Program Overview

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PgCert Autism

Online Teaching and Education

Course summary

Complete an in-depth exploration of theory and practice related to autism, across all ages, on a postgraduate certificate run in collaboration with the National Autistic Society.

How you learn

On this course our teaching methods are rooted in applied learning. Whether online or in-person, you’ll take part in problem-based learning, group discussions and collaborative projects – all designed to challenge your thinking and enhance your understanding of autism. You’ll be taught by academics with specialist knowledge and expertise in autism, joining a wider learning community with other students.

You learn through:

• face-to-face or online teaching
• online support
• individual supervisions
• guest lecturers and Autism Centre staff
• self-directed learning

Key themes

The course explores the lived experiences of autistic people through a critical lens, engaging with both theory and practice. We’ll examine various aspects of autism practice, encouraging you to reflect on your own position – and to identify best practices.

You’ll have the chance to drive positive change, supported by lectures from autistic adults and a curriculum that spans topics relevant to all age groups. You’ll critically reflect on professional practice, guided by tutors who are actively involved in research and have strong connections with the autistic community.

Learning is flexible and personalised, with the first module delivered over one trimester. Assessment is designed to align with your strengths, offering a single task per module and multiple opportunities for formative feedback. This helps you to continually improve – applying feedback to future modules while building your academic skill set.

Course support

• You’ll be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate-level employment through a number of key areas. These include:
• Access to three student support advisers to help with your personal, academic and career development
• Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments
• Access to an autism-friendly learning environment, supported by lecturers with specialist expertise in autism, ensuring inclusivity and understanding
• Flexible attendance, assessments and deadlines tailored for students with learning contracts

Applied learning

This course connects you with a diverse range of professionals, both within and outside the field of autism. You'll collaborate with local, national and international partners, gaining insights into how autism is approached across various disciplines.

Networking opportunities

The postgraduate certificate in autism is a successful collaboration between Sheffield Hallam University and the National Autistic Society. You’ll be able to connect with the wider autistic community, sharing experiences and building connections with peers and professionals who understand the unique perspectives within the community. These interactions will enhance your personal growth and contribute to your professional development and career prospects.

Course leaders and tutors

Luke Beardon

Senior Lecturer in Autism

In his post as Senior Lecturer in autism Luke runs various courses at different academic levels in autism, including a Masters qualification, while continuing to research and publish in the field.

Modules

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.

Final year

Compulsory modules

Module

Credits

Assessment

Autopia: Autism, Environment And Practice

Credits 30

Assessment Coursework 100%

Critical Reflections On Autism

Credits 30

Assessment Coursework 100%

Future careers

This course supports and furthers your career in:

• working with autistic children
• working with autistic adults
• supporting autistic employees
• engaging with autistic students in further and higher education

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to:

• complete a Masters in Autism
• complete a Doctorate in Education
• complete an autism-related PhD

Others have gone on to work in:

• special schools
• higher education disability support
• counselling services
• speech and language therapy
• autism-related charities
• health positions (e.g. nursing)
• local government (e.g. autism strategy)
• mainstream education (all ages)
• secure hospitals

Equipment and facilities

While the October course is 100% online, venues for the January in-person course are chosen carefully – with approval required from the Course Leader, who has expertise in the sensory needs of the diverse range of students who access the course in person.

We liaise closely with the venue on a cohort-by-cohort basis to make sure your individual needs are met as far as possible, including access to quiet breakout spaces. We encourage you to visit the venue to identify any specific needs that can be addressed before the course starts.

Where will I study?

You study this course online from any location

Entry requirements

All students

You need a degree or equivalent. Applicants will also be considered based on relevant experience. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more

If English is not your first language you normally need an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with 6.5 in reading and 6.5 in writing.

Please note that references are not required when applying to this course. Please leave the reference section of the form blank when submitting your application.

Additional information for EU/International students

If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.

For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.

Fees and funding

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK students starting part-time study in 2026/27 is £3,650 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.

If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.

International students

Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting part-time study in 2026/27 is £6,200 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.

Additional course costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for Sheffield Institute of Education (PDF, 615.4KB)