The Autism Studies MA provides the academic background necessary for good practice both with autistic individuals and organisations that provide or arrange support.

Our programme is designed for graduates and practitioners, giving you the confidence to apply an advanced level of knowledge to many real-life situations. Gain a specialist, vocational qualification that will develop your career in the field of intellectual disabilities and autism.

Programme aims

This programme aims to:

• provide you with a detailed knowledge of autism and other developmental disabilities
• provide you with experience of conducting research or intervention in the field of autism (PDip/MA only).

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You will gain knowledge and understanding of:

• the characteristics, diagnosis and epidemiology of autism
• cognitive, communicative and social characteristics of people with intellectual disabilities
• biological, social and environmental causes of autism
• behaviour analysis

Careers

Our postgraduate courses improve employability prospects for both those with established careers and new entrants to the field. Many of our students already work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in professional, management or supporting capacities.

Our programmes support their continuing professional development and enhance their opportunities for career advancement. Other students, who are at the beginning of their careers, move on to a range of professional roles in health and social care including working as psychologists in learning disability or behavioural specialists in community learning disability teams; service management of development roles; clinical psychology training or a PhD.

Career destinations include working as a clinical specialist, special needs advisor, autism teacher and ABA tutor for various health and special needs organisations such as the Step by Step School, Special Help 4 Special Needs and WA Health.