Social Sciences (Critical Autism Studies) PGCert

Challenge the assumption that autism is a disorder or impairment. Learn to provide support. Designed and delivered with support from autistic people, on our PGCert Social Sciences (Critical Autism Studies) course you’ll view autism as a form of cognitive diversity.

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This course is closed to applications for September 2024 entry.

Overview

Course length:	3 months full-time
Start dates:	September 2025
Location:	Edge Hill University
Subject(s):	Sociology and Social Sciences
Faculty:	Arts and Sciences
Department:	History, Geography and Social Sciences

Four students work together round a table in Creative Edge.

Uncover what life is like for autistic people. Unravel the impact of support available today and how this shapes their experiences.

Studying with us, you’ll map the evolution of autism interventions, and engage with current debates in policy and practice. We’ll also help you develop your own knowledge of autism in the 21st century and sharpen your critical study skills.

Not only will you benefit from specialist training, you’ll also learn from autistic people who work alongside our interdisciplinary department. Listen to diverse stories and learn to appreciate autism as a unique way of being.

We’ve designed this postgraduate qualification for anyone who works or aspires to work, or communicates regularly with autistic people. The course offers an opportunity to take on continuing professional development (CPD) and boost your career prospects. We particularly welcome applications from autistic people, their families and carers.

Course features

International students can apply

What you'll study

You’ll challenge perceptions that autism is a disorder or deficit, as well as coming to see it as a form of cognitive diversity. After gaining this new perspective, you’ll apply it in practice environments by working with those in autism services.

As part of this postgraduate qualification, you’ll also trace the history of autism interventions, from early approaches to modern best practice. And take part in current discussions and controversies.

Compulsory modules:

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Approaches, Interventions and Supporting Autistic People traces the development of autism interventions, from early treatments to contemporary models of best practice. Despite the growing significance of neuroscience in the area of autism, there is still no agreement about its causes and no single medical test to diagnose it. While it is widely acknowledged that there is no ‘cure’ for autism, there have been a range of attempted remedies put forward. This module will provide an overview of early treatments and interventions, including electroconvulsive therapy, and extreme diet restrictions. Consideration will also be given to the significance of the emergence of psychopharmatherapies for autism. You will critically examine contemporary mainstream treatment strategies in addition to some of the more controversial treatments such as applied behaviour analysis, where positive and negative reinforcement techniques attempt to bring about a change in behaviour. The use of biomedical interventions, including restricted diets and hormone therapy, will also be assessed.

Module code: SPY4011

Credits: 20

Assessment

100% Coursework

Contemporary Issues in Autism recognises that, since its first formal identification in 1943, interest in autism has grown significantly. From claims of an autism ‘epidemic’ to attempts to ‘cure’ autism, discourses of autism are frequently contested and subject to considerable debate. This module will identify and engage with contemporary discussions and controversies in the field of autism and consider the consequences in terms of policy and practice. It will also consider the skills and values required from the autism workforce in order to meet the needs of the autistic community in the 21st century. An ecological model will be utilised to critically consider the interrelationship between macro and micro spheres, where constructions of, and responses to, autism at the macro level of law, policy and medical research shape the experiences of autistic people and those who support them in the micro sphere. The importance of acknowledging expertise by experience will be considered, as will what should shape the priorities of autism research and what research methods might be most appropriate to use.

Module code: SPY4015

Credits: 20

Assessment

100% Coursework

Introduction to Critical Autism Studies adopts a critical approach to understanding autism. Although autistic spectrum conditions are estimated to affect approximately one in 100 people in the UK, autism continues to be understood largely within a medical framework, underpinned by a deficit model which assumes that all autistic people are impaired in relation to social and emotional interaction, social communication and language, as well as flexibility of thought and imagination. The module challenges the dominant medical model of neurological deficit. Rather than viewing autism as a cognitive development disability, this module will encourage you to consider it as a naturally occurring form of cognitive diversity. You will examine the argument that autism has been constructed as a neurobiological deficit in a context of neurotypicality and cognitive normality. You will also investigate whether understanding autism as neurodiversity allows for more positive interpretations of autistic people’s experiences, skills and identities.

Module code: SPY4010

Credits: 20

Assessment

100% Coursework

If you have already undertaken critical autism studies at undergraduate level, you may have the option to complete a Self-Directed Learning module, instead of the Introduction to Critical Autism Studies module, subject to agreement from the course team.

How you'll study

The programme is delivered via blended learning, with a combination of face-to-face discussions and online and independent study.

There are six taught sessions per module which are often delivered as blocks of two consecutive days, with the opportunity to participate in additional sessions via the virtual learning environment.

All seminars will be a combination of tutor-led and student-developed interactive learning. You will also engage with tutors on a one-to-one basis.

You can expect to receive your timetable at enrolment. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day or evening of the week.

How you'll be assessed

You will be assessed through a combination of reports and essays and encouraged to draw and reflect on your experiences, whether gained through employment or as an ‘expert by experience’.

There are no formal written examinations as part of the current assessment methods on this programme.

Who will be teaching you

You will be taught by research-active staff who have expertise in autism studies. Some members of the programme team also have previous experience of working as social workers, youth workers, teachers and project workers prior to embarking on their academic careers.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject such as social sciences or other human sciences.

It may be possible to join the course without a degree if you are in full-time employment, have a minimum of five years’ work experience, and can demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development through a portfolio and written statement.

Applications are particularly welcomed from ‘experts by experience’, including autistic people, as well as their family members or carers.

An interview will form part of the selection process if you do not meet the degree requirements outlined above.

English language requirements

International students require IELTS 6.5, with a score no lower than 6.0 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

How to apply

Please note, this course is closed to application for September 2024 entry.

There is an online application process for this course.

Please choose the application form for your preferred mode of study.

Apply for September 2025 Full-Time

Apply for September 2025 Part-Time

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

Facilities

The Department of History, Geography and Social Sciences is based in the Geosciences building. The contemporary facilities combine with a friendly and supportive learning environment to ensure that your studies are a rich and rewarding experience.

The Geosciences building features a large lecture theatre, small group teaching rooms, IT facilities and smaller tutorial spaces. There is also a large social area which encourages a more informal and interactive style of learning.

Where you'll study

GeoSciences

Finance

Tuition fees

£3,000

for the course

£5,520

for the course

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.

Financial support

Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students joining postgraduate courses at Edge Hill University.

Money Matters

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.

Tuition fees

2025/2026 fee information will be added when it becomes available.

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.

Your future career

By the end of our PGCert Social Sciences (Critical Autism Studies), you’ll be ready to help and work with autistic people.

You’ll understand how autistic people interact with the world and others. You’ll be able to think critically about developments in policy and services, as well as act as an advocate for autistic human rights and offer empowering support.

With this postgraduate qualification on your CV, you can apply for roles in health and social care settings or in international development. With some additional training, you could pursue a career in teaching, social work or counselling. Alternatively, you could continue your studies with a Masters by Research degree.