Frequently asked questions
Browse a range of frequently asked questions for the Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodivergent Studies and Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies. If you cannot find the answer to your questions, please book a phone consult.
Course structure and start dates
- Can you start the degree during the spring semester?
- How long has this been offered at UOW?
- Can you enrol in the master's degree but exit at a graduate certificate?
- Do you anticipate the course will continue to evolve since it has changed since 2017?
- What is the timetable, and when do I need to attend in real time to organise study around work?
- In the graduate certificate, how many subjects can you do per semester?
- Are there prerequisite subjects for the core subjects?
- Is there a work placement component in the graduate certificate?
- How many hours per subject are expected?
- What are the placement requirements for the master’s?
- How long is the master’s placement?
- Can we choose where we complete the placement?
- Where do we have to get professional experience for the course?
- Can we do one subject at a time?
- Are the synchronous lectures and tutorials on specific days?
- How long will the classes go for?
- What date does the master's start?
- Can the professional placement be done over more than 20 days to meet the hours required due to physical disability?
Yes, both degrees are available to commence in Spring and Autumn semesters.
The program began in 2017 and has been developed since then.
Yes. The graduate certificate is four subjects; some students have exited early due to circumstances and obtained this qualification.
Yes. Every semester we update and introduce current research and develop subjects further.
Our lectures and tutorials are scheduled weekly, online via Zoom. All are late in the day and offer recorded options in case students cannot attend in real time.
There are four subjects to complete in the graduate certificate. Due to subject offerings, you can do only two or one subjects per semester. If you can only complete one per semester, that is fine.
There are no pre-requisites for subjects in the Graduate Certificate. However, if you enter in the Autumn, it is highly recommended you take EDGS951 in the first semester of study. If you enter in Spring, you will need to take this subject in the second semester. Two subjects in the Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies have pre-requisites. EDGZ921 is a pre-requisite for EDGS936 and EDGS901 is a pre-requisite for EDGS930.
No, but students will undertake embedded work integrated learning (WIL) with activities that simulate professional practice.
Each subject has one hour of live lectures, one hour tutorial and one hour of asynchronous lectures a week. All are online. You will also need to spend some time each week on readings and resources and working on assessments.
Students must complete EDGS930 which comprises a work experience placement for a minimum of 20 days or 145 hours if they wish to seek professional registration. This should be completed in the last autumn semester of your studies. If students do not wish to seek professional registration (Developmental Educator), they can apply for exemption for work experience. In EDGS901 students will also need to engage with professionals to complete a short report.
The placement is currently 20 days or 145 hours
Yes, you will arrange your own placement. However, placements and supervisors must meet specific criteria.
We will guide you on what type of organisation and supervisor to look for. You should start working on this at least three months in advance. We hold information sessions every semester and include information in the program site to help you to do this.
Yes, you can.
Yes, you will need to check the timetable once you are enrolled in the subjects.
Each lecture session is one hour and each tutorial session is one hour
Autumn session starts beginning of March while Spring session starts towards the end July each year. Check UOW key dates for more information.
You need to complete 145 hours in total. You can do this part-time or full time as long as you complete your placement within the 10 week block.
Applications, fees and entry requirements
- How long do applications usually take to be processed?
- Is the government subsidised support rolling over into 2027?
- Is there a capped number of Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) available?
- Do I need to do a full-time load to receive the Commonwealth supported place (CSP)?
- When to applications close for each session?
- If you want to start in 2027, should you apply now or later?
- Can I set up a payment plan to pay?
- How long can you defer your course offer for?
There is no specific turnaround time. It depends on the application and when you apply. It doesn't take too long.
We currently have no confirmation that CSPs will continue in 2027. This decision will be made in October/November.
Yes.
No. CSPs are attached to degrees, not course duration.
Applications are always open, courses are available for both Autumn and Spring intakes.
Apply any time however the sooner you apply the sooner you will receive your offer.
If you are eligible, you can use HECS/HELP Loan for your fees. More information can be found at fees & assistance
One Year. Information on deferral or to defer your offer - visit Accept or Defer.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
- What is CPL?
- Do you have to go through CPL if entering the master's with a graduate certificate from Griffith?
- How do I go about applying for CPL? Would I apply for the course first and then do this process?
- Can I get insight on the CPL questions before deciding whether to apply?
- If I’ve done a Graduate Certificate in Autism, can I apply for CPL for all four subjects I’ve learned?
- I’m a master's-qualified teacher—can I get any RPL for the subjects (no placement as I am mainstream experienced)?
- I have several children with autism and intellectual disability (ID) and have been advocating for them for many years. Can my lived experience be recognised as prior learning (RPL)?
- Who do I contact for what?
Credit for Prior Learning - credit for any previous completed study or relevant work experience related to the subjects covered in your chosen course.
You would still need to apply, and we would likely give you credit for the program at Griffith - we know it well
You will be given the option to request credit for prior learning in your admissions application.
Yes, please email Academic Program Director, Associate Professor Amanda Webster.
It will depend on where you completed the graduate certificate. If you complete the Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodivergent Studies at UOW you may progress into the Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies with credit for all of the subjects (24 credit points) completed in the graduate certificate.
Generally, only for an elective subject. This is not a teaching specific program.
Yes. Your lived experience may be considered as part of your application for entry into the Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodivergent Studies if you do not meet the standard academic entry requirements. However, lived experience is not recognised for academic credit (Recognition of Prior Learning or RPL). This means that while your experience may help you gain admission to the course, you will still need to complete all required subjects to graduate.
Contact Academic Program Director for information on the program. Contact Recruitment Specialist for information about fees and university procedures. If you need help enrolling, you can contact our Future Students team via email or tel: 1300 367 869
Academic support and assessments
- Are there any exams in this course?
- What is the workload like per subject?
- What do “very practical” assessments look like?
- Does the university have a student support department for assistance with study/assignment writing?
- Is the graduate certificate attainable for people who haven't studied at that level previously?
- Is there closed captioning available?
No exams, just assignments.
Each subject has one hour of live lectures, one hour tutorial and one hour of asynchronous video lectures a week. All are online. On average, you will also need to spend 3-5 extra hours a week on readings and work on formative and summative assessment tasks.
We don't focus on just essay writing. We provide assessments that give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and develop skills for future practice. Assessment may comprise real-life tasks such as functional behaviour analysis, communication reports, professional portfolios, and program plans.
From peer learning coaches to learning skills advisors, all students have free access to a range of 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, you can also register with and access support through the Student Accessibility Team.
Yes – we provide all the support you need and there are normally only three assignments per subject. Two are written and one is small weekly task.
Yes, we provide this for all lectures and tutorials as well as transcripts.
Research and PhD pathway
- Is the research subject sufficient for entry to a PhD later, if desired?
- Can you please provide info on the research subject in the Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies? Which unit is this?
Yes, there is a research subject in the master's program which will equip you for further study.
Foundation research subject – EDGS921 - Introduction to Education Research: introductory knowledge to research and what comprises research. There is also a research class where you undertake a systematic literature review and plan an action research protocol.
Career relevance and outcomes
- Where have master's graduate students been gaining employment?
- When you say, “special educator,” what employment opportunities does that entail?
- Do you offer continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities after graduation?
- Is the graduate certificate recommended for counsellors?
- Would this be a relevant or useful qualification for someone working with adults in leadership?
- Are we NDIS certified after completing the master's?
Many students go on to work as developmental educators - self-employed, as part of an organisation. There are many things that can be done.
Some people who have teaching degrees do work in schools as specialist educators for students with disability (e.g. special education, learning support, or others).
We aim to maintain connections with graduates beyond the program to help support ongoing professional learning and engagement in the field. Graduates can also access a range of continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities through professional and community organisations, including Developmental Educators Australia Incorporated, Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT), and Reframing Autism. These opportunities can help you stay up to date with emerging research, best practice, advocacy, and neuro-affirming approaches to supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
Yes, we have many different disciplines that take the graduate certificate
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 and we also focus a great deal on allied health and community based services including employment services.
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 industry experience, how easy is it to find placements? Can I connect with other students in my area?
- 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?
- If I am studying the Master of Special Education, can I do my placement at my current school?
We support students from across Australia and provide guidance throughout the placement process, regardless of where you are located. There is no expectation that you have prior industry experience before commencing the course. Our student community continues to grow nationwide, and many students value the opportunity to connect with peers through online classes, discussions, and professional networks. Depending on your location and cohort, there may also be opportunities to connect with other students studying in your region. If you have questions about placements or local networking opportunities, our teaching team can provide advice and support tailored to your circumstances
Some can apply for credit; however, you would need to show that you have the experience and meet the learning outcomes for the professional experience subject. It also depends on if you plan to seek professional registration as a developmental educator. If not, you can also apply for exemption.
No, this would be a conflict of interest.
Eligibility and background
- Does this course require current teacher accreditation, or can I become a teacher through this course?
- Does it cover speech pathology?
No, you do not need current teacher accreditation to enrol in this course. However, the Autism and Neurodivergent Studies programs are not initial teacher education qualifications and do not lead to teacher accreditation or registration. If your goal is to become a teacher, you would need to complete an accredited teaching qualification, such as a Master of Teaching. The Autism and Neurodivergent courses are designed to develop specialist knowledge in autism, neurodiversity, inclusion, advocacy, and developmental education, and may be suitable for educators, support professionals, advocates, parents, carers, and neurodivergent individuals.
No. The Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies is a standalone program focused on autism and neurodivergent studies, including inclusive practice, education, advocacy, and support across a range of settings. It does not provide professional qualification or clinical training in speech pathology, and it is not a pathway into speech pathology registration or practice.
Miscellaneous
- Does the course include the PDA profile, and in how much depth?
- Can I just enrol in just one subject?
The course does include discussion of the PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile. This is explored as part of engaging with current knowledge in the field, including different perspectives and emerging understandings of demand avoidance behaviours. The course also considers the need for further research to better understand the nature of PDA and effective support strategies. It is acknowledged within the course content that PDA is not currently a formally recognised clinical diagnosis
Yes. If you need help enrolling, please contact our Future Students team on 1300 367 869.