Graduate Certificate in Education (Autism)

Graduates will build foundational knowledge of the autism spectrum grounded in contemporary psychological theory; adopt classroom practices that support connectedness; create strategies for consulting autistic learners and their families; and develop effective learning profiles to meet the needs of autistic learners.

Skills and tools in this course:

1. Historical and contemporary perspectives of autism.
2. Cognitive theories of autism.
3. Characteristics of a supportive learning environment.
4. Inclusive classroom methodology.
5. Universal evidence-based teaching strategies.
6. Reflect on and reflexively analyse your own practice.
7. Approaches for designing targeted and individualised supports.

Completing a Graduate Certificate in Education (Autism) will help you build a nuanced understanding of autism and delve into the latest research and best educational practices for supporting autistic learners. You will gain insight into neurodiversity amongst our learner cohorts and develop strategies to create inclusive learning environments that promote autistic learners’ social, emotional, and academic growth.

This course will equip you with specialised autism knowledge and evidence-based skills to design universal and tiered strategies to support meaningful inclusion and positive learning outcomes for autistic students across a range of diverse educational contexts.

This course is not an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) course and does not qualify graduates for teacher registration in Australia.

Recommended study pattern

Students must complete a total of 48 credit points.

Core units:

• Attributes of Autism: Historical Perspectives, Co-Occurring Conditions and Cognitive Theories (EUQ667)
• Universal Educational Supports for Autistic Learners (EUQ654)
• Targeted and Intensive Educational Supports for Autistic Learners (EUQ655)
• Supporting Relationships, Collaboration and Transitions (EUQ656).

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of the Graduate Certificate in Education (Autism), students must complete a total of 48 credit points.

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.

QUT Online is a leading Australian university known for practical, real-world learning, strong industry connections, and global recognition. QUT equips students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make an impact in their careers and communities. Wherever you are, through Open Universities Australia, you can study flexible online programs. You’ll earn a respected qualification, gain career-ready skills, and benefit from a university experience that combines academic excellence with practical, real-world applications.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

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12

• A completed and recognised bachelor degree (or higher qualification) in any discipline; or
• A completed recognised diploma in a relevant area, with at least two years (full-time or equivalent) professional work experience in a relevant area; or
• Five years (full-time or equivalent) professional experience in a relevant area.

Five years (full-time or equivalent) professional experience in a relevant area.