Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies

Build specialist knowledge of autism through a multidisciplinary program informed by contemporary research and lived experience. This 100% online degree explores how autistic people can be supported across different life stages while helping you develop practical skills you can apply in professional settings.

You'll develop the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand autism through a contemporary lens: explore current research, neurodiversity perspectives and evolving understandings of autism.
2. Support individual strengths and needs: recognise diverse autism profiles and understand how they influence learning, communication and participation.
3. Evaluate evidence-based approaches: critically assess interventions, support strategies and emerging research.
4. Create inclusive environments: develop approaches that support positive experiences in education, workplaces and communities.
5. Work collaboratively with support networks: engage effectively with autistic people, families, carers and professionals.
6. Apply research to professional practice: translate evidence into practical strategies that improve outcomes for autistic people.

Explore a whole-of-life approach to autism

Delivered by Griffith's Autism Centre of Excellence (ACE), this graduate certificate takes a multidisciplinary approach to autism that reflects contemporary research and values the perspectives of autistic people and their communities.

You'll gain foundational knowledge of autism and explore topics including changing understandings of autism over time, evidence-based support approaches, inclusive learning and work environments and strategies that promote meaningful participation and wellbeing.

Learn from research and lived experience

Study with academics recognised for their contributions to autism research while learning from people with lived and professional experience of autism. Through flexible online learning, you'll engage with lecture content, tutorials, discussion forums and collaborative learning activities designed to connect theory with practice.

The Autism Centre of Excellence is internationally recognised for its autism research and advocacy. The Centre works alongside autistic people, families, educators, health professionals and government partners to support positive outcomes from early childhood through to education, employment and participation.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Understanding Autism
• Evaluating the Evidence: What counts?
• Autism, Education and Learning
• Managing Behaviours that Challenge.

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

For the award of Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies (GCertAutismSt), you must successfully complete 40 credit points comprising:

• 40 credit points for all Foundation Module.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $2,400

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia.

Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University

Explore Griffith University courses

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

20

To be eligible for this program you must meet one of the following criteria: 

• a recognised Bachelors degree 
• five years relevant work experience 
• a combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal, and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to the above
• provide a personal statement describing how your life experience of autism has prepared and motivated you for undertaking postgraduate studies in autism 

Relevant work experience includes roles supporting autistic people

• Your personal statement (of 250 words) should explain why you would like to study this program and include details of your life experience as an autistic person, a caregiver or involvement in autism-related advocacy or support services

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR an overall score of 79 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19 (applies to tests taken prior to 21 January 2026)
• OR an overall score of 4 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with a minimum score of 4 in each of the listening, reading, and writing skills, and a minimum score of 3.5 in speaking skills (applies to tests taken on or after 21 January 2026)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50 (applies to tests taken prior to 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 55 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 47 (applies to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 70 in the LanguageCert Academic
• OR an overall score of 59 in the Michigan English Test (MET)

English test results must be no more than two years old.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Admission Procedure

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

• Griffith English Language Institute

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including: 

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE. 
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training. 
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.