Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies degree will develop and demonstrate a comprehensive and specialised knowledge of theory and skills related to outcomes for individuals with autism and their families and will apply this knowledge to application in the development and implementation of programs that allow individuals with autism to achieve quality outcomes.

Offered by Griffith's Autism Centre of Excellence (ACE), the Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies applies a multidisciplinary, whole-of-life focus to autism. Our approach aligns with the latest in neurodiversity research and incorporates authentic insights and voices from the community.

Gain a solid foundational overview of autism and the autistic experience, including:

• changes that have occurred in understanding of autism over time
• evidence for interventions
• creating positive work and learning environments
• understanding and supporting autistic people.

Highlights of studying the Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies

• Understand the importance of each person's profile of autism characteristics and assess how this interacts with learning or behaviour.
• Explore relationships between family and cultural experiences and learn how to effectively critique current models of disability.
• Critically evaluate research on support strategies that address the strengths and needs of autistic people and learn how to apply them while collaborating with them and their support networks.
• Collaborative online learning includes lecture videos, live tutorials, video resources, discussion forums and group work, offering opportunities to connect directly with peers.
• Study anytime, anywhere. This degree is available online, giving you the flexibility to fit university in with your work and life commitments.

Bring research and lived experience together 

Learn from some of Australia's leading autism scholars and explore the perspectives of those with lived personal and professional experience of autism.

Autism Centre of Excellence (ACE)

ACE is a highly respected leader within the global autism and research communities. The Centre seeks to improve the quality of life for autistic children and adults by supporting them from early childhood through to education and employment. ACE also works collaboratively with the state and federal government Education, Health and Communities portfolios to advance understanding of how the wellbeing of autistic people can be supported at a systemic level.

The Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies is a prerequisite for the [[5595]].

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.

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 a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• 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 C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

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.

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.