Postgraduate Certificate SEN/ALN (Autism)

The PG Cert SEN/ALN (Autism) is for those who want to become an advanced practitioner in autism by acquiring a relevant qualification. USW's SEN/ALN course offers the only practice-based study of autism in the region and draws a wide range of students from south Wales and the west of England, as well as many international students.

The course is designed for professionals who hold a specialist position in educational, health and care settings, or in the third sector, and is suitable for those who work with autistic children or adults. The PG Cert SEN/ALN (Autism) is of relevance to newly qualified practitioners who are interested in gaining a specialism in autism, and if you are coming from a personal perspective on autism and would like to deepen your knowledge and find out more about current research and relevant theoretical ideas.

2023
2024

Study Mode 2023	Duration	Start Date	Campus	Campus Code
Part-time	1 Year	September	Newport City	C

Study Mode 2024	Duration	Start Date	Campus	Campus Code
Part-time	1 Year	September	Newport City	C

The PG Cert SEN/ALN (Autism) explores theory, policy and practice in relation to all aspects of autism as it is currently understood within different contexts. Modular content is designed to provide the opportunity to tailor your postgraduate study to meet your individual professional or personal needs. Students are required to study two modules and can choose to take either one or both of the modules focused on autism:

Autism: Contexts and Concepts
This module examines the development of current theories of autism and explores the implications of these for autistic individuals, families and practitioners. It is designed to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the sensory perceptual differences of autism and consider the ways in which these may give rise to a different way of being in the world.

Managing and Supporting Autism
This module critically examines national and international developments in policy and practice in relation to autism education and support within a variety of settings and contexts. It will enable you to evaluate the continuum of provision for autistic people in the light of theories of learning and with reference to important models of disability.

If you wish to take only one autism module, you are able to select a further module from the Professional Learning Programme, for example:

Child and Adolescent Mental Health
This module focuses on the causation, presentation and implications of mental health difficulties in children and young people.

SEN: Contexts and Concepts
This module examines practice in SEN/ALN, learning disabilities and inclusive education and critically reflects on the tension between identification of need and the philosophy of inclusion.

Leading and Managing SEN/ALN
This module is designed to provide students with a better understanding of theory and practice in relation to the role of SENCo/ALNCo and so respond to the changing landscape of SEN/ALN.

Teaching

Each module is taught during weekly on campus sessions over 10-week terms. Learning takes place in teacher and student-led seminars, group discussions, individual tutorials and through active learning tasks. Content is delivered in engaging and interactive ways, with clear direction and support provided for critical reading and academic-level writing. Teaching usually takes place in the evenings and sessions are delivered by the module leader together with guest speakers.

Assessment

Each module is assessed by an assignment, which may take the form of a 5,000 word written assignment or an alternative practical assessment task.

Placements

If you are not in professional practice, but would like to gain experience of working professionally in relation to autism education and support, help with setting up an internship can be provided.

Lecturers

Yasmeen Multani, module leader

We regularly revalidate courses for quality assurance and enhancement

At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.

If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.

First degree and/or sufficient relevant experience of autism and evidence of recent study.

The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.

Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.

August 2023 - July 2024 Fees

Part-time UK: £1055 per 20 credits

August 2024 - July 2025 Fees

Part-time UK: TBC

Student Perks

At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.

Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.

Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.

Additional Costs

As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.

Funding

Funding to help pay for (or cover) course tuition fees and living costs

Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).

To learn about course fees, funding options, and to see if you are eligible for financial support, visit our Fees and Funding pages.

Apply directly to the University for this course.

Most students, who study part-time, work in this specific field of work. A postgraduate award in autism is a major boost to a career. Whatever your profession, experience has shown us that success on the course leads to enhanced employment prospects. Parents of autistic children feel empowered from the increased insight gained.

A number of students have gone on to present at national and international conferences on an aspect of autism. Other students have secured promotion and or employment in organisations that specifically support or educate autistic individuals.