PGCert Autism Spectrum Conditions and Learning
Course summary
The 2015 Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice (DfE/DoH) specifies that all teachers must be seen as teachers of pupils with SEN and take responsibility for the progress of all learners in their class.
With an estimated 1.1 per cent of the population diagnosed with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) and an increased focus on inclusion, this course allows you to develop your knowledge and understanding of pupils with ASC.
This is a new and innovative postgraduate course that will enable you to study and research current, relevant issues concerning autism spectrum conditions and to develop knowledge of inclusive pedagogy and practice.
It is suitable for teachers and allied professionals working within educational settings who wish to deepen and extend their knowledge of ASC and inclusion.
This course will help you to develop the skills to reflect critically on your own practice and current research. It will enable you to contribute to school development and strategic vision concerning ASC.
Return to campus: dual delivery
In a Covid-secure environment, enjoy learning on our state-of-the-art campuses and flex between online delivery
Find out moreASC
theory and research
The course aligns theory and research about autism spectrum conditions (ASC) with current ideas about best practice. It allows you to develop detailed knowledge and understanding of ASC, and explore the implications of ASC for teaching and learning
Collaborative learning
The course focuses on collaborative learning. You will address current issues and problems through the strength of collective knowledge, experience and expertise. A real strength of the course is the diverse student body. People come to it with a range of expertise and experience, enriching the learning for all participants.
SEN
practitioners
Our staff are practitioners in the field of SEN, with many years of experience of working with children and young people with autism spectrum conditions. They bring a wealth of practical experience and knowledge of the most current research to the course.
What we're researching
Dr Wayne Tennent, who teaches on the MA Education course, is an expert in reading comprehension, having written two books on the subject and led numerous projects in schools which have demonstrated impact on pupil achievement in this area. He works extensively with the United Kingdom Literacy Association.
The research of Nicole Whitelaw and Julie Gariazzo, is in the area of autism.
John Macklin, leader of the MA Leadership in Education, carries out research into leadership in schools in relation to complexity theory. Warren Kidd, PGCert Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Course Leader, researches in the area of teacher identity and has published extensively in the area of sociology and teaching and learning.
Our Professional Doctorate (EdD) course draws on the input of researchers from across the School of Education and Communities. It is led by Professor Gerry Czerniawski, who has published extensively in the areas of teaching and learning, teacher and teacher educator identity, continuing professional development (CPD) and pupil voice.
A founder member of the International Forum for Teacher Educator Development (InFoTED), he serves on the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Council and is chair of BERA's British Curriculum Forum. Gerry is a National Teaching Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Making a difference
UEL is one of the UK’s leading modern research universities. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 17 per cent of our overall research submission was classified as ‘world-leading’ for its quality and impact – almost double our previous REF score. A further 45 per cent of our work was considered ‘internationally excellent’.
What you'll learn
The two modules you will study cover theories of inclusion, how to make inclusion work for pupils with ASC, current research into causes of ASC, how children and young people with ASC experience the world, and the impact of this on education.
You will also explore a range of strategies to support learning and consider best practice.
Throughout the course, you will be helped to develop a critical understanding of theory alongside the practical knowledge you will gain.
You will be encouraged to make links between theory and your own practice, and become a reflective practitioner who is able to think proactively and strategically about provision for pupils with special and additional learning needs.
What you'll study and when
We consistently review and develop our courses and modules to ensure they are up-to-date with sector and industry graduate skills demands. Course structure, modules and options are subject to change.
- Critical Approaches to Inclusive Education (Mental Wealth) (core)
- Autism Spectrum Conditions and Educational Approaches (core)
How you'll be assessed
Due to the practical nature of the programme there are no examinations. The Postgraduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Conditions and Learning is assessed by coursework.
Each module assessment will typically be a single submission portfolio of 5,000 words or equivalent.
Assessment tasks will involve critical reflection, professional work-based tasks and critical engagement with research and current thinking in ASC.
Course specificationYour future career
This course will help you develop a range of transferrable skills that are desirable in a wide range of careers.
These skills include knowledge of theories, legislation, policy and practice, computer literacy, planning and time management and written communication.
It will also demonstrate your ability to design and carry out small-scale research and to engage in critical thinking.
The skills and knowledge developed on this course will allow those working in teaching to gain expertise in the increasingly sought after area of special needs.
However, this course could also support your career in areas such as therapy, support work, social work, educational psychology and work with adults with additional needs.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal
