PGCert Profound and Complex Learning Disability: The University of Manchester

Course description

This Distance Learning Course is aimed at students who come into contact with individuals with severe or profound learning disabilities or other complex needs, and those who have a desire to gain specialized knowledge in this area. A theoretical framework is reinforced through consideration of practice related issues.

The course aims to promote strategies that enable individuals with learning disabilities to share the same rights, opportunities and choices as other people.

Participants on this course come from a range of professional backgrounds and include Care Workers and Managers, Social Workers, Teachers, Nurses, Foster Carers, Speech and Language Therapists and Psychologists.  There is an opportunity to meet other students at a yearly 4 day study school.

Module details

Students study two compulsory Course Units and one optional Course Unit

Compulsory

• Towards Inclusion (Year One) - 15 credits EDUC70300
• Communication (Year One) - 30 credits

Optional

• Sensory Impairment - 15 credits
• Understanding & Responding to Behavioural Challenges - 15 credits
• Education - Infant, Child & Adult issues - 15 credits
• Families - 15 credits
• Leisure & Relationships Involving People with Complex Learning Disabilities - Part One and Two - 15 credits
• Epilepsy and People with PCLD - 15 credits

Career opportunities

At post-graduate level, gaining the award enhances Continuing Professional Development (CPD) profiles and has led past students to achieve posts in service management (in health, social care, learning disability, clinical psychology, education/educational support and allied health services). Students should note however, that although all courses are registered with the DFES (UK), the award is not a qualification to teach (PGCE).

Entry requirements

Entry qualification overview: A good honours degree, or the overseas equivalent. In exceptional circumstances candidates who do not have first degree, but who can demonstrate professional competence may be admitted.

English language: Students whose first language is not English require a minimum of IELTS 7.0 with 7 in the writing component or TOEFL 600 paper-based or 250 computer-based, with 4.5 on Test of Written English.