Mandatory Qualifications for HI, VI and MSI Teachers - the MQ

All qualified teachers of HI, MSI and VI children and young people are required to hold a specialist Mandatory Qualification, often known as the MQ.
The UK government guidance on the mandatory qualification can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mandatory-qualifications-specialist-teachers

MQ Documents in the Document Library

The Mandatory Qualification also has its own section in the  NatSIP document library.  You can find the MQ section here.

Looking for training pathways information?

See the Training Pathways section of the Sensory Learning Hub.  You can find the TP section here.

The University of Manchester now have 3 bursaries available to support study on the MSc/PGDip in Deaf Education at Manchester. 

To be eligible for the bursary teachers need to:

  • Hold an offer to study with the University of Manchester (we are open to applications now)
  • Are not currently working as a teacher with D/deaf CYP

These bursaries are a great way to attract teachers into the field of Deaf Education and can support succession planning for services in the longer term - the more QToDs we have the better! If you're not sure if your identified person is eligible, drop me an email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

There is funding available for up to 8 teachers.  For more information on the specific criteria, including closing dates, please visit our website: MSc/PGDip Deaf Education (2025 entry) | The University of Manchester