The Autism (Adults) programme is appropriate for practitioners working with adults across the autism spectrum in a range of services and in both specialist and mainstream environments.

The Autism (Adults) distant learning course, approved by the British Psychological Society (BPS), will draw upon your own experience as a practitioner, and through the set assessments, you will consider how your learning informs your practice. Academic credits and qualifications can be used as a springboard to further study and we accept both vocational and academic qualifications as entry criteria.

  • The University of Newcastle 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. 

The Autism (Adults) programme will 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. 

The following awards are offered for this programme.

AdCert

The Level H Advanced Certificate (AdCert) is the equivalent to the third year of Undergraduate Study. It is for those with certificates and diplomas eg: HND, NVQ level 4/5, Foundation degree. It lasts 12 months part-time and consists of 3 modules (Total of 60 credits). 

 

PGCert

The Level M Postgraduate Certficate (PGCert) is a postgraduate award and it is available for those who have an honours degree (or equivalent). It lasts 12 months and consists of 3 modules (Total of 60 credits).

 

BPhil

The Level H BPhil consists of three core modules plus one optional module and a 10,000 word dissertation

 

PGDip 

The Level M Postgraduate Diploma Certificate (PGDip) is a postgraduate award and it is available for those who have an honours degree (or equivalent). The PGDip is taken over 24 months and consists of 3 core modules, plus 3 optional modules.

 

MEd

The Level M Masters of Education (MEd) is a postgraduate award and it is available for those who have an honours degree (or equivalent). The MEd is taken over 36 months part-time. It consists of 3 modules, plus 2 optional modules, PIE and a 15,000 word dissertation (Total of 180 credits).

The entry level will depend on your academic qualifications as well as professional experience. 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:

  • Autism (Children) which offers the option of studying by distance learning or on campus full-time or part-time
  • Autism Spectrum (Web autism) which is Distance Learning only.

There are also other programmes which incorporate modules on autism such as: 

  • Severe, Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities Distance Learning
  • Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties Distance Learning

Institutional Accreditation 

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

Autism (Adults)

Course Level:

Postgraduate and taught

Credits 

180

Course

CODE P1031

How long it takes:

MEd 3 years; PGDip 2 years; PGCert 1 year; BPhil 2 years; AdCert 1 year

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Course cost

Price: US$22,500

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

Year one

Autism Adults: Understanding and Working with the Continuum of Need (Core module)

Autism Adults: Intervention, Support and Education (Core module)

A Special Studies Module

 

What follows these modules in autism (adults)?

For those students studying at Level H for an Advanced Certificate in Education (Autism: Adults) if you have achieved good passes in your first two assignments, you can opt to progress on to the BPhil programme.

For those students studying at Level H for a BPhil (Autism: Adults) We recommend you do a double project module, which is an assignment of 6,000 words. This is an online module, available on CANVAS.  It concerns a reflection or evaluation on an aspect of your practice, the focus and title of which will be negotiated with your regional tutor. You will then write a dissertation of 10,000 words on a topic discussed with your regional tutor. You are given eight months to complete your dissertation. 

For those students studying at Level M for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Autism: Adults), if you have achieved good passes in your first two assignments, you can opt to progress on to the MEd/PGDip programme.

For those students studying at Level M for a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Autism: Adults) you can then choose two or three other subject modules from another programme of study at the University to complete the 6 module requirement for the Diploma.

For those students studying at Level M for a Masters degree in Autism, you can then choose one or two other subject modules from another programme of study at the University, plus the research module PIE, to complete the 6 module requirement for the MEd, before your dissertation. The research module (PIE) prepares you for your dissertation of 15,000 words on a topic discussed with your regional tutor.

Considering postgraduate study, but unsure whether you meet the entry requirements for a Masters-level degree? Postgraduate admissions guidelines vary by course and university, but can be quite flexible.

Your existing qualifications will be important, but you don’t necessarily need a great Bachelors degree to apply for a Masters. Your personal circumstances and experience may also be considered during the admissions process.

This guide explains the typical entry requirements for a Masters, which include:

      • An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject – Depending on the programme and institution, you may need a 2.1 in your Bachelors, but this isn’t always the case
      • Language proficiency – If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to display a certain ability level, usually through a language test
      • Professional experience – Some postgraduate programmes may require you to have some professional experience (this is usually the case for PGCEs and Masters in Social Work)
      • Entrance exams – These are only required in certain subject areas and qualifications, including some MBAs

Tuition fees for UK/EU students 2020/21

MSc:  Full-time £9,900. Part-time £4,950
Postgraduate Diploma:  Full-time £6,660. Part-time £3,300

   

Tuition fees for International students 2020/21

MSc: Full time £23,310
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time £15,540

Assessment

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

All of our Autism (Adults) courses fall under the umbrella of Continuing Professional Development. They are regarded as evidence of professional specialism for practitioners working in the field, in whatever sector. Anecdotally we know from feedback that many of our students gain promoted posts or other means of formal recognition as a direct result of their Autism (Adults) qualification.

 

Testimonies from Former Students

“As a result of taking the course I am to be manager of a new 6 bed home for people with learning disabilities and autism and my recommendations are being used in design and interior of the house.”

“My job role is to train staff to work with people on the autism spectrum. My studies have increased my own knowledge and understanding and impacted on the training I deliver.”

“The course has introduced me to a vast range of important information and opportunities to develop my professional role. I feel I have a greater knowledge of autism and an awareness of how much I don’t know! It’s been inspiring.”