MA Inclusion (Autism Adults)

Program Overview

The MA Inclusion (Autism Adults) is a distance learning program designed for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding and practice in supporting adults with autism spectrum disorder. The program emphasizes theory, research, and practice, enabling students to develop critical thinking skills and apply their learning to real-life settings. Through compulsory and optional modules, students explore the diverse needs of autistic individuals, enabling practices, and inclusive approaches.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MA Inclusion (Autism Adults) is a distance learning course designed for individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of adults and young people with diverse needs, specifically those working with adults and young people on the autism spectrum.

Objectives:

• Provide knowledge of the autism spectrum based on theory, research, and practice.
• Teach how autism theory applies to individuals in their adult lives and how this should inform practice.
• Develop knowledge, understanding, and critiques of research, educational policy, and practice.
• Investigate historical and cultural aspects of disability.
• Encourage critical thinking and the use of professional skills to select and research relevant topics.
• Enable the application of learning to one's own setting and the undertaking of original research relevant to one's area of work.

Outline:

Structure:

• The MA Inclusion is a flexible, part-time course made up of 180 credits.
• It consists of 3 compulsory taught modules (60 credits) in the named pathway, a number of optional modules (60 credits), and a 60-credit dissertation.
• Successful completion of all 180 credits leads to the award of MA Inclusion.

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert):

• A one-year, part-time Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) is also offered.
• This option allows students to gain a specialist qualification at Masters level after one year of study.
• Students can transfer to the MA Programme after successful completion of the modules.
• For the PGCert, students choose from one of the first-year pathway options.

Course Schedule:

• The MA is a 36-month program.
• The PGCert is a 12-month program.
• Both programs are part-time and distance learning, allowing students to study flexibly around work and personal commitments.

Modules:

Compulsory Modules:

• Understanding the Common and Diverse Needs of Autistic Adults and Young People (20 credits): This module explores the diverse needs of autistic adults and young people, considering the impact of autism on their lives and the challenges they may face.
• Using Enabling Practice with Autistic Adults and Young People (20 credits): This module focuses on developing enabling practices that support autistic adults and young people in their daily lives, promoting their independence and well-being.

Optional Modules:

• A list of optional modules is available for students to choose from.

Teaching:

• The MA Inclusion is delivered and assessed online.
• Some activities are scheduled, such as meetings with tutors, but students can work through the online learning materials at their own pace.
• Each module is broken down into weekly study units.
• Students have access to a variety of learning materials, including readings, videos/recordings, and interactive activities.
• Live induction events are provided to introduce students to the teaching team and fellow students.
• Live (real-time) opportunities for module group work and seminars are included in each module.
• Students have access to the online library, research materials, and a community of students with shared interests.
• Other study and research activities hosted by the department and the School of Education are available.

Teaching Methods:

• Interactive teaching materials and study skills resources are available via the online learning platform.
• Three live online tutorials per module are hosted by a tutor experienced in the field of study.
• Two live lectures are hosted by the Module Lead.

Careers:

• The MA Inclusion: Autism (Adults) course provides evidence of professional specialism for practitioners working in the field.
• Graduates can progress to a PhD or other professional qualifications in education.
• The course has helped many graduates secure leadership roles working with adults with autism.

Other:

• Autistic authors and researchers contribute to the study materials, providing insights into the diversity of the autistic experience.
• The University of Birmingham is a leading provider of degree-level courses in inclusion and special educational needs.
• The course is tutored by senior practitioners and researchers in the field of inclusion who work within the Department of Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs (DISN).
• Students benefit from association with members of the Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER).
• The MA Inclusion degree offers both flexibility and choice from a range of modules.