Program Overview

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Autism Studies - Dip

Course Fact File

• Code: DAUS
• Duration: 2 years
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Qualifications: Dip
• NFQ Level: Level 6/7
• NFQ Award Title: Special Purpose
• Fees: €1,500 per academic year
• Closing Date: 15 August 2025
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Venue: Online
• Start Date: September 2025

Course Outline

This course is designed to introduce you to the different ways in which people on the autistic spectrum experience the world. You will learn about the history of autism, the different strengths, challenges, and conceptualizations. Mental health and wellbeing will be examined as well as 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 the 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.

The Modules for the Diploma are as follows:

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)

Course Practicalities

Schedule Information for 2025/2026

• This course is fully online
• Live lectures are delivered Tuesday evenings weekly - these live lectures are a virtual face-to-face, so students may ask questions and engage in the class discussion
• These lectures are supported with online material
• Students will be given recommended reading weekly (usually a short paper), but are free to explore beyond the set texts
• Classes are delivered through Microsoft Teams, and all course material will be provided on CANVAS (UCC's online learning environment)

Assessments

• 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

Lecturers

• 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

Why Choose This Course

This course has given me an enormous sense of achievement, a sense of empowerment and a sense of self-belief.

• Olga, Mother

This course has given me the perfect opportunity to resolve my regrets in not pursuing a third-level education

• It has more importantly given me confidence and hope for myself and my son (who has ASD)

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

Students who successfully complete the Diploma in Autism Studies are then eligible to apply for the Higher Diploma Facilitating Inclusion, more information about this programme can be found here: Facilitating Inclusion - Disability Studies

Requirements

• 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 Level 6 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 from 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

Fees and Costs

Fees

• €1,500 per academic year

ACE at UCC Concession Scheme

We have introduced a Concession Scheme for applicants who are in receipt of an eligible Department of Social Protection (DSP) payment

• You may be eligible for a concession rate if you are in receipt of eligible DSP payments
• For full details on eligibility and this scheme, please visit: Ace Fees & Finance
• Concession fee is €1,000
• All students pay €750 on application
• Those in receipt of concessionary fee must pay balance of €250 by 31st January

Additional Supports

ACE at UCC would like to make potential students aware of the following financial supports that they may be eligible to avail of:

• Students who are registered on this programme are eligible to apply for the Financial Aid Fund for Part Time Students
• Eligibility criteria applies
• For more information see Financial Aid Part Time | University College Cork (ucc.ie)
• The UCC Student Assistance fund - Once you are a student, you may apply for this fund and any funds awarded to you can contribute to rent, utilities, food costs or student supplies
• The Lough Credit Union - ACE have a strong relationship with the Lough Credit Union in Cork and have secured a competitive student loan rate for ACE students, this rate is competitive in the market and is lower than other credit unions
• The rate is fixed and will not increase following the upcoming ECB rate increase
• A loan will be offered to ACE students (once they demonstrate capacity to pay), and it will allow ACE students to repay fees over a twelve-month plus period
• The Lough Credit Union is student-friendly, nearby, flexible, and is open to anyone who lives, works or studies in the area
• If you are registering for a course at ACE, you can contact the credit union to set up an account which may be opened within 24 hours
• After you are a member, you can apply for a loan, loan approval may be issued in 24 hours
• Potential applicants should identify themselves as ACE students
• Contact for more information
• Student Budgeting Advice Service - When you are a student, this support offers advice on financial planning and support to UCC students, including offering one-on-one advice
• The Student Union Hardship fund which may be able to provide some advice and assistance

How To Apply

To Apply for this course please follow the steps below:

When you log into the Application Portal:

• Click Apply Online
• Select Start a new Adult & Continuing Education Application
• On the 2nd tab Academic Level

Select the following options:

• Academic Level: Adult Continuing Education (ACE at UCC)
• Course Type: ACE Part-time Courses
• Academic Programme: The course title you are applying for

During your online application, you will be required to upload the following documents:

• Personal Statement
• Birth Cert or Passport
• Passport Photograph
• English Language Test Report [if applicable]
• 50% of the fees are also required to complete your application