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.

You will be able to provide quality intervention and management for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). You will also be well equipped to advance into leadership and specialist roles in education, health, government policy, social work and service provision for people with ASD and their families.

Educators with specialised knowledge in providing for the needs of learners with ASD are in high demand in public and private education sectors as a specialist teacher, school leader, curriculum leader or consultant. You will also have the option of completing a research masters and following a career in autism research.

Higher education

To be eligible for entry to the Graduate Certificate program applicants must have the following:

• bachelors degree in any discipline from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of equivalent standing) with a minimum GPA of 4.5 (using a 7.0 scale); OR
• a qualification leading to professional registration (for example Nursing); OR

Work and Life

• five years of relevant work experience.

English Proficiency Requirements

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 policy for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Postgraduate Programs Admission Policy

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.

This program, offered by the Autism Centre of Excellence, has a multi-disciplinary, whole of life focus. In the Graduate Certificate, you will gain a foundation in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) including communication, learning style and behaviour management.

This program addresses an area of acute need as determined by the Australian Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Queensland Department of Education and Training, and the Queensland Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services.

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

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies (GCertAutismSt), a student must acquire 40 credit points as prescribed below:

• gain 40 credit points for the prescribed subjects.