Certificate in Higher Education: working with people with a visual impairment

In schools, workplaces, colleges and communities across the UK there are almost two million people, young and old, who are visually impaired. This course is designed for teachers, parents, social workers, learning support staff or care assistants who support and work with them.

The programme is a part-time study course (taking between 18 months and two years) and is designed to offer you career development while fitting around your current commitments - work, study or family.

Crucially, the course is delivered by the UK and Ireland’s leading specialists in this area, in the most ideal arena for your course of study. The programme is based here but is flexible in its delivery to enable students to fit study around their other commitments. Courses take place at weekends and accommodation is available on site for those who require it.

Work with leaders in the field

The Royal National College for the Blind is the leading specialist college for people with sight loss (age 16 through to 65) and you’ll see innovative training and best practice in action. Towards the end of the programme you will also have the chance to study for one of the modules in Dublin where St Joseph’s Centre for the Visually Impaired offers first class bespoke education for children and young adults with sight loss.

Three other things you should know

What does the course include?

You will come away from this course with a broad spectrum of knowledge and an understanding of VI

in people of all ages, and in those with additional disabilities. You’ll learn about:

• The nature and causes of visual impairment
• Anatomy, physiology and conditions of the eye
• Promoting independence through orientation and mobility
• Promoting independence through daily living skills
• Supporting people with VI and multiple disabilities
• Improving inclusion and access to the written word through ICT and alternative formats like Braille, large
• print and audio
• Assistive technology that can be used in the classroom, training environment, workplace and
• home
• Analytical and reflective skills in understanding the needs of people with sight loss, and how to improve practice in your own setting.

What will you achieve?

The Certificate is validated by one of our partners, Worcester University, and worth 120 credits, equivalent to the first year of a university degree. It is an NFQ Level 4 qualification: Certificate in Higher Education:  Working with People with a Visual Impairment.

Entry Requirements 

You will need relevant qualifications equivalent to an NFQ Level 3. The programme is also available if you have relevant professional experience of working with people who are visually impaired or who have a disability.

To register or to find out more please contact The Royal National College for the Blind, Enquiry Team on 01432 376 621 or info@rncb.ac.uk

“The module about the nature and causes of visual impairment has been fascinating. Having more knowledge about certain eye conditions and learning about the impact they have is really helping me to relate to students.”

Trainee teacher

“The course is helping me in my job, giving me a broader understanding of visual impairment. The variety of modules makes it very informative and interesting. Because of the experience of the teachers at RNCB I think there is nowhere else this specialist course could be run so effectively.”

Residential Manager, SEN

“There is a great mix of practical and theory. It is beneficial learning with colleagues as we are able to share experiences and support each other. If you want to understand more about visual impairment and how individuals are affected, this is the course for you!”

Quality Manager, FE