PGCertificate Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties (ATS/APS). PGCertificate Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties (AMBDA)

University of Birmingham

This is an online programme in the field of literacy difficulties and dyslexia. It is designed to prepare practitioners to critically evaluate and develop evidence-based practice to support learners with dyslexia and other literacy difficulties.

The PG Certificate Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties (ATS/APS) and PGCertificate Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties (AMBDA) course is accredited by the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) and leads to Approved Teacher Status (ATS) or Approved Practitioner Status (APS), and Associate Member of the BDA (AMBDA). These qualifications will allow you to work with and assess learners with literacy difficulties and/or dyslexia in schools and further/higher education.

The course draws on a range of research literature and policy to explore the typical development of literacy skills and how our understanding of these can enable us to identify those with literacy difficulties. You will have an opportunity to explore the current debate on dyslexia and critically evaluate different theories of why difficulties with literacy may occur. For those of you working in bi/multilingual/FL/SL/AL contexts, support will be provided from Dr. Maria Reraki who specialises in the field of dyslexia and language learning. A number of experts in the field of dyslexia and language learning also contribute to the course.

You will be supported to design, implement, and critically evaluate individual literacy programmes for learners with literacy difficulties in a variety of learning environments (mono/bi/multi/FL/AL/SL). Those who choose the AMBDA option will be further supported in the principles of psychometric testing and conducting assessments of learners with literacy difficulties.

Those wishing to complete a PGDip and/or progress to Masters study, can choose relevant options from the MA Inclusion and Special Educational Needs.

Employability

The qualification will allow you to apply for a range of careers in supporting learners with literacy difficulties and dyslexia, including working in schools, colleges, and universities.

Successful completion of the AMBDA module will allow you to apply for an Assessment Practicing Certificate. This qualification allows the holder to assess for dyslexia in the UK and certain other jurisdictions. It also allows the holder to assess for and stipulate access arrangements in public examinations. For those who decide to continue their studies and complete an MEd in Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (ISEN), there are opportunities to work in a range of roles in higher education institutions such as Universities.