Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £3,540 for the course
International/EU: £5,910 for the course -
How long will I study?
9 Months
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
September 2025
Course summary
- Develop a critical understanding of what autism is and isn’t.
- Gain insights by exploring lived autistic experiences.
- Understand the unique needs of autistic individuals.
- Explore an autism-affirming framework, outside of a medicalised model.
- Learn how specific sensory differences shape autistic experiences.
This course is designed for anyone connected to autism, whether you’re autistic (formally diagnosed or not), a parent, carer, family member, or a professional working with autistic individuals of any age. We’ll deep dive into autism from a neuro-affirming perspective, informed by global autistic communities. You can either start in October, learning online – or in January, with a blend of online and in-person learning at Manchester’s King’s House Conference Centre.
How you learn
At Sheffield Hallam, all our courses are designed to engage you with the world and challenge you to think in new ways. You’ll get to collaborate with others, and you’ll be taught in a supportive environment where you can thrive.
On this course our teaching methods are rooted in applied learning. Whether online or in-person, you’ll take part in problem-based learning, group discussions and collaborative projects – all designed to challenge your thinking and enhance your understanding of autism. You’ll be taught by academics with specialist knowledge and expertise in autism, joining a wider learning community with other students.
We strive to make the course as inclusive and accessible as possible. If you think you’ll have difficulty attending the January in-person route – or if you have any concerns – please contact the Course Leader. Or find out more about course timings on the National Autistic Society website.
You learn through:
- face-to-face or online teaching
- online support
- individual supervisions
- guest lecturers and Autism Centre staff
- self-directed learning
Key themes
The course explores the lived experiences of autistic people through a critical lens, engaging with both theory and practice. We’ll examine various aspects of autism practice, encouraging you to reflect on your own position – and to identify best practices.
You’ll have the chance to drive positive change, supported by lectures from autistic adults and a curriculum that spans topics relevant to all age groups. You’ll critically reflect on professional practice, guided by tutors who are actively involved in research and have strong connections with the autistic community.
Learning is flexible and personalised, with the first module delivered over one trimester. Assessment is designed to align with your strengths, offering a single task per module and multiple opportunities for formative feedback. This helps you to continually improve – applying feedback to future modules while building your academic skill set.
Course support
- You’ll be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate-level employment through a number of key areas. These include:
- Access to three student support advisers to help with your personal, academic and career development
- Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments
- Access to an autism-friendly learning environment, supported by lecturers with specialist expertise in autism, ensuring inclusivity and understanding
- Flexible attendance, assessments and deadlines tailored for students with learning contracts
Course leaders and tutors
Luke Beardon
Senior LecturerIn his post as Senior Lecturer in autism Luke runs various courses at different academic levels in autism, including a Masters qualification, while continuing to res … Read more
Applied learning
This course connects you with a diverse range of professionals, both within and outside the field of autism. You'll collaborate with local, national and international partners, gaining insights into how autism is approached across various disciplines.
Networking opportunities
The postgraduate certificate in autism is a successful collaboration between Sheffield Hallam University and the National Autistic Society. You’ll be able to connect with the wider autistic community, sharing experiences and building connections with peers and professionals who understand the unique perspectives within the community. These interactions will enhance your personal growth and contribute to your professional development and career prospects.
Future careers
This course supports and furthers your career in:
- working with autistic children
- working with autistic adults
- supporting autistic employees
- engaging with autistic students in further and higher education
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to:
- complete a Masters in Autism
- complete a Doctorate in Education
- complete an autism-related PhD
Others have gone on to work in:
- special schools
- higher education disability support
- counselling services
- speech and language therapy
- autism-related charities
- health positions (e.g. nursing)
- local government (e.g. autism strategy)
- mainstream education (all ages)
- secure hospitals
Where will I study?
You study this course online from any location
Equipment and facilities
While the October course is 100% online, venues for the January in-person course are chosen carefully – with approval required from the Course Leader, who has expertise in the sensory needs of the diverse range of students who access the course in person.
We liaise closely with the venue on a cohort-by-cohort basis to make sure your individual needs are met as far as possible, including access to quiet breakout spaces. We encourage you to visit the venue to identify any specific needs that can be addressed before the course starts.
Entry requirements
All students
You need a degree or equivalent. Applicants will also be considered based on relevant experience. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more
If English is not your first language you normally need an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with 6.5 in reading and 6.5 in writing.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
Final year
Compulsory modules
Autopia: Autism, Environment And Practice
Critical Reflections On Autism
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting part-time study in 2025/26 is £3,540 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
This course is not eligible for full-time Student visa sponsorship. Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting part-time study in 2025/26 is £5,910 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £12,471 is available in 2024/25 for home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Institute of Education (PDF, 255.8KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
