Autism Studies

Programme Overview

The Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, and MA in Autism Studies are accredited by the University of Limerick and are delivered by an award-winning partnership between Mary Immaculate College and Middletown Centre for Autism. The programmes have been designed and developed in collaboration with the autistic community, and are taught by professionals from MIC and Middletown Centre for Autism using both online and face-to-face teaching methods. Both agencies recognise the need for high-quality research opportunities and professional development in autism studies. The graduate programmes are offered in response to this need



Key Features

Mary Immaculate is a College of Education and the Liberal Arts and has been providing teacher education since 1898. Mary Immaculate has considerable experience and expertise in the provision of teacher education in the area of Special and Inclusive Education including autism. Middletown Centre for Autism is funded by the Departments of Education in Northern and Southern Ireland to promote excellence in the education of people with autism. As such, the Centre works on a referral basis with children who have complex needs in school and the Centre is one of the main providers of training for parents and educational professionals on the island of Ireland.

Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies (GCAS):

Understanding the Lived Autistic Experiences: The aim of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive overview of autism. This will include how autism presents and is diagnosed, both in adults and children; the core challenges associated with autism and how these impact on the child and the adult; additional difficulties which the environment can pose; how autism interfaces with other difficulties. Students will explore the importance of understanding these differences when supporting an autistic person. Autistic joy is celebrated throughout.



Visual Learning and Environmental Support for Autistic People:

The aim of this module is to provide students with the theory and understanding of how the environment can cause difficulties for autistic people. The use of structure and visual teaching strategies for autistic children and autistic adults are explored across learning environments. This will result in a set of core competencies, as well as a practical experience in the development of resources that support the thinking and learning style of every citizen.



Understanding Behaviour and Sensory Processing:

The aim of this module is to provide students with an increased understanding of the positive strategies that can be implemented to support an autistic person. This will include consideration of the particular sensory processing differences that autistic people may experience. It will also include an introductory overview of the neural mechanisms that modulate sensory input, the presentation of sensory processing differences and strategies that can be used to support autistic people who experience sensory processing differences. Participants will learn the importance of analysing the environment and adapting it to enable an autistic person enjoy meaningful participation in the events or activities being offered.



Supporting Anxiety for Autistic People:

The aim of this module is to provide participants with an overview of the relationship between autism and anxiety. This will involve a review of how the core features of autism can trigger an anxiety response; an examination of a model of the anxiety process and a comprehensive appraisal of current anxiety management strategies. This is all delivered within the context of current research and best practice in the area of autism and anxiety management.



Graduate Diploma in Autism Studies (GDAS):

Autism Research and Practice: The aim of this module is to provide students with an overview of the key research-based milestones in autism and how research has and continues to change practice and developing our understanding of autism. This module will encourage students to create a culture of research into practice and students will explore other research trends. Students are invited to have their work published in the Middletown Special Bulletin.



Research Methods:

This module will introduce students to research methodology, such as qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods of research. This module will focus on developing research skills and conducting desk-based research using a review of relevant literature. This process is an essential pre-requisite to students conducting their own research project involving a review of literature in the second semester of the programme.



Research in Autism:

This module will teach students the process of reflective practice and enable students to complete a review of relevant literature on a topic of interest to them in autism. This process is intended to prepare students to pursue further study and research within the field of autism studies, whilst also bridging the gap between research and practice. Students will have an opportunity to discuss their research with an expert panel of autistic people.



MA in Autism Studies (MAAS):

Principles and Practices of Research: In semester 1 all master's students in MIC will come together to develop a range of research methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative, and will develop a critical understanding of the research process. Students will use these skills to conduct a research project that expressly addresses the needs and interests of the autism community. Students will develop their ability to interrogate literature and policy, and to develop a research question which is relevant and meaningful to contemporary discourse in autism research.



Dissertation Modules 1 and 2:

Within these modules, students will design and conduct an empirical research project on a topic of their choosing. Students will work under the close supervision of faculty from Mary Immaculate College and/or Middletown Centre for Autism, and will receive mentoring and feedback on an ongoing basis. These modules include workshops, discussion sessions and lectures, alongside supervision. Students will have an opportunity to discuss their research with an expert panel of autistic people.

Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies (GCAS):

A Level 7 degree or a level 8 degree in any discipline is required for entry to this programme.



Graduate Diploma in Autism Studies (GDAS):

This module is designed to build on the existing Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies programme.



Applicants are required to have a Bachelor’s Degree at Level 8 in any discipline AND a post-graduate qualification in Autism Studies (or a relevant post graduate qualification) with a minimum of 30 ECTs and a minimum award which aligns to a 2.2.



Graduates of the GCAS programme must earn a minimum 2.2 award to be eligible for entry to the GDAS programme.



In cases where the applicant has not completed the GCAS programme but can demonstrate comparable expertise and training, the applicant can be assessed on prior learning in line with University policy and procedures on the Recognition of Prior Learning. The admission procedures will include the submission of a portfolio and an interview, wherein the prior learning and experience of applicants will be assessed. This is carried out on a case to case basis.



MA in Autism Studies (MAAS):

This programme is designed to build on both the existing GCAS and GDAS programmes.



Applicants will be considered for direct entry into the MA in Autism Studies programme on the basis of completion of the GCAS and GDAS programmes. Graduates of the GDAS programme must earn a minimum 2.1 award to be eligible for entry to the MA in Autism Studies.



In cases where the applicant does not meet normal entry requirements, the applicant can be assessed on prior learning in line with University policy and procedures on the Recognition of Prior Learning. The admission procedures will include the submission of a portfolio and an interview, wherein the prior learning and experience of applicants will be assessed. This is carried out on a case to case basis.



Note: For English language requirements for all of the above qualifications, go to: https://www.mic.ul.ie/international/international/essential-information/english-language-requirements

How to Apply

Please see "Application Weblink" above.



Applications will close on 24 July 2026.

1 year part-time. Delivery Mode: Blended.

What does the GCAS qualify me to do?

The GCAS programme is designed to provide a graduate certificate award to all people interested in studying autism. It is not geared to any particular profession or job. The award acknowledges an in-depth exploration of autism and the characteristics, theories and interventions that support working well with people who have autism.



For particular jobs or promotion opportunities you may apply for, the GCAS award allows you to make a case or argument that you have evidence (in the form of an academic qualification) of being more knowledgeable about autism than competitors may be.



What does GDAS qualify me to do?

Similarly to the GCAS, the GDAS programme is not geared towards a particular profession or job. Rather, it is designed to support students whom wish to further their expertise within the area of autism research. The GDAS will enable students, independently and with others, to critically evaluate autism research and develop methods of integrating research into daily practice. It will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the key milestones in autism research and how these have impacted on practice. Students will develop an understanding of the critical nature of research and how it is used to inform both practice and policy. Critically, students on the GDAS will be empowered to foster an inclusive and equitable approach to research which promotes the voice of the autistic person, reflecting a ‘nothing about us without us’ philosophy.