Master of Autism Studies
Work with families living with autism. Equip yourself for leadership roles in education, health, policy, social work or service provision for people with autism and their families.
About the Course
This degree, offered by the Autism Centre of Excellence, has a multidisciplinary, whole of life focus. In the Masters, you will build on this knowledge and learn about critical issues in autism such as diagnosis, early intervention, mental health, communication and the importance of identifying strengths and challenges. You will gain comprehensive understanding and skills in research and practice for individuals with autism, that will enable you to work effectively with learners with autism and their families at home, in school, at work and in the community.
The Master of Autism Studies is a pathway to becoming a Developmental Educator. Developmental Educators are NDIS approved professionals who support individuals on the autism spectrum, those with other disabilities, and their families to achieve their individual developmental, social and learning goals.
This degree also addresses an area of acute need as determined by the Australian Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Queensland Department of Education and Training, and the Queensland Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services.
Course Entry Requirements
To be eligible for entry to this Masters program, applicants must have the following:
- Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies with a minimum GPA of 4.5 (using a 7.0 scale)
- OR a Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies (or equivalent).
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:
- A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
- OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
- OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
- OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
- OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
- OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.
English test results must be no more than two years old.
International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.
Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:
- Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
- Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
- Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.
Course Structure
Recommended study pattern
All of the eight Autism Studies courses are delivered primarily online. Online lectures are recorded for students who are not able to participate at the designated time. All of the Autism Studies core courses will involve an intensive session delivered in one intensive workshop for one day during the length of the course. Attendance in these sessions is strongly recommended but not required as videos of the sessions will be available online for students who are unable to attend.
As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:
- Autism across the lifespan
- Diagnosis and early intervention
- Understanding Research
- Quantitative Research in Education
Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.
Award requirements
To be eligible for the award of Master of Autism Studies (MAutismSt), a student must acquire 80 credit points as specified in the course lists.
This degree may be awarded with Distinction where a student achieves a minimum program GPA of 6.5 with no failed courses. The words 'This award was achieved with Distinction' will be recorded on the testamur.
Graduates of a Master of Autism Studies will develop and demonstrate a comprehensive and specialised understanding of:
- the body of knowledge that includes recent developments related to evidence-informed practice
- knowledge of research methods to evaluate programs and interventions in relation to specific outcomes for individuals with ASD.
