Course Summary

Discover more about the lives of children, young people and adults with an Autism Spectrum Condition and how best to manage their learning differences in positive ways.

By the end of this course, you will have engaged with policy and practice and demonstrated informed perspectives about Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) in educational settings. You will have developed key knowledge, understanding and skills around theoretical ideas and frameworks for supporting and managing those with ASC in different contexts.

You will study all aspects of ASC, particularly as it relates to educational context, and gain an in-depth perspective of autism theory, research and practice.

You will have opportunities to explore and discuss current educational developments in relation to the needs of children, young people and adults with ASC, which will help you to develop your existing professional practice.

We will encourage you to develop knowledge and skills which will enable you to reflect critically on current practice. You will also make informed assessments of the implications of research both nationally and internationally on professional practice.


What you'llStudy

Key knowledge areas are a firm grasp of autism as a condition and a systematic knowledge of the core areas of difference. In addition, you will gain an understanding of the ways in which autism affects individuals in terms of their education, their support needs and the wider community.

Module content:

  1. Examining the history and clinical epistemology of Autism Spectrum Condition
  2. Critically engaging with the current and psychological, sociological, neurological and clinical theories including recent changes in diagnostic criteria and their relationship to education
  3. Considering the implications of the research
  4. Making informed assessment of the implications of research on professional practice

 


Module aims:

  1. Deepen knowledge and understanding of Autistic Spectrum Condition.
  2. Investigate research which explores the most current neurological, psychological, and clinical research.

Module content:

  1. Exploring the impact child-centred approaches have had upon the teaching and learning of autistic individuals
  2. Evaluating  the usefulness of alternative approaches
  3. Considering issues for socio–cognition communication and language
  4. Evaluating a range of strategies including the use of social stories in supporting classroom routine and change
  5. Evaluate your own practice

Module aims:

 

  1. Develop specialist skills in working with and teaching autistic children and young people.
  2. Evaluate strategies for improving opportunities for social engagement and learning for autistic children and young people.

Module content:

  1. Examining the wider issues of Autism in educational and social settings
  2. Considering the sensory differences of those with Autism
  3. Considering the effects of emotion, stress and anxiety and their response.

Module aims:

  1. To analyse research relevant to facilitating a wider understanding of Autism, the world as they see it and their response to it.
  2. To explore, understand and critically evaluate the range of issues which need to be considered when supporting autistic pupils in schools and the wider society.
  3. To investigate the scientific evidence surrounding the sensory differences of those with Autism and explore the link between behaviour and anxiety.

Module content:

1. An exploration of the theories of emotional development.

2. A consideration of how early attachment and separation impact on personality development.

3. Understanding how attachment theory informs professionals understanding of the behaviour of children, young people and adults.

4. An evaluation of the research about the impact of childhood trauma and neglect and how such early experiences impact on thinking and behaviour.

5. A critique of new research about how a brain develops through relational experience. 

6. A re-conceptualisation of the received understanding of challenging behaviour


Module aims:

1. To critically explore how early parenting experiences and familial relationships impact on personality development.

2. To understand and reflect on how attachment relationships impact on learning and behaviour in children, young people and adults.

3. To examine how early life experiences influence brain development and consider how this may impact on thinking, learning and behaviour.

4. To critically explore and reflect on the impact of trauma and neglect on learning, behaviour and development in children, young people and adults.

Module content:

1. The past, the present and patterns of specialist educational provision; contexts, definitions and terminologies within the context of 'complex behaviour' - understanding the historical context.

2. Child development and dysregulation; origins, causes and allegiances, barriers to learning, strategies and interventions including analysis and understanding of Autism, Attachment, Developmental Trauma and Mental Health difficulties.

3. Challenges and opportunities, conceptions and misconceptions of 'complex behaviour' asking the right questions and understanding environmental factors and external influences with regard to Autism, Attachment, Developmental Trauma and Mental Health difficulties.

4. Evaluation of educational provision for those with 'complex behaviour' through whole school provision, interventions, positive well-being and mental health strategies and co-production (working with parents and carers).

5. Exploring theory underpinning specialist intervention strategies within education, social care and the wider community.

6. Well-being, mental health and the individual child, developing partnerships with a specific focus on ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and trauma informed practice.


Module aims:

1. To increase knowledge and understanding with regard to evolving perspectives of 'complex behaviour' and to critically consider what questions should we ask and what strategies we should implement.

2. Re-conceptualise received understandings of behaviour, emotional, and social difficulties for the 21st Century; exploring dysregulation, Autism, ACES and trauma through a critical lens.

3. To analyse and critically evaluate teachers’ knowledge, perceptions, and the integrity of interventions and consider external factors of influence and support.

Module content:

1. Exploiting previous knowledge of research methods and enquiry.

2. Creating a research plan and timeline.

3. Locating and contextualising the research within the literature.

4. Undertaking research in accordance with ethical guidelines including the submission of the Research Ethics Application Form.

5. Using an appropriate methodology.

6. Collecting evaluating and interpreting data.

7. Responding to changes in research intentions and outcomes.

8. Writing up the research.


Module aims:

1. To undertake a substantial empirical enquiry in a professional setting.

2. To critically reflect on the individual experience of carrying out research.

3. To link research to the possibilities for change in a professional context.

Module content:

  1. Definitions, theories and hypotheses regarding the root causes of different behaviour including considerations of Autism, Attachment, Trauma and Mental Health.
  2. Contexts, definitions and terminologies regarding behaviour and legal requirements.
  3. Critical evaluation of strategies, interventions, assessment and data collection techniques
  4. Legal implications of strategies and interventions in context.
  5. Training and professional development enhancement strategies
  6. Key strategies to enhance and manage multi-disciplinary and professional teams
  7. Challenges and opportunities for future practice

Module aims:

  1. To evaluate and critically reflect upon de-escalation strategies and interventions in professional contexts
  2. To analyse the factors that impact on mentoring and coaching techniques when supporting a team
  3. To identify and evaluate assessment and data collection techniques when supporting social, emotional, mental health intervention strategies.

Module content:

1. A deconstruction of pervasive trauma viewed from a range of professional perspectives

2 An examination of how pervasive trauma impacts the brain and how this manifests in perception and behaviour

3. A conceptualisation of Trauma Informed Practice taking into account current educational systems and practices

4. An exploration of participants case study evidence in their professional practice


Module aims:

1. To conceptualise pervasive trauma in childhood using medical and social model perspectives. 

2.  To understand and critically reflect on how childhood trauma has a lifelong impact on the brain in terms of how atypical perception develops and how this manifests in behaviour

3. To explore and critique Trauma Informed Practice from objective and subjective perspectives

4. To develop an in-depth understanding of how Trauma Informed Practice can contribute to improved life outcomes for children, young people and adults

Module content:

1. An exploration of the theories of resilience.

2. A consideration of the relationship between resilience and mental health.

3. A critique of new research about models of resilience.

4. Understanding how an improved knowledge of mental health informs professionals’ understanding of the behaviour of children, young people and adults.

5. An evaluation of the research about the impact of adverse childhood experiences and how such early experiences impact on resilience, mental health, behaviour and life outcomes for children, young people and adults.

6. A re-conceptualisation of the received understanding of challenging behaviour resulting from poor mental health. 


Module aims:

1. To explore and critically reflect on how life experiences and relationships impact on mental health and resilience.

2. To understand and reflect on how mental health impacts on learning and behaviour.

3. To critically examine how childhood mental health impacts on brain development and consider how this may impact on thinking, learning and behaviour. 

PG Cert Autism Spectrum Condition - University of Chester

PG Cert Autism Spectrum Condition - University of Chester

Who you'll Learn from

Tracey Patterson

Programme Leader MA SEND, MA Autism, NASENCo, HLTA
Tracey Patterson

How you'll Learn

There may also be an opportunity for a short placement in a specialist school for those with ASC. 

Beyond the Classroom

A short, work based learning placement may be possible.

Entry Requirements

2:2 honours degree

This course is open to both graduates and non-graduates who can demonstrate professional experience, although applicants will normally be graduates with a 2:2 honours degree or above. Non-graduates will be invited for interview.

Applicants will normally be working in, or aspiring to, a role in an SEN context or, wishing to acquire specialist knowledge and skills.

2:2 honours degree

This course is open to both graduates and non-graduates who can demonstrate professional experience, although applicants will normally be graduates with a 2:2 honours degree or above. Non-graduates will be invited for interview.

Applicants will normally be working in, or aspiring to, a role in an SEN context or, wishing to acquire specialist knowledge and skills.

English Language Requirements

For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50.

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Where you'll Study Wheeler, Chester

Fees and Funding

  • MA: £8,505 per year (2024/25)
  • PGDip: £8,505 per year (2024/25)
  • PGCert: £2,835 per year (2024/25)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses in the academic year 2024/25 are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page.

£14,750 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £14,750.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects 

Holders of the qualification will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for supporting and advising on the management of those with ASC within educational and other settings requiring the exercise of initiative and responsibility and decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations. They will work from a value system that respects individual differences in children and young people and has an empathetic understanding of family and cultural diversity.

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.