MSc Autism
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September
- Application deadline: August
- Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time
Study with us
- 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
- suitable for anyone looking to pursue full-time study in this area
- open to international students
Why this course?
The MSc 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.
Thinking about postgraduate study?
Join our next online drop-in on Wednesday 3 June from 10am to 12pm.
Find out more about our drop-in sessionWhat you’ll study
You'll take four compulsory classes and two optional classes and then complete dissertation. You'll be allocated a dissertation supervisor who will support your studies.
You can complete your final dissertation by distance learning. This allows international students to complete their studies in their home country, potentially reducing the financial cost and time away from your family.
Research project
You’ll carry out a research dissertation in a subject area of your choice. We'll allocate a supervisor for one-to-one support whilst you carry out and report your dissertation. We endeavour to match you with the best fit for your area of specialism.
Placement
Our students benefit from a supportive educational practice placement based within our partner schools across North Lanarkshire. Those potential students wishing to apply who don't possess the required autism practice experience can do so but must attend a compulsory placement and complete an additional reflective practice journal.
Please read our important information about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. This is for all applicants applying for courses which involve placement opportunities (working with children or vulnerable adults).
Programme leader
Dr Anna Robinson joined the University in 2013 and is a Chartered Psychologist and a member of the Counselling Psychology Division.
Learning & teaching
The course is taught through a range of student and staff-led research seminars that you’ll participate in.
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 Professor Tommy MacKay who is a practising Educational Psychologist. In addition, Dr Mike McCreadie has a visiting role. He is Consultant Clinical Director of Studio III and Lead ATLASS Trainer and his area of specialism is stress management in Autism.
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)
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
Emotional Wellbeing
Experiential Placement
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.
Becoming an Autism Trainer
This class is concerned with both theoretical and practical issues of understanding the importance of raising standards in ASD training and the impact this can have for the individual with ASD, their carers and the service provider.
Counselling Skills in Autism
Independent Study Module
Entry requirements
| Academic requirements / experience | A good Bachelor (Honours) degree in a related discipline and direct experience of living or working with individuals on the autism spectrum. Experience is essential as students must demonstrate theory-to-practice links. There's the potential for accreditation of prior experience. To discuss this route please contact Postgraduate Enquiries. Applicants must complete a statement as part of their application detailing their experience of working and/or living with people with ASD. |
|---|---|
| English language requirements | You're required to have a suitable minimum level of competency in the English language if your first language is not English or if you have not been educated wholly or mainly in the medium of English. For postgraduate studies, the University of Strathclyde requires a minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5 (with no score below 6.0) or equivalent. Tests are valid for two years. Pre-sessional courses in English are available. If you’re a national of an English-speaking country recognised by UK Visa and Immigrations (please check most up-to-date list on the Home Office website) or you have successfully completed an academic qualification (at least equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree) in any of these countries, then you do not need to present any additional evidence. If you are from a country not recognised as an English-speaking country by the United Kingdom Visa and Immigration (UKVI), please check the University's English requirements before making your application. |
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Visit our international students' section
Fees & funding
2020/21
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
| Scotland/EU | £6,800 |
|---|---|
| Rest of UK | £6,800 |
| International | £15,300 |
| Available scholarships | 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 and non-UK EU postgraduate students
Scottish and non-UK EU 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.
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Alumni Discount
10% tuition fee discount is offered to all Strathclyde alumni completing a full-time postgraduate taught course in the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences.
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Autism
Qualification: MSc
Start Date: Sep 2020
Mode of Delivery: full-time
Contact us
Postgraduate Enquiries
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak our team are working from home and can be contacted by email: hass-pg-enquiries@strath.ac.uk.
Looking to study part-time?
Our MEd Autism is suitable for those looking to pursue part-time study in this area. It's ideal if you'reseeking a qualification while working that will enhance your professional practice.