MEd (part-time) Autism
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September
- Study mode and duration: Minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years, part-time/part-time distance learning
Study with us
- suitable for those looking to pursue part-time study in this area
- this Masters-level course will enable you to understand complex cognitive and affective theories essential to supporting the autism profile
- translate theory into practice with a work placement
- receive input from internationally-respected autism experts
Why this course?
The MEd Autism is suitable for those looking to pursue part-time study in this area. It's ideal if you're seeking a qualification while working that will enhance your professional practice.
The course provides a critical understanding of the conceptual frameworks relevant to understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This Masters-level course will enable you to understand complex cognitive and affective theories essential to supporting the autism profile.
This knowledge will help 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 on 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:
- teachers
- medical & healthcare staff
- educational psychologists
- speech & language therapists
- residential, community care or social work staff
- voluntary sector personnel
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.
Interested in postgraduate study?
At the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, our friendly and knowledgeable team will be available to provide you with all the information you need to kick-start your postgraduate journey at the University of Strathclyde. Register for upcoming events below:
What you’ll study
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 one class per semester. On-campus classes involve attending three hours per week in the evening. In total each class should take 200 hours including self-study.
Distance learning classes 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, normally one per semester, each worth 20 credits – usually one optional class and two further compulsory classes including Research Methods & Reasoning, which is delivered entirely online via the University Virtual Learning Environment (My Place) during semester 1. This class provides the necessary basis for undertaking a Masters-level dissertation.
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 (worth 60 credits) in a subject area of your choice . We'll allocate a supervisor for one-to-one support while you carry out and report your dissertation. You can complete your final dissertation by distance learning. This provides the flexibility to complete your studies around work commitments.
Research projects
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.
Programme leader
Gillian McConnell is the course leader and advisor of studies.
Course content
Please note that the below is an indicative list of classes. These are subject to change.
Conceptual Frameworks in Autism
This class will introduce key conceptual frameworks in relation to understanding the impact of the spectrum of autism. Focus will be given to the uniquely differing social, emotional, sensory and cognitive profiles for those with an ASD. Understanding these conceptual frameworks will enable participants to reflect on how and why these influence and inform practice.
The Spectrum of Autism
You'll consider the issues that impact on practice when supporting individuals with an ASD with and without an additional intellectual or learning disability.
Responding to the Impact of Autism: Approaches and Interventions
Research Methods & Reasoning
This class provides support in developing a critical and informed understanding of research methods in relation to your own planned dissertation project. It also provides support in understanding research ethics and how they relate to your own research. It provides support in meeting the requirements of the ethical approval process.
Dissertation
This class represents the application of the skills and knowledge you've gained throughout your study. You'll carry out and report on a research project in an area relevant to your MEd study up to this point. This class will provide support for the planning, implementation and writing up of a research project in a professionally and academically relevant area.
Independent Study Module
Learning & teaching
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:
- access to a reliable computer with sufficient processing capability
- an excellent broadband connection
- the ability to run applications such as Adobe Connect, Adobe Reader, Flash Player, Java and Windows Media Player
Assessment
The course is assessed through written coursework that draws on academic study and reflection on practical experiences in education.
Guest lecturers
We work with leading autism professionals to provide expert input throughout the classes. Visiting lecturers include Dr Tommy MacKay who is a practising Educational Psychologist.
Facilities
The National Centre for Autism Studies
The centre has been responsible for a number of key policy and research outputs aimed at improving autism practice throughout Scotland. You’ll have access to these projects which include:
- A National Training Framework for Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Dunlop, A-W & MacKay, T. A. W. N. (2004)
- The Autism Toolbox: An Autism Resource for Scottish Schools, Dunlop, A-W., Tait, C., Leask, A.; Glashan, L., Robinson, A. & Marwick, H. (2009)
- Policy into Practice: Accreditation Project Report. A Collaborative Autism Education & Training Project Supporting the Development of ASD Accreditation Standards for Trainers and Developing personal accreditation routes for ASD training participants, Dunlop, A-W., Tait, C. & Robinson, A. (2009)
Entry requirements
| MEd | Undergraduate Honours degree in a related discipline, or equivalent qualification, and direct experience of living or working with autistic people. Experience is essential as students must demonstrate theory to practice links. |
|---|---|
| English language requirements | Please check the University's English requirements before making your application. |
Chat to a student ambassador
If you want to know more about what it’s like to be a Humanities & Social Sciences student at the University of Strathclyde, a selection of our current students are here to help!
Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.
Chat to a student ambassadorFees & funding
All fees quoted are per 20 credit module unless stated otherwise.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.
| Scotland | £861 |
|---|---|
| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £861 |
| International | £1,861 |
| Additional costs | PVG scheme (Protection of Vulnerable Groups)£59 membership fee. International studentsInternational students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
| Available scholarships | Tuition fee reduction of 25% for NHS employeesThe Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences is offering a fee reduction of up to 25% to employees of NHS partner agencies. Find out more about the 25% tuition fee reduction for NHS employees. Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my course?
Scottish postgraduate students
Scottish postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from England
Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Wales
Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Northern Ireland
Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
International students
We've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Applicants should contact their Local Authority to enquire about potential funding opportunities.
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Apply
Start date: Sep 2023
Autism (distance learning)
Contact us
Prospective student enquiries
Contact a member of our team on LiveChat between 10am and 4pm (GMT)
Telephone: +44 (0) 141 444 8600
Looking to study full-time?
Our MSc Autism is suitable for students looking to pursue full-time study in this area. The full-time version of the programme is open to international students.