Specialist Teaching and Assessment for Literacy-based Difficulties (Dyslexia) with ATS/AMBDA PGCert
Develop the expertise to enhance provision in educational settings for learners with specific learning difficulties (dyslexia).
Subject to revalidation.
Overview
| Course length: | 18 months part-time |
|---|---|
| Start dates: | September 2026 January 2027 |
| Location: | Edge Hill University and Online study |
| Example offers: | A relevant degree (or equivalent) View full entry criteria |
| Subject(s): | Education and Teaching |
| Faculty: | Education |
| Department: | Primary and Childhood Education |
Please note, this course was formerly named PG CERT SPLD (DYSLEXIA) WITH AMBDA/ATS.
This programme is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a meaningful difference in the lives of learners with SpLD dyslexia. You will engage with current research and key literature, exploring how theory informs effective specialist teaching, assessment and intervention. The course develops a strong understanding of the social, emotional and community factors that shape the experiences of dyslexic learners and their families, alongside evidence-based approaches that enhance learning outcomes for individuals with literacy difficulties and/or dyslexia.
A central focus of the programme is reflective professional practice. You will be supported to critically evaluate your role in the identification, assessment and delivery of targeted interventions, while building confidence as a specialist teacher and dyslexia assessor. You will choose to specialise in either school-aged learners (up to and including 18 years) or further and higher education contexts (16 years and above).
On successful completion of the full programme, graduates are eligible to apply for professional membership and an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) from one of the following professional bodies: British Dyslexia Association, The Dyslexia Guild or The Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (PATOSS).
Please note that, in addition to tuition fees, you will be required to purchase your own diagnostic assessment materials. The estimated cost for Dyslexia PGCert assessment materials is approximately £1,650. This figure is indicative and may vary. For a full and up-to-date breakdown of costs, please contact [email protected].
As an alternative pathway, it is also possible to gain eligibility for Specialist Dyslexia Teacher or Approved Practitioner Status by completing the first module of the programme — Understanding and Identification of Literacy-Based Difficulties (SpLD Dyslexia) — as a standalone option. Successful completion of this module enables you to carry out screening assessments and teach learners with dyslexia; however, it does not permit full diagnostic reporting.
What you'll study
The programme is underpinned by a clear philosophy that connects critical thinking, rigorous evaluation and purposeful professional action. You will be encouraged to draw on your own professional experience and interests, exploring how theory and research can be synthesised into effective, reflective practice.
A strong emphasis is placed on high-quality provision for learners with specific learning difficulties, particularly dyslexia. The programme focuses on enhancing the impact of teaching and tutoring within educational settings, supporting you to refine and develop inclusive, evidence-informed approaches that make a real difference to learners.
You will actively explore a wide range of key themes, including:
· The complexities involved in the identification of dyslexia
· Critical evaluation of intervention strategies and teaching approaches
· Core principles of structured, sequential and multisensory teaching
· The role and impact of legislation and policy on practice
· Current research, theory and practice in psychometrics
· Diagnostic assessment processes
· Issues of validity and reliability in testing
· Professional practice across different educational contexts
· The impact of dyslexia on social and emotional development
· Potential barriers to learning and participation
· Dyslexia within wider social and cultural contexts
Through this integrated approach, the programme supports you to develop the confidence, insight and professional judgement required to deliver effective specialist practice for learners with dyslexia.
How you'll study
You will be required to attend eight face-to-face teaching days and four online teaching days during the programme.
In the first module you will also need to carry out at least 20 hours of evaluated specialist teaching, of which ten hours must be with the same person. You will be observed and assessed by a tutor who holds AMBDA for at least two hours of teaching. For the second module you will complete three diagnostic assessments with three people, of which one hour will be observed.
The dates and times for the delivery of the following modules are expected to run as follows, however please note these can be subject to change:
Module 1:
Course induction 6pm-8pm online – Thursday 4th September 2026
Day 1 9.30am-4.30pm on campus – Monday 7th September 2026
Day 2 9.30am-4.30pm on campus – Monday 14th September 2026
Day 3 6-8pm online Monday 28th September 2026
Day 4 9.30am-4.30pm on campus – Monday 12th October 2026
Day 5 9am-12pm online session Monday 9th November 2026
Day 6 6-8pm online Monday 8th February 2027
Day 7 TBC Academic session Uni skills 1-hour, academic writing
Day 8 6-8pm online Monday 1st March 2027
Day 9 6-8pm (optional) catch up session online Monday 15th March 2027
Day 10 6-8pm (optional) catch up session online Monday 26th April 2027
Module 2:
Module induction 6pm-8pm online – Monday 14th June 2027
Day 1 9.30am-4.30pm on campus – Monday 28th June 2027
Day 2 9.30am-4.30pm on campus – Monday 6th September 2027
Day 3 6-8pm online Monday 13th September 2027
Day 4 9.30am-4.30pm on campus – Monday 27th September 2027
Day 5 9am-12pm online session Monday 22nd November 2027
Day 6 9.30am-4.30pm on campus – Monday 29th November 2027
Day 7 TBC Academic session Uni skills 1-hour, academic writing, referencing
Day 8 6-8pm online Monday 31st January 2028
Day 9 6-8pm online Monday 7th February 2028
Day 10 6-8pm online Monday 28th February 2028
Day 11 6-8pm (optional) catch up session online Monday 6th March 2028
Day 12 6-8 Careers and professional conduct Monday 20th March 2028
How you'll be assessed
Modules are assessed using case studies, diagnostic assessment reports, specialist teaching evaluations, annotated lesson plans and observations of teaching practice.
Assessments and activities on the Specialist Dyslexia Training programme give you the opportunity to analyse current practice, utilising and reflecting upon current research and debate to bring about change with clear impact.
Assessment tasks have been designed to allow choice and flexibility to ensure that individual needs are met and that impact on provision and practice within your setting is maximised. In this way the assessments form an integral part of the learning process which will be captured through portfolio evidence.
To successfully complete the second module, you will need to have access to a range of diagnostic assessments to undertake a full diagnostic assessment of dyslexia. You will be responsible for sourcing and purchasing your own diagnostic assessments. Please contact Course Enquiries by emailing [email protected] for an up-to-date breakdown of costs.
Who will be teaching you
The modules in the programme will be taught by experienced and knowledgeable tutors, supplemented by face-to-face and blended learning opportunities. All teaching observations will be carried out by tutors who hold an APC.
Entry criteria
You need to have a relevant degree (or equivalent).
You will require a written statement from your head teacher / manager supporting your suitability as a specialist teacher and confirming you satisfy the Disclosure and Barring Service’s (DBS) mandatory criteria of ‘Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults’.
You need to have 2 years of experience of working with the age group that you are applying to work with. This should be in an educational field.
Please contact the university if unsure over eligibility and the course leader will consider your application: [email protected]
How to apply
Application links will be added when available.Â
Disclaimer
This course is accredited by the Specific Learning Difficulties Assessment Standards Committee (SASC). Successful completion of all course components may enable you to apply for the relevant SASC-recognised award. For further details, please visit www.sasc.org.uk.
SASC accreditation signifies that the course has been independently reviewed by a Liaison Team appointed by the SASC Accreditation Board. These reviewers are external to the course provider and have no involvement in the day-to-day delivery of the programme. Their role is to assess whether the course meets SASC’s established criteria. Only courses that meet these standards are eligible for SASC-recognised awards. Criteria for these awards are available upon request from the SASC administration.
If you have concerns about the course content or assessment in relation to SASC’s accreditation standards, you may contact SASC directly at [email protected].
Important Legal Notice: SASC does not assume any responsibility or liability for the delivery, management, or administration of this course. This expressly includes, but is not limited to, matters concerning teaching staff, facilities, registration, fees, course continuity, or any other aspect of course provision. These responsibilities rest solely with the course provider, who remains accountable for compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and contractual obligations. It is incumbent upon you, as the participant, to ensure that the course meets your individual requirements and professional standards.
If you have concerns regarding the delivery of the course, please contact the Course Leader in the first instance. Should your concern remain unresolved, you may escalate the matter to the course director or provider as appropriate.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
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Facilities
The Faculty of Education enjoys the enviable position of being one of the country’s leading providers of transformative education, training and research for the teaching and education workforce. Housed in a state-of-the-art £9m building, the Faculty of Education enjoys a stunning setting from both its lakeside and piazza buildings.
Facilities in the lakeside building include a 300-seat lecture theatre, five well-equipped ICT suites, and 18 teaching rooms complete with the latest technology.
Our nearby piazza building houses our Research Hub and our Secondary and Further Education department including a lecture theatre and a number of seminar rooms.
Finance
Tuition fees
UK Part-Time
£2,520
for Year 1
Tuition fees for Year 1, studied in 2026/27, are £2,520.
Tuition fees for Year 2, studied in academic year 2027/28, will be added once available.
The cost of studying module CPD4518 Identification, Assessment and Intervention for Students with SpLD Dyslexia (AP) on a standalone basis in academic year 2026/267 is £1860.
In addition to your tuition fees, you will be required to purchase your own diagnostic assessments. The estimated cost for Dyslexia PG certificate assessment materials is approximately £1650. Please note, that this cost is estimated and the actual cost may differ. For full details and an up-to-date breakdown of costs please email [email protected] and we will send you the information you need.
The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Your future career
The programme has been designed to equip you with the professional attributes, skills, knowledge, attitudes and confidence necessary to act as a specialist teacher for dyslexia.
These skills and the AMBDA / ATS status allow specialist teachers to make access arrangements for examinations as well as diagnostic screenings for dyslexia in both their own workplace and other Local Authority settings.
If you are considering developing your skills further in an alternative age phase, there is an opportunity to engage with our AMBDA CPD or AMBDA FE/HE CPD. Further information related to this can be accessed via the link below:
Dyslexia Alternative Pathway CPD (Online)
Course changes
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
