Autism Studies
Adult Continuing Education (ACE) at UCC is delighted to offer this new and innovative Diploma based online. This course is designed to introduce you to the different ways in which people on the autistic spectrum experience the world.
| Award Name | Special Purpose Diploma (Level 7 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 7 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Diploma (Level 7 NFQ) | Special Purpose | National University of Ireland | Level 7 NFQ |
Duration
2 years classroom based or 2 years online
Entry Requirements
General
Candidates must be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application
Hold Leaving Certificate/FETAC Level 5 qualification (or equivalent)
Candidates who do not hold a Leaving Certificate/FETAC Level 5 qualification but have experience of Autism Spectrum Disorder will be considered
Candidates may be required to attend for interview (which can be arranged through Skype). Shortlisting may apply
English Language Requirement: All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level6 or the equivalent TOEFL score or the equivalent Duolingo score.
Applicants will be asked to submit a Personal Statement, detailing their motivation to take this course and any work or life experience relevant to the subject of ASD (maximum one page).
Diploma programmes are offered subject to a minimum number of eligible applicants registering for the programme. Following completion of year 1 of this programme, should a sufficient number of eligible students not wish to progress form year 1 to year 2 of this programme as to make the year 2 viable, students will graduate with a certificate at that point. Programme viability is determined by reference to fee income and applicable costs in running the programme.
Careers / Further progression
Students who successfuly complete the Diploma the Autism Studies are then eligible to apply for the Higher Diploma Facilitating Inclusion
Further information
START DATE September 2023
VENUE
Online
€1,500 per academic year.
Students who are registered on this programme are eligible to apply for the Financial Aid Fund for Part Time Students. Eligibility criteria applies.
CLOSING DATE 8 September 2023
You will learn about the history of autism, the different strengths, challenges and conceptualizations. Mental health and wellbeing will be examined as well the various supports and interventions that are available for people on the spectrum across their lifespan, and the legislation and policies that govern best practice.
Once students have successfully completed year one they can automatically progress to year two. During the second year of the programme students will explore theories and models of autism, how autism is perceived and portrayed by society and the media; the role of the law and legislative changes and daily living experiences of those with ASD. On completion of year two students will receive a level seven Diploma in Autism Studies.
Candidates who successfully complete first year may opt not to proceed to year two and may request to exit the programme with a Certificate in Autism Studies. Students will complete 30 credits per year of the programme.
Lectures will be a hybrid delivery of live online and pre-recorded classes, the live online classes are delivered one evening a week, with occasional Saturday sessions. Students will also be given recommended reading weekly (usually a short paper), but are free to explore beyond the set texts. For further information please contact the relevant co-ordinator.
This course is assessed entirely by continuous assessment. There will be an assignment in each of your modules which will be submitted on successful completion of each module. There are no examinations.
Lectures will be delivered by a diverse and highly qualified lecturing team, which may include academics, researchers, clinical psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, support workers and those involved in policy. Some of our lecturing team have a diagnosis of ASD themselves. This diversity ensures students are given a wide range of perspectives on many important issues that may not be found in other courses.
Classes are delivered through Microsoft Teams and all course material will be provided on CANVAS (UCC's online learning environment.
This course is open to all with an interest in learning more about autism. Unlike some other university level courses, the only prerequisite is a Level 5 qualification (such as the Leaving Certificate or equivalent). There is no need to hold a teaching degree or similar qualification to apply.
This course is designed for those with an interest in studying autism. This includes students exploring a change of career path or wishing to develop their current knowledge, students with a diagnosis of ASD themselves, family members or anyone with a personal and/or professional interest in the area of autism.
Year 1
AD1039 Autism in a Historical and Contemporary Context (5 credits)
AD1040 Strengths and Challenges of Autism (5 credits)
AD1041 Interventions and Supports across the Lifespan (10 credits)
AD1042 Policy and Practice (5 credits)
AD1043 Autism, Mental Health and Wellbeing (5 credits)
Year 2
AD2023 Theories and Models of Autism (10 credits)
AD2024 Perceptions and Portrayals (5 credits)
AD2025 Autism, Citizenship and the Law (5 credits)
AD2026 Autism and Daily Living (10 credits)
For Academic Queries and Course Content Queries please contact the Programme Coordinator:
Eleanor McSherry at eleanor.mcsherry@ucc.ie.
If you require further assistance with your online application please contact the Programme Administrator Sinead Lennon at s.lennon@ucc.ie.