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.

Deepen your understanding of Autism.

This degree, offered by the Autism Centre of Excellence, applies a multi-disciplinary, whole-of-life focus to autism. Our approach aligns with the neurodiversity paradigm, and we incorporate the voices of autistic and autism community in each of our courses. The course uses the lecturer content with the voices of lived experience to allow you to gain a foundation in communication and learning in autism, understand how to select and apply evidence-based practices and explore different factors and pathways to understanding and supporting behavioural challenges. This Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies is a prerequisite for the Master of Autism Studies, which is an accredited pathway to becoming a developmental educator. Developmental educators are an NDIS approved profession for supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and their families to achieve their individual developmental, social and learning goals.

The introduction and overview of autism provided in this graduate certificate covers understanding and supporting behaviours, evidence for interventions, and the changes that have occurred in understanding of autism over time, creating positive learning environments. You'll understand the importance of each individual's profile of autism characteristics, be able to evaluate how and when these impact on learning or behaviour and be able to understand and explain relationships between family and cultural experiences with autism and critique current models of disability.

The evidence that underpins our knowledge of autism, and the various proactive and reactive strategies that are prevalent and emerging in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, is an essential part of this certificate. You will critically evaluate the research support for intervention practices that address the strengths and needs of autistic individuals and how to apply them in practice while working collaboratively with autistic people and those who work or live with them.

Industry and expert connections

Learn from a combination of some of Australia's top scholars of autism, the voices of lived experience and student-peers who each have their own experience, be it lived personal or family experience or professional experience in supporting or working alongside people on the autism spectrum. The collaborative online learning environments include lecture videos, live tutorials, other video resources, discussion forums and group work, which ensures you have the opportunity to make new connections with your peers.

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.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

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.