Education - Autism Studies

Overview
This Postgraduate Certificate in Autism Studies is being offered by Stranmillis University College and will be delivered in partnership with Middletown Centre for Autism. This is a one-year course for educational professionals and consists of three modules each worth 20 CAT Points. Middletown Centre is a cross-border organisation established by Department of Education and Skills Ireland and the Department of Education Northern Ireland to support the promotion of excellence throughout Northern Ireland and Ireland in the education of children and young people with autism. The autism-specific modules are developed and delivered by a specialist team including staff from Stranmillis and Middletown, teachers with hands on experience of key school-based roles; for example, class teacher, SENCO and Vice-Principal and other professionals including members of the Middletown Centre's multi-disciplinary team such as Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists who will deliver lectures on related topics of use in an educational setting. Please note this course does not give you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

HOW WILL I STUDY?
Depending on the modules selected, teaching and learning is delivered through a blended approach of lectures, virtual learning activities, reflective, self-directed study.

WHO WILL BE TEACHING ME?
You will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of internationally recognised, research-led and experienced practitioners.

ENTITLEMENT
Students who have accumulated 60 CAT points may graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate. There is an option for students to continue studies and accumulate 120 or 180 CAT points, and exit with a Postgraduate Diploma or Masters in other pathways. Please note this course does not give you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

EDC7063 – TEACHING AND LEARNING IN AUTISM (20 CATS)
OCTOBER 2022

The module examines the distinct thinking styles in autism and provides strategies for addressing the learning needs of students with autism. This will include models of cognitive processing and their impact on the student's experience of the world; strategies of formal and informal assessment of cognitive processing; and the use of assessment to individualise educational planning. Students will be provided with strategies to address differences in learning and help students with autism engage with the curriculum in a meaningful way. All teaching and learning strategies will be delivered with a practical focus and within the context of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.

EDC7065 – SENSORY, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DIFFERENCES (20 CATS)
JANUARY 2023

The module examines and extends understanding of how sensory and emotional differences impact on students with autism and explores how the autistic student experiences the classroom and school environment. The sensory elements of the module address the neurological base of sensory difficulties in autism and explore individual sensory systems and how they are affected by autism. The module also looks at practical strategies to address sensory issues within the classroom and the school environment, and how teachers can use sensory strategies to promote access to the curriculum. The module also looks at anxiety management within the school and classroom environment; common triggers and anxiety escalation for students with autism and proactive anxiety and emotional regulation strategies to prevent escalation of anxiety and promote emotional wellbeing.

EDC7064 – SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT IN AUTISM (20 CATS)
JANUARY 2023

The module explores the components of an 'autism competent environment' and how these can be implemented and promoted from the classroom, to the school and to the whole school community. This includes strategies for classroom management, tailoring the environment and the best use of resources to promote engagement with the curriculum. Working on relationships and fostering communication between all school staff and positive communication with parents, family members and external agencies will also be explored as well as building whole-school strategies for the development of a positive and inclusive school culture. All strategies explored will be based on research and will provide students with practical strategies and examples on the education of pupils with autism.

All modules are 30 CATs unless otherwise started.

All Modules are taught online.

Applicants will normally hold a relevant 2:2 Honours degree or above in a related discipline, and preferably a professional teaching qualification. Applicants who do not meet the requirements above may be considered on an individual basis, where there is evidence of relevant experience. Applicants may be required to attend an interview to determine their suitability for entry.

HOW TO APPLY
Application for admission to all Masters Programmes should be made by downloading the application form and reference form and returning the completed forms to masters@stran.ac.uk

1 year (full time).

CONTACT TIME
This course is taught through blended learning. The live module sessions are on Saturdays, fully online.