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Become a specialist in Multi-Sensory Iimpairment with our MSI course
This mandatory qualification to achieve Qualified Teacher of Multi-Sensory Impairment (QTMSI) is provided by Seashell. The MSI course will be validated and accredited by a university, which will provide quality assurance and award the Postgraduate Diploma.
MSI (Deafblind) children and young adults require highly specialist input in order to develop the skills necessary to learn and access the world around them, maximising their potential. Specialist teachers in MSI play a pivotal role in their development.
Enrolled participants in our sensory training course will receive remote support throughout the two-year, part-time distance course, further enhanced by the specialist tutor and peer-to-peer support and termly residential sessions. During this time you will not only undertake the essential disability training and academic learning to develop a sound understanding of MSI, but you will also have the opportunity to experience first-hand the life-changing impact a QTMSI role can have on MSI learners and their families.
The MQ MSI contract, awarded by the Department for Education (DfE), makes Seashell one of just two providers delivering this specialist MSI course. We are committed to leading the expertise in the field of MSI (Deafblindness) and our team are passionate about supporting children and young adults with the most complex needs.
This truly is an exciting time to be part of the Seashell team, and we look forward to welcoming the next generation of QTMSI leaders.
The Course
Do you want to access the knowledge and experience of experts in the field of MSI (Deafblindness)?
Are you interested in receiving sensory training from an organisation that transforms the lives of children and young adults with the most complex needs?
Do you work with MSI children and young adults and want a course with practical application to your day-to-day practice?
Co-produced and delivered by a range of experts in the MSI (Deafblind) field, this unique MSI course will include:
- Six modules – one module per term
- An assessed piece of work per module – these will not always be in the form of an assignment, and will relate directly to your day-to-day role and practice
- A minimum of three residential days at our state-of-the-art campus in Cheadle Hulme, South Manchester
- 15 days of teacher placement – this can be a combination of your existing workplace and another setting with MSI pupils
- Course materials provided through online platform, CANVAS
- Access to books and articles on the essential reading list
Why get sensory training at Seashell?
Seashell is a disability charity transforming the young lives of those with the most complex disabilities in the country. We provide education and care, from age 4 to 25 years at our outstanding school and college and through our external education, health and wellbeing services.
We are dedicated to providing a creative, happy, and safe environment for children and young adults with complex learning difficulties and additional communication needs. We transform young lives by providing the very best education and care, in the very best environment, tailored to suit our student’s complex needs.
Our Team
Our team of dedicated professionals support many children and young adults with multisensory needs from across the country, often from a very young age. Based on our campus in South Manchester, our team of professionals includes Qualified MSI Teachers, child Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Audiologists, Physiotherapists and Habilitation Specialists.
Combining our team’s unique expertise and national/international portfolios, alongside families’ personal experiences, this array of experience will provide you with the practical strategies required to effectively support the variety of needs in the MSI population.
Meet the team...
Meet our course leader, Caireen Sutherland and Head of Seashell Sensory Support, Michelle Jones, who combined have over 45 years of experience working with MSI (Deafblind) learners…
Caireen Sutherland
Course leader, Caireen is a qualified teacher of multi-sensory and vision impairment and has been working in the field of SEND for over 20 years. She has worked with children with MSI aged 0-25 in a variety of settings and across local authority advisory and charitable services. This includes direct work as well as supporting families, professionals and organisations working with young people with MSI.
Michelle Jones
Michelle, Head of Seashell Sensory Support is a senior Deafblind (MSI) advisory teacher with 25 years experience working in the field of Deafblindness (MSI) and complex needs across a range of settings including local authority maintained schools, local authority sensory service, university, independent and charitable organisations.
Our Facilities
Here at Seashell, we offer a holistic approach to education in our specialist residential school and Royal College Manchester, and our 17 homes offering residential care for learning disabilities. We provide a safe, supported environment with the best facilities and equipment, allowing our students to explore their creativity, physicality and sense of purpose. We are very proud of our campus, find out more about it here.
Building a better future
Our Project Transformation is an ambitious vision that will benefit the lives of children and young adults who require the most specialist support. Our plan will positively impact thousands of lives, for many years to come. Be part of our journey!
Entry requirements for our MSI Course
The normal entry requirements for the MQ MSI PGDip are:
- An Honours degree (or its equivalent) in any subject
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Qualified Teaching Learning and Skills (QTLS)
- Current employment as an educational practitioner working with multisensory needs
Applicants whose graduate study or relevant experience was undertaken in languages other than English will need to demonstrate English language proficiency to the level of an IELTS score of at least 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in each component.)
As well as the above requirements you will be expected to have access to relevant internet and technology to complete the online assessments and enquiry-based learning/research. It is advisable that your Headteacher/Service Manager is committed to your engagement to this course including your release for teaching placement, and any other visits/activities deemed appropriate. It is also advisable that all students, where possible, have a mentor who is also a QTMSI.