Bath Spa University

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Specific Learning Difficulties / Dyslexia

Bath Spa University offers a Professional Master’s Programme pathway in Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) / Dyslexia which focuses upon identification, assessment and practical support for learners of all ages with SpLD / Dyslexia.

• Are you a teacher who would like to extend your specialist skills?
• Are you newly qualified with a couple of years’ experience and looking for a Master’s qualification?
• Does your work involve vulnerable learners?
• Would you like to develop the skills to support learners with SPLD / Dyslexia?
• Would you like the opportunity to apply to the British Dyslexia Association for their sought after International Approved Teacher Status (ATS) or Associate Membership (AMBDA)?
• Would you like to be able to combine this with working towards a part or full-time Professional Master’s Degree?

The current international focus upon standards, literacy and the inclusion of vulnerable learners within mainstream educational institutions means that there is increasing pressure upon professionals to develop the skills to identify and support a range of specific learning needs in literacy and study skills across the curriculum. Acquiring these specialist skills can open the door to many career opportunities within and beyond the school and college context.

Course Structure and Content

The course is offered in both full and part-time modes. It is normally one year duration in full-time mode or the master’s can be completed in up to six years in part-time mode. The two modules comprise taught sessions and assessed projects, while the Master’s Dissertation in the final part of the course is by negotiated project (PR7120) and research training (PR7101 and PR7102). Completion of the first 60 credit module on the course (TT7364 – Identifying and Supporting Learners with SpLD/Dyslexia) leads to the award of the Postgraduate Certificate, and subsequent completion of the 30 credit second module (TT7365 – Assessment Methodology for SpLD/Dyslexia) alongside the taught module (TT7369 – Identifying and Overcoming Maths Difficulties) or a 30 credit Independent study, leads to the award of the Postgraduate Diploma.

The course combines theory and practice through workshops, case studies, research, analysis, assignments and the justification of your professional practice and experience through the application and evaluation of research.

Teaching methods and resources

Modules are taught through twilight workshops and lectures. Some individual tutorial support is offered alongside good opportunities for extended discussion with tutors and colleagues. In addition, full use is also made of Bath Spa University’s virtual learning environment (Minerva) for exchange of materials and communication. Collaborative analysis of ideas through discussion and problem solving is key to teaching and learning in the programme.

Assessment methods

There are no written exams and each module is assessed by coursework. This typically involves 5,000 words for a 30 credit module. The dissertation is 15,000–20,000 words and worth 60 credits. It focuses on an area linked with SpLD/dyslexia mutually agreed with a specialist tutor who also offers guidance and support in the writing of the dissertation. To achieve the award you will need 180 credits in total.

Modules

The MA/MTeach in SPLD/Dyslexia focuses upon identification, assessment and practical support for learners of all ages with SpLD/Dyslexia. The modules can combine direct academic teaching and study at master’s level at the University with the optional development of practical competence required by the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) through professional placement supervised by expert tutors.

Alongside research training modules (PR7101 and PR7102; 30 credits) and a supervised dissertation (PR7120: 60 credits), the full time programme includes:

• Identifying and Supporting Learners with SpLD / Dyslexia (TT7364): The first phase of the pathway provides 60 M-level credits on submission of the academic assignments. It develops the ability to carry out assessments to compile an individual learning profile to underpin the development and teaching of individualised programmes for learners with SpLD/Dyslexia across a range of contexts. Methods and strategies to develop the inclusive practices which can support learners across the curriculum are also explored. The module consists of two master’s level units of 30 M level credits, each, amounting to 60 hours face to face tuition, assignments plus a commitment to independent study time. The total of twenty 3 hour sessions (60 hours) will run as twilight sessions at the Newton Park campus.
  • Semester One – October to December 2011 – will focus upon the identification of the learning differences underpinning SpLD / Dyslexia and their impact upon the development of literacy.
  • Semester Two – January to March 2012 - will focus upon the experience and evaluation of programmes and methodologies to support the development of literacy and cross curricular study skills for learners with dyslexia.
• Assessment Methodology for SpLD / Dyslexia (TT7365): This module will develop the ability to undertake full diagnostic assessments for dyslexia to inform programmes and appropriate support, such as Examination Access Arrangements. This module comprises 36 hours face to face tuition, professional practice based assignments, plus a commitment to private study. It is likely to be delivered through three full day workshops (Saturday October 1st, Friday October 21st, Saturday January 7th) and seven twilight sessions on Wednesdays between October 2011 and January 2012. Places on this module are strictly limited for 2011-2012. Submission of the (optional) professional practice portfolio alongside academic practice-based assignments will obtain dual accreditation enabling suitably qualified teachers and speech and language therapist professionals to gain the sought after International BDA Approved Teacher Status (ATS), on completion of TT7364, or AMBDA (TT7365). Tutor support for the portfolio will cost £360 for each of the two modules (Total £720).
• Identifying and Overcoming Maths difficulties TT7369-30 (This is a NEW module at Bath Spa University starting in May 2011): The focus is upon developing an understanding of the difficulties faced by primary or secondary students with SpLD/dyslexia or dyscalculia when learning mathematics and how to help students overcome these challenges. It will be led by Julie Kay an international expert in maths and dyslexia. You will use observation, discussion, standardised and informal testing, along with the research of other professionals to identify the difficulties and develop the skills and strategies needed to overcome them using a multi-sensory approach. You will be helped to select suitable written and concrete materials to be used when teaching pupils with these learning profiles. You will learn to develop, deliver and evaluate individualised structured, multi-sensory numeracy programmes based upon interpretation of assessment data. 

Entry Requirements

Applicants (with the exception of speech and language therapists and psychologists) should have a first degree in Education or linked pedagogy and, ideally, two years of teaching experience.

Equivalence of overseas students’ academic qualifications is assessed by NARIC. For overseas applicants who are non native speakers of English, a minimum language level of IELTS 6.5, or equivalent, is required.

If you already have a recognised SpLD / Dyslexia qualification at ATS level, you can apply to use this prior qualification to gain entry to the Assessment Methodology module as Accreditation for Prior Learning (APL) towards the Masters or PG Dip in SpLD / Dyslexia as well as using this to top up your BDA qualification to AMBDA level.

Employability

Many of our students seek new career paths in the field of additional support needs, ranging from working as SENCos or within specialist teams in educational contexts or Local Authorities to educational management, training or in related fields, maybe in their non-UK home. Some set up as independent SpLd assessors and tutors. Others start with the intention of taking their studies further – to PhD level – and seek eventual employment in an academic institution.

Financial support and assistance

• Qualified UK teachers (with QTS) are eligible for discounted fees and can apply for CPD funding and various grants. Further details are available at www.teachernet.gov.uk
• The full-time programme is recognised by the TDA as appropriate CPD for in-service training and academic study and is considered as suitable evidence for career-based salary enhancement schemes.
• The PMP is recognised under the government’s professional career development loan scheme for working adults wishing to re-train at levels 6&7. Further details can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning
• Those students who enter the programme with relevant academic credits at level ‘M’ can apply for assessment of prior learning (APL) and can also negotiate a pro rata fee reduction.
• For information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact 0800 100 900.