• Programme overview
• Programme content
• Entry requirements
• Awards
• Fees
• ACER Research Centre

Programme overview

The aims of the programme are to give students knowledge of the autism spectrum disorder, including Asperger syndrome, based on theory, research and practice. As a result, they are then able to interpret that knowledge for the support and education of adults with autism throughout the range of ability and in different settings. This programme also aims to develop skills in identifying and meeting the needs of adults with autism, and to improve the student’s awareness of different approaches and models of service delivery. It gives a broad coverage, encouraging students to think for themselves and use their professional skills to select and research topics of relevance to their own situation.

Programme content

The three compulsory modules are:

• Autism (Adults): Understanding and Working with the Continuum of Need
• Autism (Adults): Intervention, Support and Education
• Autism (Adults): A special studies (project) module

These three modules are studied in the first year and lead to the award of AdCert (Level H) or PGCert (Level M). For students wishing to gain a PGDip, three more modules from autism or from another field of study are studied in the second year. For students wishing to gain a BPhil or MEd, further modules in autism and/or other fields are studied and a dissertation submitted. The dissertation must be in the area of autism.

Programme entry requirements

For an overview of the entry requirements, please refer to the "Admission requirements" page.

Awards

This programme can be studied on a distance education basis and leads to the following qualifications:

Level H:

• One year: AdCert in Autism (Adults),
• Two years: BPhil Autism (Adults)

Level M:

• One year: PGCert in Autism (Adults),
• Two years: PGDip or MEd Autism (Adults)

Fees*

1st Year

Fees for students commencing in 2009-10. Fees for subsequent years of study are likely to increase. An additional cost may be incurred for transferring between levels of study. These are indicative fees to be confirmed. Students should confirm their fees upon being offered a place.

Please note MEd Fees will be charged over three years and the fees are likely to increase with inflation.

*Fees correct as of 27th May 2009

ACER Research Centre

ACER strengthens and unites the different research and teaching components of the Autism Team and enhances its research profile, income and activities. ACER will provide clear and accessible information on the range and depth of activities and highlight the significant expertise of the autism spectrum within the Team.

For more detailed information about the activities of ACER, please visit the main website: www.education.bham.ac.uk/research/acer/