Everything you need to know...
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How long will I study?
1 Year
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
October 2025
June 2026
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Course summary
- Develop an in-depth knowledge of what autism is and issues across age ranges.
- Gain insight into the lived experiences of autistic individuals and understanding of their support needs.
- Explore specific cognitive differences as well as sensory perceptual profiles and experiences in autism and Asperger Syndrome.
Suitable for you if you are autistic or have an Asperger Syndrome identification, are a parent/carer or are a professional who works with autistic individuals (of any age). This course covers a range of theories and relates them to the lived experiences of autistic children and adults.
How you learn
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
This course is delivered in Manchester (starting in June) or online (starting in October).
You are provided with an in depth exploration of the main autism theories, with alternative perspectives identified with supporting rationale. The course is deeply embedded in an inclusive model, and embraces the social model of disability. As such, the notions of inclusion, models of disability, and what it means to be autistic in the modern age are all explored within the course.
You learn through one or more of the following:
- face-to-face teaching
- online support
- individual supervisions
- self-directed learning
You are provided with an in depth exploration of the main autism theories, with alternative perspectives identified with supporting rationale. The course is deeply embedded in an inclusive model, and embraces the social model of disability. As such, the notions of inclusion, models of disability, and what it means to be autistic in the modern age are all explored within the course.
You learn through
- face-to-face teaching
- online support
- individual supervisions
- self-directed learning
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
Applied learning is the ethos at the heart of all Sheffield Hallam courses, meaning that you are given the opportunity to put your study into practice.
You'll be taught by professionals who are active in their field - so you'll get cutting edge, industry focused knowledge of your subject. You'll gain real-world skills through placements, workshops and live projects, often getting the opportunity to work with big global brands.
Work experience is also embedded into every year of the course, so you polish your workplace skills alongside building a solid knowledge of your subject. Applied learning means that when you do start work, you can dive in and make things happen.
Future careers
This course supports students interested 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
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
There is an in-person cohort in London in June and an online cohort in October.
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
This course is not open to international students who require a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK. If you are an international applicant but do not require a Tier 4 (General) student visa, email our Admissions Team to find out whether you’re eligible to apply.
Modules studied may differ depending on when you start your course.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Modules studied may differ depending on when you start your course.
Final year
Compulsory modules
Autism In Practice
Critical Reflections On Autism
Fees and funding
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £11,222 available for Home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
