor-supported through online forums. Delegates completing this Certificate will gain the skills and knowledge to:

  • Examine research on literacy acquisition and related difficulties; explore a range of factors that influence typical and atypical communication, language and literacy skills and review the construct of intelligence and how it is applied in learning environments
  • Develop the complex and extensive skill-set needed to be an effective specialist literacy teacher and in order to facilitate literacy understanding in learners; conduct a placement process and deliver a series of structured multisensory learning sessions with a learner
The Certificate is split into two modules: DAPP21-01: Literacy Acquisition – Underpinning Theory – 30 credits, six months, one semester DAPP21-02: Specialist Literacy Teaching – Linking Theory to Practice – 30 credits, six months, one semester

Modules

DAPP21-01: Literacy Acquisition – Underpinning Theory Course content, Participants will be able to: Examine research on literacy acquisition and related difficulties; explore a range of factors that influence typical and atypical communication, language and literacy skills and review the construct of intelligence and how it is applied in learning environments. DAPP21-02: Specialist Literacy Teaching - Linking Theory to Practice Course content, Participants will be able to: Develop the complex and extensive skill-set needed to be an effective specialist literacy teacher and in order to facilitate literacy understanding in learners; conduct a placement process and deliver a series of structured multisensory learning sessions with a learner* in an educational setting. *Guidance will be given on the selection of a learner who should be under 16 for the first 10 hours of teaching in school settings and over 18 for those working in adult settings. Candidates must select a learner from the age range in which they are currently professionally employed.

Assessment method

The Dyslexia Action Professional Programme is a competency-assessed programme. The assessment strategy for this course covers both theoretical and practical elements and is designed to develop practical skills in specialist teaching and assessment and encourage evaluation of the research and evidence-base, so that theory is integrated into practice. A combination of assessment tools is used and these include: ● Assignments (formative and examined), essays and assessment reports ● Exercises and peer evaluation discussions on Moodle ● Practical teaching material assignments, case studies ● Quizzes and other online self-assessment instruments ● Reflective reports ● Weekly lesson plans and evaluations (specialist teaching) ● Filmed evidence of assessment administration (psychometric assessment) and teaching practice

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • British Dyslexia Association

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

International applicants

Open to applicants overseas, course is online so no attendance required

Entry requirements

Appropriate for a wide range of professional teachers and specialists who have relevant classroom or student learning support experience, including: ● Qualified teachers at all key stages, special educational needs teachers and co-ordinators (SENCOs) ● Tutors and support staff in Further and Higher Education and other adult educational settings ● Psychologists and Speech and Language Therapists with relevant experience The programme provides flexibility for learning in a personalised way which enables studying to be fitted around personal and professional commitments and: ● Regular support from a team of specialist tutors to guide you through the postgraduate level study ● An e-learning course which uses a virtual learning environment (VLE), currently Moodle, as the method of delivery. The programme encompasses interactive online study along with teaching and assessment QUALIFICATIONS Prospective students will: ● Be employed (recently, within the last two years) in a school or college in a teaching/teaching support role working with learners with literacy difficulties/dyslexia/SpLD in the UK or overseas ● Have an honours degree or equivalent e.g., Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Education honours degree plus Qualified Teacher Status (QTS or QTLS) and a minimum of 2 years post qualifying teaching experience. OR ● Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Education honours degree and a minimum of 2 years post qualifying experience, e.g., further or higher education support, employment support, independent school teaching or experience of psychology or occupational/ speech and language therapy ● Candidates will need a high level of competence in the use of English, equivalent to at least IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 in all components) for applicants with English as a Second Language. For further information see the IELTS website ielts.org. See University Regulations for Postgraduate (masters) programmes mdx.ac.uk/about-us/policies/university-regulations


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

EU £1975 Module
International £1975 Module
England £1975 Module
Northern Ireland £1975 Module
Scotland £1975 Module
Wales £1975 Module
Channel Islands £1975 Module
Republic of Ireland £1975 Module

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Postgraduate Certificate: Specialist Teaching for Literacy-Related Difficulties at Dyslexia Action - UCAS