Master of Autism Studies

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

Educators with specialised knowledge in providing for the needs of learners with autism 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)
• OR a Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies (or equivalent).

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.

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:

• Credit transfer

This degree, 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 diagnosis, early intervention, mental health, communication and the importance of identifying strengths and challenges. You will gain comprehensive understanding and skills in research and practice for individuals with autism, that will enable you to work effectively with learners with autism and their families at home, in school, at work and in the community.

The Master of Autism Studies is a pathway to becoming a Developmental Educator. Developmental Educators are NDIS approved professionals who support individuals on the autism spectrum, those with other disabilities, and their families to achieve their individual developmental, social and learning goals.

This degree also 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

All of the eight Autism Studies courses are delivered primarily online. Online lectures are recorded for students who are not able to participate at the designated time. All of the Autism Studies core courses will involve an intensive session delivered in one intensive workshop for one day during the length of the course. Attendance in these sessions is strongly recommended but not required as videos of the sessions will be available online for students who are unable to attend.

Award Requirements

To be eligible for the award of Master of Autism Studies (MAutismSt), a student must acquire 80 credit points as specified in the course lists.

This degree 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.

Degree structure:

https://www.griffith.edu.au/study/degrees/master-of-autism-studies-5595#degree-details