Graduate Diploma and MA in Autism Studies
Advanced postgraduate programmes in autism studies with teaching placements and research opportunities.
Best for:Best for professionals with a background in autism studies seeking advanced qualifications to enhance their expertise in education, intervention, and research.
Overview
These programmes at Mary Immaculate College offer specialised postgraduate education in autism studies, combining theoretical and practical modules. The Graduate Diploma in Autism Studies (GDAS) builds on prior learning, while the MA in Autism Studies (MAAS) is designed for graduates of both the Graduate Certificate and Diploma programmes. Both programmes include modules on psychological, philosophical, and sociological perspectives of autism, teaching strategies, curriculum planning, and assessment. A substantial teaching placement is a key component, ensuring hands-on experience in applied settings. Applicants must demonstrate prior qualifications and expertise in autism studies, with additional flexibility for prior learning assessment.
What you'll do
- Study theoretical and practical aspects of autism studies, including psychological, philosophical, and sociological perspectives.
- Develop and implement teaching strategies tailored to neurodiverse learners.
- Engage in curriculum planning and assessment for autism-specific educational settings.
- Complete a substantial teaching placement to gain hands-on experience in applied autism education.
- Conduct research or write a dissertation (for MA programme) on a relevant topic in autism studies.
- Collaborate with educators, professionals, and peers to enhance understanding and practice in autism education.
Requirements
Degree required: A Bachelor’s Degree at Level 8 in any discipline AND a postgraduate qualification in Autism Studies (or a relevant postgraduate qualification) with a minimum of 30 ECTS credits and a minimum award aligning to a 2.2 classification.
Degree offered: Graduate Diploma in Autism Studies (GDAS) or Master of Arts (MA) in Autism Studies (MAAS)
Language: English proficiency as per university guidelines (check [English Language Requirements](https://www.mic.ul.ie/international/study-in-ireland/essential-information/english-language-requirements)).
Instruction: English
- Prior completion of the Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies (GCAS) for GDAS applicants.
- Minimum 2.2 award in the GCAS programme for GDAS eligibility.
- Minimum 2.1 award in GDAS for direct entry into the MAAS programme.
- Ability to demonstrate comparable expertise and training for applicants without prior GCAS completion.
- Applicants must have a Bachelor’s Degree at Level 8 in any discipline.
- Postgraduate qualification in Autism Studies or a relevant field with a minimum of 30 ECTS credits.
- Minimum award classification of 2.2 for GDAS eligibility, 2.1 for MAAS eligibility.
- Flexibility for prior learning assessment for applicants without GCAS completion.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
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- Intake
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- Duration
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- Teaching language
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- Taught / research mode
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- Prerequisites
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- Tuition
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How to apply
Deadline: 2026-05-29 (Graduate Diploma in Adult & Further Education) / 2026-07-24 (MA in Adult & Further Education) (Europe/Dublin)
Applicants must apply through the official university application portal. Ensure all required documents are submitted by the specified deadlines. For GDAS, the deadline is 4pm on 29 May 2026. For MAAS, the deadline is 4pm on 24 July 2026. Additional information and application links are available on the university’s programme page.
- CV or resume
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s Degree and postgraduate qualification)
- Proof of prior learning or portfolio (if applicable)
- Interview (for prior learning assessment)
- Letter of intent or statement of purpose
Contact
Admissions Office· Programme Admissions
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