PgCert Autism

Study Mode Part-time
Year of Entry 2025/26
Tutor with young boy

PgCert

Autism

Complete an in-depth exploration of theory and practice related to autism, across all ages, on a postgraduate certificate run in collaboration with the National Autistic Society.

Everything you need to know...

  • Pound sign

    What is the fee?

    Home: £3,540 for the course
    International/EU: £5,910 for the course

  • Time

    How long will I study?

    9 Months

  • Location

    Where will I study?

    London NCVO

  • Date

    When do I start?

    January 2026


Postgraduate open day

Come to an open day

Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.

Learn more

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.


Employability

100% of our graduates are in work or further study fifteen months after graduating, with 82% in highly skilled employment or further study (2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey).

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
Luke Beardon
Senior Lecturer

In 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 in London through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.


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

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.

Final year

Compulsory modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Autopia: Autism, Environment And Practice
Credits 30
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Critical Reflections On Autism
Credits 30
Assessment Coursework(100%)

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.

Students sat on a sofa

Postgraduate student loans

Up to £12,471 is available in 2024/25 for home students on most masters courses.

Learn more

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.

 

How do I apply?

You apply for this course via our online application form.

You can also use the application form above to apply for future years of entry.

Not ready to apply just yet?

Why not come to our next open day? Open days are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campuses and get all the information you need. Alternatively, feel free to ask us a question.

Come to an open day Ask a question

Why choose us?

A trophy icon

Teaching

We are Gold rated in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for the outstanding quality of our teaching and student outcomes

An office building icon

Facilities

Study at Sheffield Institute of Education (SIoE), one of the country's largest providers of teacher training

A trophy icon

Outstanding

We are rated Ofsted outstanding for all initial teacher training courses, across all age phases (March 2024).

Where next?

Find out more about Sheffield Hallam's postgraduate opportunities and community.

Two attendees wearing coats, speak to a member of staff at a stand within the University's atrium

Come to an open day

You can chat to teaching and admissions staff, view our facilities and learn more about your funding options.

Book now
A crowd of attendees browsing stalls in the Sheffield Hallam atrium during an open day

Sign up for updates

Receive emails about postgraduate study, including application reminders and alerts for open days.

Sign up
Three female and one male student sat together around a table drinking hot beverages in a cafe.

Information for international students

Information for international students including entry requirements by country and funding.

Learn more

Cancel event

Are you sure you want to cancel your place on Saturday 12 November?

Close