Course structure and start dates
- Can you start the degree during the spring semester? Yes, both degrees are available to commence in Spring and Autumn semesters.
- How long has this been offered at UOW? The program began in 2017 and has been developed since then.
- Can you enrol in the master's degree but exit at a graduate certificate? Yes. The graduate certificate is four subjects; some students have exited early due to circumstances and obtained this qualification.
- Do you anticipate the course will continue to evolve since it has changed since 2017? Yes. Every semester we update and introduce current research and develop subjects further.
- What is the timetable, and when do I need to attend in real time to organise study around work? Our lectures and tutorials are scheduled weekly, online via Zoom. Students can select a tutorial option, and we try and schedule a few sessions to support students who are working or have families.
- In the graduate certificate, how many subjects can you do per semester? You can do as many subjects as you are comfortable with. There are four subjects to complete in the graduate certicifate. If you can only complete one per semester, that is fine.
- Are there prerequisite subjects for the core subjects? Can you take them in any order? It is best to take them in the order we suggest. We build on knowledge as we move through the program.
- Is there a work placement component in the graduate certificate? No, but students will undertake embedded work integrated learning (WIL) with activities that simulate professional practice.
- How many hours per subject are expected? Each subject has one hour of live lectures, one hour tutorial and one hour of asynchronous lectures a week. All are online. Then there are additional hours to complete your assessments.
- What are the placement requirements for the master’s? Students must undertake the Inclusive Practice and Specialist Educators (EDGS901) subject while they complete their practice.
- How long is the master’s placement? The placement is currently 20 days or 145 hours
- Can we choose where we complete the placement? Yes, you can. We will need to approve it, as there are restrictions.
- Where do we have to get professional experience for the course? We will guide you on what type of organisation to look for - and then suggest who to contact.
- Can we do one subject at a time? Yes, you can.
- Are the synchronous lectures and tutorials on specific days? Yes, you will need to check the timetable once you are enrolled in the subjects.
- How long will the Zoom session go for? One hour.
- What date does the master's start in July? 28 July, 2025.
- Can the professional placement be done over more than 20 days to meet the hours required due to physical disability? You need to complete 150 hours in total. If you need to complete the placement in a different format, as long as the hours are completed.
Applications, fees and entry requirements
- How long do applications for this course (master's) usually take to be processed? There is no specific turnaround time. It depends on the application and when you apply. It doesn't take too long.
- Is the government subsidised support rolling over into 2026? We currently have no confirmation that CSPs will continue in 2026. This decision will be made in October/November.
- Is there a capped number of Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) available? Yes.
- Do I need to do a full-time load to receive the Commonwealth supported place? No. CSPs are attached to degrees, not course duration.
- Can I still apply for the Spring intake for 2025? Applications are open.
- If I enrol in July for master's, does the CSP apply in 2026 even if the government takes it away? Yes.
- If you want to start in 2026, should you apply now or later? Apply any time however the sooner you apply the sooner you will receive your offer.
- Can I set up a payment plan to pay? If you are eligible, you can use HECS/HELP Loan for your fees.
- How long can you defer subjects for? One year.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL / RPL)
- Do you have to go through CPL if entering the master's with a graduate certificate from Griffith? You would still need to apply, and we would likely give you credit for the program at Griffith - we know it well.
- How do I go about applying for CPL? Would I apply for the course first and then do this process? You will be given the option to request credit for prior learning in your admissions application.
- Can I get insight on the CPL questions before deciding whether to apply? Yes, please email Amanda.
- If I’ve done a Graduate Certificate in Autism, can I apply for CPL for all four subjects I’ve learned? It will depend on where you completed the graduate certificate.
- I’m a master's-qualified teacher—can I get any RPL for the subjects (no placement as I am mainstream experienced)? Generally, only for an elective subject. This is not a teaching specific program.
- If you have several children with autism and ID and have been advocating for them for years, could this lived experience be RPL? Yes, we count that as lived experience but perhaps not CPL.
- What is CPL? Credit for Prior Learning - credit for any previous completed study or relevant work experience related to the subjects covered in your chosen course.
- Who do I contact for what—Amanda or Lucy? Contact Amanda for information on the program. Contact Lucy for information about fees and university procedures. If you need help enrolling, you can contact our Future Students team on tel: 1300 367 869
Academic support and assessments
- Are there any exams in this course? No exams, just assignments.
- What is the workload like per subject? Each subject has one hour of live lectures, one hour tutorial and one hour of on-demand lectures a week. All are online. Then there are additional hours to complete your assessments.
- What do “very practical” assessments look like? We don't focus on just essay writing. We provide assessments that give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge. It may be a report, collecting and analysing data, or other pieces of work.
- Does the university have a student support department for assistance with study/assignment writing? From peer learning coaches to learning skills advisors, all students have free access to all the support services they need to help support learning and well-being. We have great support at the library that can work with students who need additional guidance. If you have extra needs and a diagnosis, we do have an inclusion accessibility office you can register with them for extra support.
- Is the graduate certificate attainable for people who haven't studied at that level previously? Yes – we provide all the support you need and there are normally only three assignments per subject. Two are written and one is a weekly quiz.
- Is there closed captioning available? We try to do this in all our lectures.
Research and PhD pathway
- Is the research subject sufficient for entry to a PhD later, if desired? Yes, there is a research subject in the master's program which will equip you for further study.
- Can you please provide info on the research subject in the Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies? Which unit is this? Foundation research subject – introductory knowledge to research and what comprises research. There is also a literature review class where you undertake a project where you do a systematic review of research on a particular topic.
Career relevance and outcomes
- Where have master's graduate students been gaining employment? Many students go on to work as developmental educators - self-employed, as part of an organisation. There are many things that can be done.
- When you say, “special educator,” what employment opportunities does that entail? As a special educator within schools.
- Do you conduct further CPD post-graduation to maintain this relevancy? We maintain connections beyond the program to help support those in the field.
- Is the graduate certificate recommended for counsellors? Yes, we have many different disciplines that take the graduate certificate.
- Would this be a relevant or useful qualification for someone working with adults in leadership? We have many graduates who have gone on to work solely with adults. We will teach about the education system in some subjects, but no subject focuses on any one particular age group.
- Are we NDIS certified after completing the master's? You are eligible to register as a developmental educator, you can then seek registration with Developmental Educator Australia and then you can register with NDIS in a separate process.
Placement and professional experience
- As an online student without experience in the industry, how easy is it to find placements (I am in WA)? Can we meet other students in the same state to connect and support each other?
We have many students in WA - each semester more and more. We support students from all states and will guide all students. There is no expectation of having prior experience. - I am an accredited mental health social worker and work as a therapist in private practice. Do I still need to do the placement? If so, how long is it? Some can apply for credit; however, you would need to show that you have the experience and meet the learning outcomes for the PEX subject.
- The Master of Special Ed—can you not do the placement at your regular school? No, this would be a conflict of interest.
Eligibility and background
- Does the course require a current teacher accreditation, or can this be achieved through the course? No, you don't need teacher accreditation.
- Does it cover speech pathology? No, the Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies is a program in itself
Miscellaneous
- Does the course include the PDA profile, and in how much depth? At the moment, we do not go into too much detail about PDA. We are aware of the PDA profile. If PDA becomes formally recognised in Australia, we will include this information.
- Can I just enrol in just one subject? Yes. If you need help enrolling, please contact our Future Students team on 1300 367 869.