Master of Autism Studies

Build advanced knowledge of autism, neurodiversity and evidence-based practice through a degree that combines research, lived experience and professional application. This 100% online masters degree prepares you to support autistic people across the lifespan while strengthening your leadership, research and professional capabilities.

You'll develop the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand diverse autistic experiences: explore the strengths, needs and lived experiences of autistic people across different life stages.
2. Apply evidence-based approaches: evaluate research and use contemporary evidence to inform professional practice.
3. Support wellbeing and participation: develop strategies that promote inclusion, engagement and positive outcomes in a range of settings.
4. Design collaborative support plans: work alongside autistic people, families and professionals to develop responsive support approaches.
5. Navigate complex issues in autism: examine topics including diagnosis, communication, mental health and early intervention.
6. Lead inclusive practice: apply ethical, strengths-based and rights-focused approaches to improve systems, services and supports.

Offered through Griffith's Autism Centre of Excellence, the Master of Autism Studies takes a multidisciplinary, whole-of-life approach to autism. You'll explore contemporary issues in autism and neurodiversity while developing advanced knowledge of development, communication, wellbeing, inclusion and support across home, school, workplace and community settings.

Drawing on current research, policy and lived experience, you'll learn how to critically evaluate practice and apply evidence-based approaches that support meaningful participation and quality of life for autistic people and their families.

Prepare for leadership and specialist roles

This degree integrates perspectives from education, psychology, health and disability studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of autism within contemporary Australian society. You'll explore inclusive education, employment participation, disability inclusion and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), while strengthening your research and professional practice capabilities.

The Master of Autism Studies also provides a pathway towards becoming a Developmental Educator, an NDIS-approved professional who supports autistic people and others living with disability to achieve their developmental, social and learning goals.

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

For the award of Master of Autism Studies (MAutismSt), you must successfully complete 80 credit points comprising:

• 80 credit points for all Core Module

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $8,200

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.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

20

To be eligible for this program you must meet one of the following criteria:

• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a related discipline and five years relevant work experience 
• a Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies (3270), Graduate Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis (3363) or Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies (3370)

Related discipline includes education, allied health, psychology

• Relevant work experience includes specialist or leadership roles supporting autistic people

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 an overall score of 79 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19 (applies to tests taken prior to 21 January 2026)
• OR an overall score of 4 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with a minimum score of 4 in each of the listening, reading, and writing skills, and a minimum score of 3.5 in speaking skills (applies to tests taken on or after 21 January 2026)
• 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 Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50 (applies to tests taken prior to 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 55 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 47 (applies to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 70 in the LanguageCert Academic
• OR an overall score of 59 in the Michigan English Test (MET)

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.

• Griffith English Language Institute

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.