Degree details

This program, offered by the Autism Centre of Excellence, has a multidisciplinary, whole of life focus. In the masters, you will build on this knowledge and learn about critical issues in autism such as transitions, collaborative practices and environmental management. You will gain a comprehensive understanding and skills in research and practice for individuals with ASD, that will enable you to work effectively with learners with autism and their families at home, in school, at work and in the community.

This degree 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.

You will be able to provide quality intervention and management for people with 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 Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.

Educators with specialised knowledge in providing for the needs of learners with ASDs 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 this Masters program, applicants must have the following:

  • Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies with a minimum GPA of 4.5 (using a 7.0 scale).

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 grade of C on the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
  • OR a minimum grade of C on the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
  • 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.

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

Griffith University grants credit and recognition of prior learning which may relate to prior formal learning or prior informal and non-formal learning. For more information, please visit the following website:

Award Requirements

To be eligible for the award of Master of Autism Studies (MAustismSt), a student must acquire 80 credit points as prescribed below:

  • gain 80 credit points for the prescribed subjects.

This degree/s may be awarded with Distinction where a student achieves a minimum program GPA of 6.5 with no failed courses. The words 'This award was achieved with Distinction' will be recorded on the testamur and will appear below the conferral date of the award.