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Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Autism and Related Conditions at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
Autism is a spectrum of lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions that presents various challenges for those people living with Autism and the services in place to provide care, education, training and support. There is an emphasis on the need to increase general awareness and specialist training for all professionals involved in the delivery of autism related services. However, it has been recognised that Autism and its related conditions are prevalent globally, and this programme explores the international context to highlight best practice initiatives.
The Master's in Autism and Related Conditions, which is also available at Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate level as well as on a part time basis, is a unique training and development programme leading to a postgraduate qualification for those professionals who are seeking to advance and specialise their knowledge and practice in Autism.
In response to the Autism Act (2009), the UK government produced statutory guidance for health, social care and educational organisations, which highlighted the strategic need for staff training at all levels, service planning and the creation of local leadership. Part of this guidance places an emphasis on the need to increase general awareness and specialist training for all professionals involved in the delivery of autism related services.
Key features of the Autism and Related Conditions programme include:
- Innovative and integrated curriculum that reflects the various aspects in the provision of autism services (i.e. clinical, social care and specialist education).
- Flexibility for you to gain specialist knowledge in your respective professions
- People living with Autism are involved in the delivery of the programme
- Teaching is supported by online learning and support
- Strong links with various third sector organisations
- Research informed teaching
- Multiprofessional teaching team with vast experience and expertise in Autism and related conditions
- Choice between a research project or a work based portfolio for the MSc dissertation
- Available as either a full time or part time study
The Autism and Related Conditions programme is modular and structured in three levels, each building on the next. You can elect to take either the full Master's programme or the Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma, depending on need and circumstances. The programme is designed to allow you to complete either as full time or part time study. For part-time students, each of the three components are scheduled to take a year each to complete.
Any health care professionals (medical, nursing and allied health), educators (primary, secondary, FE and HE), social care professionals and psychologists who wish to develop their understanding, skills and leadership in Autism.
Students are required to attend the University for 1 week (5 consecutive days) for each module in Part One (Taught Element). Attendance during Part Two (Dissertation or Portfolio) is negotiated with the supervisor, with a minimum of 4 supervisory meetings. You are also encourage to attend the Postgraduate Taught Induction Event during the induction week and any programme associated seminars.
Modules on the Autism and Related Conditions may include:
Diagnosis and Assessment of Autism and Related Conditions
Living with Autism and Related Conditions
Critical Appraisal and Evaluation
Data Analysis for Health and Medical Sciences
Management of Autism and Related Conditions
Foundations of Behaviour
Childhood and Adult Services for Autism and Related Conditions
Rights and Responsibilities for Autism and Related Conditions
Additionally, you will be able to choose to complete a research based dissertation or a work based reflective portfolio.
Elizabeth Clatworthy was the first person to graduate from the MSc in Autism and Related Conditions course in 2014. She had both a personal and professional reason to be the first person to gain a Master’s degree in a new course that specialises in the study of autism, as she fosters an eight year old boy who has the condition. Elizabeth said: ‘However a five year old boy came to me to be fostered, which resulted in him being placed with me full time. He was non-verbal and had behavioural issues, but now he talks, has learned to manage his own behaviour and now I feel that there is no limit to what he can achieve. This experience led me to apply for my Master’s degree and I have found that my learning has helped me understand more about my foster child, and equally my foster child has helped me gain greater insight into my studies.”
Rhys Jenkins, now aged 24, was diagnosed with Autism when he was 16 years old. He had successfully completed a Law Degree at Cardiff University prior to coming to Swansea University to complete the MSc in Autism and Related Conditions course.
University of South Wales' MA SEN/ALN (Autism) course is unique in Wales, and is for professionals working in the field of education, health, social care and the third sector who have contact with children or adults on the autism spectrum. The course is designed for those who wish to become an advanced practitioner in autism by acquiring a relevant qualification. As the only practice-based study of autism in the region, our course draws a wide range of students from south Wales and the west of England, as well as many international students.
The MA SEN/ALN (Autism) course is also of relevance to newly qualified practitioners who are interested in gaining a specialism in autism, and to those coming from a personal perspective on autism who would like to deepen their knowledge and find out more about current research and relevant theoretical ideas.
The autism course explores theory, policy and practice in relation to all aspects of autism as it is currently understood within different contexts. Modular content is designed to provide the opportunity to tailor your postgraduate degree to meet your individual professional or personal needs.
There are two specified modules focused on autism:
Autism: Contexts and Concepts
This module examines the development of current theories of autism and explores the implications of these for autistic individuals, families and practitioners. It is designed to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the sensory perceptual differences of autism and consider the ways in which these may give rise to a different way of being in the world.
Managing and Supporting Autism
This module critically examines national and international developments in policy and practice in relation to autism education and support within a variety of settings and contexts. It will enable you to evaluate the continuum of provision for people with autism in the light of theories of learning and with reference to important models of disability.
In addition to these two modules, you are able to select two or three additional modules from the Professional Learning Programme, for example:
Child and Adolescent Mental Health
This module focuses on the causation, presentation and implications of mental health difficulties in children and young people.
SEN: Contexts and Concepts
This module examines practice in SEN/ALN, learning disabilities and inclusive education and critically reflects on the tension between identification of need and the philosophy of inclusion
Leading and Managing SEN/ALN
This module is designed to provide students with a better understanding of theory and practice in relation to the role of SENCo/ALNCo and so respond to the changing landscape of SEN/ALN.
In common with all of the Professional Learning programmes, you must take the core module Research Methodology if you are studying the full Masters course.
A full range of the modules is available from the course leader, Dr Carmel Conn.
Awards are available at Postgraduate Certificate level (after completion of two taught modules); Postgraduate Diploma level (after completion of four taught modules) and the full MA (on completion of a dissertation).
Each module is taught during weekly on campus sessions over 10 week terms. Learning takes place in teacher and student-led seminars, group discussions, individual tutorials and through active learning tasks. Content is delivered in engaging and interactive ways, with clear direction and support provided for critical reading and academic-level writing. Teaching usually takes place in the evenings and sessions are delivered by the course leader together with guest speakers. For the autism modules, guest speakers include people with autism, as well as senior practitioners in health and education.
Each module is assessed by an assignment, which may take the form of a 5,000 word written assignment or an alternative practical assessment task. To complete the full Masters award, you will need to complete a 15000 word dissertation which is based on a topic of your choice. You will be supported by a tutor during the assignment writing process via individual tutorials. If you are not in professional practice, but would like to gain experience of working professionally in relation to autism education and support, help with setting up an internship can be provided.
If you are not in professional practice, but would like to gain experience of working professionally in relation to autism education and support, help with setting up an internship can be provided.
We are able to arrange to consult and use some of the resources available at the Dyscovery Centre such as standardised assessment tools.
Most students who study part-time, work in this specific field of work. Our full-time students quickly find work locally within education or the care sector, which offers them opportunities to apply theory to practice. A Masters degree in Autism is a major boost to a career. Whatever your profession, experience has shown us that success on the course leads to enhanced employment prospects. Parents of children diagnosed with an ASD feel empowered both from their success and the increased insight gained.
A number of students have gone on to present at national and international conferences on an aspect of the autism spectrum. Other students have secured promotion and or employment in organisations that specifically support or educate individuals on the spectrum.
These programmes are consistent with the philosophy and criteria set out in the Autism Act (2009) and Autism Strategy (2010). The philosophy and outcomes are also consistent with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence 2012 guidelines on autism.
The overall aims of the programmes are to:
You focus on the person-centred support of service users and apply supportive interventions and strategies in ways that build on your previous study, employment and/or practice experiences. You are prepared to conduct research that is linked to the field of autism practice and to advance your knowledge of the discipline of specialist autism practice. You will apply theories and constructs related to autism in a workplace setting to make sense of complex situations and enhance your skills development through action or problem-based projects and practical experience. These programmes also facilitate the development of leading change and service improvement, developing services to meet diverse needs of people with autism, underpinned by a sound ethical framework.
You focus on the person-centred support of service users and apply supportive interventions and strategies in ways that build upon your previous study and employment/practice experiences. You are prepared to conduct research linked to the field of autism practice to advance your knowledge and understanding of autism spectrum conditions, enabling you to develop your knowledge of specialist autism practice. You ares also enable to apply theories and constructs related to autism in a workplace setting to make sense of complex situations and enhance your skills development through action or problem-based projects and practical experience.
The programme is underpinned by a sound ethical framework and facilitates the development of leading change and service improvement, developing services to meet diverse needs of people with autism.
Course structure
Core modules
MSc only
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
These programme use e-learning as a key resource to enhance your learning and support. You use our virtual learning environment, [email protected] for all of your modules. we provide links to useful online resources and web-based interactive activities related to autism.
You also learn through discussion boards remotely from your home or at your practice placement site. In addition you learn through keynote lectures, seminars, case-study and scenario-based discussions and critical incident analyses in the form of group work. This enhances your learning and provides support for your modular assessment.
We use debate and argument to stimulate you to be an active participant in your reflective learning process. The programme team includes members with research experience and there is an emphasis on research-informed teaching.
How you are assessed
Each module carries an assessed element which is integrated with the learning outcomes of the module and award. It requires a critical appreciation of the subject matter and its implications for practice.
Your work is assessed through essays, case studies, project work and a final dissertation if you are enrolled on the MSc Autism Practice.
Work placement
You must work in a practice setting for this programme within your own area of employment.
Career opportunities
Career opportunities include a range of services in health and social care settings where individuals with autism require support.
The Autism (Adults) programme is a distance learning programme which is studied part-time. It is appropriate for practitioners working with adults across the autism spectrum in a range of services and in both specialist and mainstream environments. The course draws upon your own experience as a practitioner, and through the set assessments, you will consider how your learning informs your practice.
The University of Birmingham is a leading provider of degree-level education in autistic spectrum disorders in the UK - offering Professional Development courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Our courses develop real insight and encourage reflective practice. You will be tutored by senior practitioners and researchers in the field who work within the Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER). You will have access to an extensive library, research materials and a large online community of students in the field of autism. Academic credits and qualifications can be used as a springboard to further study and we accept both vocational and academic qualifications as entry criteria.
Download information on all the postgraduate study programmes in the School of Education (PDF)
The Autism (Adults) distance learning programme aims to provide you with knowledge of the autism spectrum, including Asperger syndrome, based on theory, research and practice. You will be taught to consider how autism theory applies to the individuals that you support in their adult lives, and what this should mean for your own practice. Autistic authors and researchers contribute to our study materials, so that you will gain insights into the diversity of the autistic experience, and learn about the range of individual and social barriers that can be experienced. The course will also encourage you think for yourself and use your professional skills to select and research topics of relevance to your own situation.
You will have a personal tutor in a small online or regional tutor group, with study supported through study packs, tutorial groups, telephone, email and the online virtual learning environment network, encouraging you to develop through shared experience (Internet access is required for the programme). There are two compulsory university-based study weekends in the first year - find out more about this in the Learning and Teaching section.
The following awards are offered for this programme.
The entry level will depend on your academic qualifications as well as professional experience. Learn more about admission requirements in the School of Education. If you don't already hold a recognised degree, the appropriate level for entry will be the undergraduate level. However, you will have the opportunity to progress through to postgraduate level.
We also run two more autism programmes which may interest you:
There are also other programmes which incorporate modules on autism such as:
You can study this distance learning programme on a part-time basis from anywhere in the UK or internationally (if you have access to the Internet). By studying at a distance, you remain in your work setting and can therefore tailor the programme to meet your professional needs or your particular interests and experiences.Learning and teaching take place through:
Self-study materials
Self-study materials in the form of booklets are sent to you and other online resources are available within the virtual learning environment (VLE) and the e-library which has an extensive collection of online journals and ebooks. The VLE is designed to enhance your studies, giving you immediate access to resources and documents including interview footage with prominent autistic authors and researchers. It is designed to be viewed alongside your reading to help you translate theoretical ideas into actual practice. The VLE also offers you an important opportunity to make contact with other students, not only in your own tutor group but across the Autism programmes, through bulletin boards and online chats.
The programme is structured as Modules and divided into Units. Each Module has overall aims and outcomes and the specific aims and outcomes of the Units contribute to achieving these. By keeping the aims and outcomes in mind as you study, you will be able to check your own development and make sure that you are 'on target'. The core reading materials are designed to provide a comprehensive overview of theory and practice in relation to adults on the autism spectrum. Depending on your work setting, previous experience, and your personal goals in pursuing this study, you may choose to either work methodically through all of the materials, or to select parts that are relevant to your particular area of interest. Some students wish to develop a broad spectrum of knowledge and have never studied autism before; others join the course with an existing knowledge base and wish to use the course to develop one particular area of interest through their study. You will know best how best to utilise the study materials to suit your own personal study needs. In addition to the programme booklets, you are expected to read a range of other books and journal articles, especially at Masters level.
Online or regional tutorials
Online tutorials or regional tutorials (with a tutor and small group of other students) will support you in your learning. At the tutorials you will discuss course materials, plan assignments and share your experiences of practice in the field of autism. The tutorials are a compulsory part of the course and must be attended.
This course is suitable if you are an individual with autism or Asperger Syndrome or a parent, teacher, clinician or professional associated with people with autism and Asperger Syndrome.
It gives you an in-depth understanding of what autism is and delves into many of the associated issues across the age ranges. It gives you an insight into some of the ways of developing appropriate support for individuals, as described by autistic individuals themselves, as well as investigating how to develop appropriate professional practice across all disciplines.
You explore some of the specific cognitive differences as well as sensory perceptual profiles and experiences in autism and Asperger Syndrome. Forensic issues are examined as well as reasons behind why individuals may be vulnerable in a variety of ways, and how risk of vulnerability might be reduced.
You are provided with an in depth exploration of the main autism theories, with alternative perspectives identified with supporting rationale. The course is deeply embedded in an inclusive model, and embraces the social model of disability; as such, the notions of inclusion, models of disability, and what it means to be autistic in the modern age are all explored within the course. You are given the opportunity to discuss these perspectives in your own writing.
You are given the opportunity to explore and critique current autism practice as related to your circumstances - personal, professional, or both.
The course is designed to be applicable to a wide range of students from all professional and personal backgrounds.
Part-time – typically one year
The course is delivered on rotation at different locations around the UK. Call us to find out the location of the next course.
Your studies are part taught and part online learning with online tutor support.
Two cohorts per year - see National Autistic Society website for details
Modules:
Included on the course are individuals on the spectrum who present on their lived experiences, and on their academic research in the autism field.
Autism and Asperger syndrome module one – 6,000 word assignment
Autism in practice module two – 6,000 word assignment(alternative forms of assessment may be available to suit differing learning needs)
This course can help you gain a better understanding of autism and Asperger Syndrome within a working context such as teaching or a clinical environment, representing continuing professional development in these specialties.
As an individual with autism or Asperger Syndrome this course can help you better understand yourself, offering you potential opportunities to develop in your career and other areas of your life.
The aim of the course is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and to critique models of autism and modes of practice that may be deemed as disabling and exclusionary. Many students report that as a result their perspective of autism has changed considerably.
Autism is a developmental disorder diagnosed on the basis of social-communication impairments, and fixated interests and repetitive behaviours. Recent studies estimate that around 1 in every 100 individuals in the UK have autism. Research in autism spectrum disorders is important, not just to understand the causes and symptoms of autism, but to make sure that individuals with autism receive the best possible support.
This MSc in Autism Research is a unique course designed to provide students with an in depth understanding of the autism spectrum. While studying on the course, students will learn about key areas of theory and research in autism, from classification and diagnosis, to socio-cognitive and developmental theories of autism, and interventions.
The course’s innovative approach combines training and teaching in psychological research methods with hands-on experience during a practical placement in an autism-relevant context, and the opportunity to engage in an autism-based research project.
- Degree type: MSc, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma
- Study methods: Full-time, Part-time
- Start date: September
- Course Director: Dr Kumiko Fukumura
Bursaries are available: http://www.stir.ac.uk/scholarships/.
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS: 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): Grade C
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): Grade C
- Pearson Test of English (Academic): 54 with 51 in each component
- IBT TOEFL: 80 with no subtest less than 17
For more information go to English language requirements https://www.stir.ac.uk/study-in-the-uk/entry-requirements/english/
If you don’t meet the required score you may be able to register for one of our pre-sessional English courses. To register you must hold a conditional offer for your course and have an IELTS score 0.5 or 1.0 below the required standard. View the range of pre-sessional courses http://www.intohigher.com/uk/en-gb/our-centres/into-university-of-stirling/studying/our-courses/course-list/pre-sessional-english.aspx .
Psychology has powerful methods to help better understand the puzzling condition of autism. The course comprises modules designed to provide training in the fundamentals of research methods and how these apply to the study of autism. Our styles of teaching research skills range from explicit hands-on demonstrations of tools, to discussion of different approaches to research.
The modules include:
- Autism Research
- Psychological Research Methods I and II
- Advanced Statistics
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Key Skills for Psychology Researchers
- Research placement
Alternative modules from the other taught MSc courses can also be taken for credit or audit with the agreement of the Course Coordinator.
Approximately half of your time is devoted to a research project, leading to a substantial dissertation.
Delivery is by seminars, lectures, a research placement in a relevant context, and research supervision. Master's students have their own dedicated suite and are integrated into the thriving research culture of the Division.
REF2014
In REF2014 Stirling was placed 6th in Scotland and 45th in the UK with almost three quarters of research activity rated either world-leading or internationally excellent.
Psychology at Stirling is one of the leading psychology departments in the UK. It ranked in the top 20 in the recent research assessment (REF 2014) and is one of only seven non-Russell group universities to do so (Birkbeck, Royal Holloway, Sussex, Essex, St Andrews and Bangor; source Times Higher Education magazine). Its quality of research publications ranked third in Scotland after Aberdeen and Glasgow. Furthermore, the relevance of its research activity to society received the highest possible rating which only four other psychology departments in the UK achieved (REF 2014 results).
Psychology at Stirling University is small enough to fully involve MSc students in our lively and collegial community of research excellence.
Your three month full-time dissertation is supervised by leading UK academics.
The course is designed for those going on to do further research in autism or as the foundation for a career as an autism professional. The structure of the course includes both a placement and research project, allowing you to develop relevant skills for both research and applied careers.
Our Autism postgraduate certificate is designed to support your career progression, increase your subject knowledge and help you to make a direct difference to your school and students. Modules on offer will benefit you if you work in professional or voluntary education and training, and want to enhance your skills and knowledge.
The Autism PGCert is a stand-alone qualification and counts as one-third of a master’s degree.
This course is suitable if you are a mainstream teacher or working in learning support, responsible for supporting children with autism and wishing to deepen your knowledge and develop your career progression.
Flexible work-based learning enables you to fit studying around your existing work or voluntary commitments.
Teaching and mentoring is delivered by a successful teaching team with an outstanding national reputation and comprehensive research profile that informs and advances course content.
The PGCert is a one-year part-time programme. You will undertake three 20-credit modules combining academic study with work-based action learning and action research. Your day-to-day professional activity will shape your development through reflection and peer discussion.
The course is designed to fit in with your working patterns and usually includes twilight and Saturday sessions.
All the specialist PGCerts are offered at Falmer campus subject to meeting the minimum numbers of participants. They can also be offered off site to an organisation, school or a cluster of schools.
You will deepen your understanding beyond a more practical ‘hints and tips’ approach which will enable you to link study to the priorities of your educational setting.
This programme will focus on the following areas of study:
The programme will enable you as a practitioner to:
Engaging in Professional Practice
This module is designed to facilitate postgraduate study. The emphasis is on developing critical thinking and approaches to learning. You will explore your understanding of autism and consider strategies to address your own professional learning and development needs.
Reflective Practice
This module looks at the historical perspective and introduces current research on autism providing an insight into the impact it can have on the child. A variety of strategies and interventions will be considered in the light of research into good practice in autism education.
Case study
This module provides you with an opportunity to apply the learning from module 2 in order to facilitate positive change in your professional practice. You will undertake a case study of an individual learner and plan a series of interventions to support the learner’s needs. This will require you to identify, explore and develop theoretical and reflective understanding of the issues presented; consider solutions and implement and evaluate changes made.
Our Autism PGCert is designed to support your career progression, increase your subject knowledge and help you to make a direct difference to your school and students.
Graduates of the course are well placed to take on subject development and leadership positions.
The overall aim of this programme is to create academic, professional, and personal development opportunities for those concerned with both the practice and experience of living and/ or working with autistic individuals across all ages and settings.
You engage in informed critical reflection and enquiry to develop and influence practice and policy in your current and/or future contexts. You are supported to identify a relevant knowledge base drawing on theoretical and research literatures, policy and policy critiques, practice guidance and practitioner networks. Through the programme, you identify your own and others' values and assumptions in contributing to socially just policy, inclusive and ethical practice for people with autism.
If you are from a professional background the course supports you in developing a range of academic skills, a professional knowledge base and employability skills that link closely to your specialism and career goals. If you are interested in this course from a personal perspective as an autistic individual, a parent or carer, we support your developing understanding of the autism spectrum.
This course is ideal if you are
The MA Autism Spectrum is designed to provide a supportive, challenging and inclusive learning experience. You experience and engage in a variety of learning activities as they progress through the course. We have designed a balanced range of activities to recognise the diverse range of experience and expertise of our students. Teaching and learning involves tutor-led seminars, workshops, participant-led activities, group and peer discussion, self-directed study, and independent reading. You take part in both face-to-face and online learning throughout your studies.
The structure of the course recognises the developing skills of a postgraduate student becoming an independent, critical learner. As such, the course begins by developing skills of critical reflection and evaluating evidence, progressing towards the knowledge and skills to develop your own ethical and inclusive research enquiry in the final year.
Typically you study
Part-time – typically one year to certificate, two years to diploma, three years to masters, maximum six years
Modules are delivered in a variety of ways, including taught sessions and online. Typically, this includes some modules taught in the evenings once a week over eight weeks and others taught in a series of day schools and online. Please note, there are taught sessions in Sheffield throughout the course, though not always on a regular basis.
For groups of 15 students or more, it may be possible to deliver the course at your organisation if it is in the local region.
Modules :
The modules you take depend on whether you are pursuing a PgCert, PgDip or MA.
Assessment varies between modules but includes a mixture of professional work-based tasks and academic and critical reflection. There are no examinations.
The course provides a relevant qualification for anyone holding or intending to hold a position related to autism. As this is a part-time course, students are often studying alongside their own career progression. Graduates often go on to progress in their organisation or take on further responsibility as the result of their studies and acquired skills.
These Autism (Children) programmes, approved by the British Psychological Society (BPS) Continuing Professional Development scheme, are designed for professionals working with children and young people on the autism spectrum, including Asperger syndrome. They are appropriate for those working in early years provision, schools, residential care, advisory, support or therapeutic services. They draw on the student’s own experience as part of the content and assessment. The courses are offered as either campus taught courses on a full- or part-time basis, or as a part-time course via distance learning.
Download information on all the postgraduate study programmes in the School of Education (PDF)
The University of Birmingham is a leading provider of degree-level education in autistic spectrum disorders in the UK - offering professional development courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Our courses develop real insight and encourage reflective practice. You will be tutored by recognized experts in the field who work in the Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER) and will have access to an extensive library and research materials. Academic credits and qualifications can be used as a springboard to further study. Our courses contribute towards LDAF and NVQ.
Student Amelia Devi from Indonesia talks about her MEd in Autism (Children)
Campus based Programme
This programme is offered on a full or part-time basis on campus.
Learning and teaching takes place through:
Students will have access to the facilities within the School of Education and also across the wide campus, including the new library and Sports C entre.
Distance Learning Programme
Students can study this distance learning programme on a part-time basis from anywhere in the UK or internationally (if they have access to the Internet). By studying at a distance, you remain in your work setting and can therefore tailor the programme to meet your professional needs or your particular interests and experiences. All activities and assignments in the programme have a practical as well as a theoretical perspective. We hope you will find that your own experiences with children and young people on the autism spectrum will link with the ideas and activities in the programme. However, as well as being a practitioner, you are also very much a student and will have the resources of a large university to help you on and off campus. Learning and teaching take place through:
Self-study materials
Self-study materials are in the form of booklets, and resources on a memory stick and on-line using the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).The programme materials are written as Units which make up a Module. Each Module has overall aims and outcomes and there are activities (which are not assessed) which you can do to relate the text to your own situation. In addition to the Units, students are expected to read a range of other books and journal articles.
Regional Tutorials
Each student has a regional or online tutor group and attends face to face or online tutorials twice a term. The tutorials with a tutor and other students are to support students in their learning. At the tutorials students discuss course materials, plan assignments and share their experiences of practice in the field. Attendance at tutorials is essential so that you learn from each other by listening and contributing.
The aims of the Autism (Children) programme are to give students knowledge of the autism spectrum, based on theory, research and practice. It aims to develop skills in identifying and meeting the needs of children and young people and to improve the student’s awareness of different approaches and models of service delivery (particularly in the area of education). Taking the perspective of the individual child or young person on the autism spectrum is paramount, and listening to parents, carers and families on what they need and value is also stressed.
There is the opportunity to work towards a further professional qualification in the field of Education both within schools and in other settings, including progression to a PhD or EdD. The excellent careers advice provided by personal tutors has encouraged many of our graduates to successfully apply for leadership roles working with children with autism. These include: specialist teachers, education advisors, special educational needs coordinators, teaching assistants and youth workers.
Read the Alumni Profile of Trudi Rainsbury, BPhil 2010 followed by the MEd in special education: Autism (Children)
If you have interests relating to Autism and how it relates to the educational setting and teaching this programme gives you a range of learning, theory and perspectives to able to deliver learning and ensure that students reach their full potential in life. It is a highly rewarding area of specialism where you are encouraged to understand inclusion, equality, social justice and partnership working.
You learn about Autism and research in this area plus strategies and approaches. There is also a an opportunity to work with individuals and parents to further your learning and application of your learning. By the end of the programme you will understand Autism, acquire support for learners, enquire professionally and apply knowledge to contribute to your learning environment. Many of the skills you learn with also be transferrable in some way to other unique needs in your educational environment enabling you to be an empathic and informed professional.
You learn:
Careers other than teaching can include work in the charitable sector, social care, social work, health care, education, autism research and other services.
Year 1
Compulsory
Year 2
Year 3
Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/944/autism-learning/
Find out about fees
*Please be advised that some programmes have different tuition fees from those listed above and that some programmes also have additional costs.
View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page
Find out more about:
Find out more about living in Aberdeen and living costs
The MEd Autism is suitable for students looking to pursue part-time study in this area. It's ideal for those seeking a qualification whilst working that will enhance professional practice.
The MEd Autism provides a critical understanding of the conceptual frameworks relevant to understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This Masters-level course enables you to understand complex cognitive and affective theories essential to supporting the autism profile.
This knowledge will enable you to translate theory into practice and to critically evaluate evidence-based approaches to intervention. Our philosophy that autistic people require a holistic approach throughout their life journey means you can draw upon experiences of our multi-professional student cohort. Our students include leading professionals, students on the spectrum and those with dual professional-parental experiences. Your learning will be inspired from input provided by internationally respected autism experts.
The course is available part-time, both on campus and via distance learning, for:
The course aims to promote effective practice and develop empathy and understanding of the needs of individuals with autism and their families and carers.
Applications from parents, family members and individuals on the spectrum are welcome.
Our MEd programmes are part-time over three years. You're expected to attain 60 credits per year resulting in 180 credits.
Year 1
You undertake three classes each worth 20 credits. Normally this will be one class per semester. For on-campus classes, this will involve attending three hours per week, delivered either in the evening or on Saturday morning. In total each class should take 200 hours including self-study.
For distance learning classes, this will involve participating in weekly online seminars delivered via the University Virtual Learning Environment, My Place. The seminars are scheduled in the evening to accommodate working professionals.
Students who decide to complete their studies after one year will graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate.
Year 2
You undertake three classes each worth 20 credits. This will usually consist of one optional class and two further compulsory classes including Research Methods & Reasoning. The compulsory class equips students with the necessary basis for undertaking a dissertation at Masters level.
Research Methods & Reasoning is delivered entirely online via the University Virtual Learning Environment, My Place, during semester 1.
As per year 1, students will normally undertake one class per semester. The expected study time is the same as in year one.
Students who decide to complete their studies at the end of year two will graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma.
Year 3
You’ll carry out a research dissertation in a subject area of your choice worth 60 credits. We'll allocate a supervisor for one-to-one support whilst you carry out and report your dissertation.
You can complete your final dissertation by distance learning. This provides our students with the flexibility to complete their studies around work commitments.
You’ll carry out a research dissertation in a subject area of your choice. Research projects can be undertaken within your place of employment, nationally or internationally. You'll be supported in your projects through University links with a range of organisations, such as Autism Initiative and Scottish Autism.
The course is taught through a range of student and staff-led research seminars that you’ll participate in.
For our distance learning delivery the student group will participate in online seminars. You’ll require:
The course is assessed through written coursework that draws on academic study and reflection on practical experiences in education.
