Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (Adults) Higher Apprenticeship - FdSc

The Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Apprenticeship aims to train the next generation of Vision Rehabilitation Specialists. As an apprentice, you will work for your employer while also completing off-the-job training with us at the University.

Your learning with us will be structured into blocks, allowing you to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Apprenticeship Standard. Gradually, you will be able to put your learning into practice in the workplace, enhancing the lives of people with visual impairment.

Additional costs

This course involves some additional costs for equipment and travel. You will need to purchase a long cane and two cane tips (pencil and roller marshmallow) to use in practical training sessions at the University as well as general skills and techniques practice outside the block learning weeks. Approximate costs for this are £34 the cane and £15 for the tips. All apprentices will be measured for an appropriate length cane during the course induction week. You will then need to purchase the correct length long cane for sessions commencing in November of Semester One. Apprentices will also be expected to pay for bus, rail, and tram tickets for practical technical training sessions on using public transport. Public transport training is likely to take place on eight of the orientation and mobility training days.

Download Course Specification 

Information for Employers

Entry requirements

Evidence of one of:

GCSE at grade 4 or above in English Language and Maths, or equivalent e.g. GCSE grade C, key skills level 2, adult literacy level 2 or CSE grace 1 will be accepted.

Plus one of the following:

• Level 3 NVQ or Diploma or equivalent (full award)
• 2 or more A-Levels (DD/48 UCAS tariff points) or a BTEC ordinary National Diploma
• Level 2 NVQ or Diploma (full award) plus a written paper (details of content will be provided by the admissions tutor post application)

Additional entry requirements:

• Prospective students should demonstrate the ability to undertake studies at Foundation Degree level.
• Personal experience or experience of working with people with visual impairment is desirable. Relevant experience in other health and social care settings will also be taken into consideration.
• All applicants are required to be aged 17 years or above on entry
• All applicants must have access to, and be able to use, broadband internet and e-mail facilities, as a proportion of this course is delivered through these media. Please see IT specification for further details.
• This course requires students to learn to teach people with visual impairment in high-risk situations, such as crossing roads independently, working safely in the kitchen and managing home and personal care. It is a requirement that students will already be competent themselves in these daily activities, and have the capacity to monitor the safety of those they are learning to teach. The application form asks you to confirm this requirement.
• If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 overall (or equivalent) is required.
• Most of our students are not school leavers, and a number have chosen this course in order to change their career or return to work.
• Mature applicants without formal qualifications must demonstrate personal or professional experience within a health and social care profession and the ability to study at Foundation Degree level.

We have invested over £400 million in our facilities, including an upgrade to our Skills and Simulation facilities at City South Campus. We boast up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that you may come across in the workplace. These resources are essential in offering you a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice.