Course Summary
The Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, and MA in Autism Studies are accredited by the University of Limerick and are delivered as a partnership between Mary Immaculate College and Middletown Centre for Autism. They are taught by experienced professionals from both MIC and Middletown Centre for Autism using both online and face-to-face teaching methods. Both agencies recognise the need for high quality graduate professional development and research opportunities in autism studies in Ireland/Northern Ireland, and offer the programmes in response to this need.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
A Level 8 qualification or equivalent in any discipline or a Bachelor’s degree at Level 7 or 8 is required for entry to this programme.
For English language requirements, go to https://www.mic.ul.ie/international/study-in-ireland/essential-information/english-language-requirements.
Graduate Diploma in Autism Studies
This module is designed to build on the existing Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies programme.
A Bachelor’s Degree at Level 7 or 8 in any discipline AND a post-graduate qualification in Autism Studies with a minimum of 30 ECTS. Graduates of the GCAS programme must earn a minimum 2.1 award to be eligible for entry to the GDAS programme.
For English language requirements, go to https://www.mic.ul.ie/international/study-in-ireland/essential-information/english-language-requirements.
MA in Autism Studies
This programme is designed to build on both the existing GCAS and GDAS programmes. Graduates of the GDAS programme must earn a minimum 2.1 award to be eligible for entry to the MA programme.
In cases where the applicant has not completed the GCAS and GDAS programmes but can demonstrate comparable expertise and training, the applicant can be assessed on prior learning in line with University policy and procedures on the Recognition of Prior Learning. The admission procedures will include an interview wherein the prior learning and experience of applicants in education will be assessed.
For English language requirements, go to https://www.mic.ul.ie/international/study-in-ireland/essential-information/english-language-requirements.
Application Details
Applications for September 2024 (Graduate Certificate and MA) will open 16th January 2024 and closing date 26th July 2024.
Please Note: This programme is not open to applications from non-EU countries. See International programme listing here.
While the Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies (GCAS) programme is offered each academic year, the Graduate Diploma in Autism Studies (GDAS) and MA programmes are offered on alternating years, as follows:
Academic Year 2024-25: GCAS and MA
Academic Year 2025-26: GCAS and GDAS
In cases where the applicant has not completed both the GCAS and GDAS programmes but can demonstrate comparable expertise and training (e.g. GCAS programme and an additional graduate programme in autism studies or a related field), the applicant can be assessed on prior learning in line with University policy and procedures on the Recognition of Prior Learning. Such applicants will be required to submit a research proposal alongside the application form.
CONTACT
Mary Immaculate College
Administration: Jennifer Ryan
[email protected]
CONTACT
Mary Immaculate College
Acting Co-ordinator: Ms. Kim Maguire
[email protected]
CONTACT
Middletown Centre for Autism (NI)
Majella Nugent
+44 28 3751 5750
[email protected]
Applications for September 2025 (Graduate Certificate and MA) will open 16th January and closing date 26th July 2025.
Fees
Please Note: This programme is not open to applications from non-EU countries. Application fees are non-refundable due to applicant ineligibility. See International programme listing at https://www.mic.ul.ie/international/study-in-ireland/postgraduate
While the Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies (GCAS) programme is offered each academic year, the Graduate Diploma in Autism Studies (GDAS) and MA programmes are offered on alternating years, as follows:
Academic Year 2022-23: GCAS and MA
Academic Year 2023-24: GCAS and GDAS
Academic Year 2024-25: GCAS and MA
Academic Year 2025-26: GCAS and GDAS
Applications for the 2023-24 GCAS and GDAS programmes are now open for applications.
Applications for Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies (GCAS)
Complete all the steps below:
1. Download and complete the application form.
2. You will be required to send your university transcripts (and applicants may be required to name one or more referees on request).
3. In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IETLS (or equivalent) is required.
4. Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using Stripe here, and return the completed application and transcripts by email: to [email protected].
Closing date for applications is 30th June 2023.
Applications for Graduate Diploma in Autism Studies (GDAS)
Complete all the steps below:
1. Download and complete the application form.
2. You will be required to send your university transcripts (and applicants may be required to name one or more referees on request).
3. In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IETLS (or equivalent) is required.
4. Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using Stripe here, and return the completed application and transcripts by email: to [email protected].
Closing date for applications is 30th June 2023.
MA in Autism Studies - Due to run Academic Year 2024-2025
For applicants who have completed the GDAS programme:
Complete all the steps below:
1. Download and complete the application form.
2. You will be required to send your university transcripts (and applicants may be required to name one or more referees on request).
3. In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IETLS (or equivalent) is required.
4. Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using Stripe here, and return the completed application and transcripts by email: to [email protected].
In cases where the applicant has not completed both the GCAS and GDAS programmes: but can demonstrate comparable expertise and training (e.g. GCAS programme and an additional graduate programme in autism studies or a related field), the applicant can be assessed on prior learning in line with University policy and procedures on the Recognition of Prior Learning. Such applicants will be required to submit a research proposal alongside the application form.
Complete all the steps below:
1. Download and complete the application form here.
2. You will be required to send your university transcripts (and applicants may be required to name one or more referees on request).
3. In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IETLS (or equivalent) is required.
4. Please email [email protected] to request a copy of the research proposal template, which must be submitted alongside the application form and transcripts.
5. Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using Stripe here, and return the completed application and transcripts by email: to [email protected].
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
The GCAS programme is designed to provide a graduate certificate award to all people interested in studying autism. It is not geared to any particular profession or job. The award acknowledges an in-depth exploration of autism and the characteristics, theories and interventions that support working well with people who have autism.
For particular jobs or promotion opportunities you may apply for, the GCAS award allows you to make a case or argument that you have evidence (in the form of an academic qualification) of being more knowledgeable about autism than competitors may be.
What does GDAS qualify me to do?
Similarly to the GCAS, the GDAS programme is not geared towards a particular profession or job. Rather, it is designed to support students whom wish to further their expertise within the area of autism research. The GDAS will enable students, independently and with others, to critically evaluate autism research and develop methods of integrating research into daily practice. It will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the key milestones in autism research and how these have impacted on practice. Students will develop an understanding of the critical nature of research and how it is used to inform both practice and policy. Critically, students on the GDAS will be empowered to foster an inclusive and equitable approach to research which promotes the voice of the autistic person, reflecting a ‘nothing about us without us’ philosophy.