Health Sciences

Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties

Level 2 - Certificate

What is Level 2?

This is the equivalent to GCSE grades 9-4 / A*-C, O Level grades A- C or an Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This qualification aims to give learners knowledge of different Specific Learning Difficulties, how they are diagnosed and how individuals can be supported. The qualification can be used by a wide range of learners looking to improve their knowledge and awareness in this subject area.

The course is to be completed online at your own pace.

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Prefer to talk? Call 01226 776000 or email advice@northern.ac.uk and one of our team will get back to you.

Level 2

This is the equivalent to GCSE grades 9-4 / A*-C, O Level grades A- C or an Intermediate Apprenticeship.

Find out about progression

Course description

This qualification will be suitable for teaching staff, care staff or anyone looking to build their knowledge of dyslexia and other learning difficulties. The qualification would be suitable for those working within healthcare, social care and education contexts.

Course content

The course typically takes 12-14 weeks to complete and would require approx. 8hrs of self-directed study time per week to complete the relevant reading, research and assessment tasks. You will have access to our online platform that will enable you to study at a convenient time and pace and will be able to contact a relevant subject tutor if support is needed. The course is assessed via a set of written question and answer assessments. There are no exams.

Units studied:

Signs, symptoms and diagnosis of specific learning difficulties
Sources of information, support, legislation and guidance relevant to specific learning difficulties
Living with a specific learning difficulty
Best practice relating to specific learning difficulties

What can this course lead to?

Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities
Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults) for England
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism
Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities
Level 2 and 3 Certificates in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Level 2 and 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce
Level 3 Award in Supporting Children and Young People’s Speech, Language and Communication

Course session dates

Tailored Learning Objective

Preparation for employment

When does this start and end?

31 March 2025 - 4 July 2025

What are the entry requirements?

Students will need to hold a Level 1 qualification in English and will require an Information, Advice and Guidance appointment prior to being offered.

“The course has allowed me to get the grades that I need to become a Midwife.” - Courtney
Learn more about Courtney's story

I have been here two months now and I couldn't wish for a better place to study. I'm studying Health Science and it has many interesting modules. My tutors are amazing... Thank you to all the staff at Northern College. You couldn't do your job any better! Cannot wait to progress.

I would recommend Northern College to anyone looking to develop a long term academic career in a safe and healthy environment with loads of inspiration and caring staff to work with.

Northern College for adults changed my life. I did short courses and an Access to Higher Education course. I am now a midwife with a first class degree.