PGCert Social Sciences (Critical Autism Studies)

Program Overview

This postgraduate program delves into autism interventions, contemporary controversies, and critical autism studies. Through blended learning and one-on-one tutorials, students gain a comprehensive understanding of autism from a multifaceted perspective, preparing them for diverse roles in supporting individuals with autism in various fields. Informed by autistic experiences, the program emphasizes listening to diverse stories and appreciating autism as a unique way of being.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Module 1: Approaches, Interventions and Supporting Autistic People
• Traces the development of autism interventions, from early treatments to contemporary models of best practice.
• Examines early treatments and interventions, including electroconvulsive therapy and extreme diet restrictions.
• Considers the significance of the emergence of psychopharmatherapies for autism.
• Critically examines contemporary mainstream treatment strategies and controversial treatments such as applied behavior analysis.
• Assesses the use of biomedical interventions, including restricted diets and hormone therapy.
• Module 2: Contemporary Issues in Autism
• Identifies and engages with contemporary discussions and controversies in the field of autism.
• Considers the consequences of these discussions and controversies in terms of policy and practice.
• Examines the skills and values required from the autism workforce to meet the needs of the autistic community in the 21st century.
• Utilizes an ecological model to critically consider the interrelationship between macro and micro spheres.
• Emphasizes the importance of acknowledging expertise by experience and shaping the priorities of autism research.
• Module 3: Introduction to Critical Autism Studies
• Adopts a critical approach to understanding autism.
• Challenges the dominant medical model of neurological deficit.
• Encourages students to consider autism as a naturally occurring form of cognitive diversity.
• Examines the argument that autism has been constructed as a neurobiological deficit in a context of neurotypicality and cognitive normality.
• Investigates whether understanding autism as neurodiversity allows for more positive interpretations of autistic people's experiences, skills, and identities.
• Module 4: Self-Directed Learning (Optional)
• Enables students to focus on a specified agreed topic and explore it.
• Involves desk research, such as library searches, and information retrieval from primary sources.
• Requires students to produce a project-based piece of work and an accompanying learning diary that demonstrates a reflective approach to its execution.

Assessment:

• 100% Coursework for all modules

Teaching:

• Blended learning, with a combination of face-to-face discussions and online and independent study.
• Six taught sessions per module, often delivered as blocks of two consecutive days.
• Additional sessions via the virtual learning environment.
• Interactive learning, combining tutor-led and student-developed activities.
• One-to-one tutorials with tutors.

Careers:

• Prepares students to work with autistic people in various settings, including health and social care, international development, teaching, social work, and counseling.
• Provides a foundation for further studies, such as a Masters by Research degree.

Other:

• Designed and delivered with support from autistic people.
• Emphasizes the importance of listening to diverse stories and appreciating autism as a unique way of being.
• Welcomes applications from autistic people, their families, and carers.

| Fees (UK students) | Fees (International students) | |---|---| | £3,000 for the course | £5,520 for the course |