Courses
Special Educational Needs – Autism
Master of Arts
Course Details
Course Code | SG_ESPEC_M09 |
---|---|
Level | 9 |
Duration | 3 years |
Credits | 105 |
Method of Delivery | Blended |
Campus Locations | St Angelas |
Mode of Delivery | Part Time |

Course Overview
Progression route to Masters in Special Educational Needs – Autism
All students will first commence on the Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs – Autism and if successful may transfer to the Masters in Special Educational Needs – Autism.
If you have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs – Autism, you can apply for the Masters here – Apply Now .
This MA in Special Educational Needs – Autism, offers a level 9 qualification for all professionals interested in Autism.
Research methods are critical to successful study at MA level and will incorporate problem-solving activities, action research in professional contexts and the opportunity to link theory and practice in general and in terms of the execution of coursework. Participants accepted onto the Masters stage of the programme will have achieved an increased level of competence and confidence within the Special Educational Needs (Autism) pathway. They will also be looking forward to choosing the area of study for their MA dissertation and beginning to reflect on possible research methodologies for their dissertation. The Advanced Research Module (15 ECTs) will provide students with the opportunity to make and implement informed choices regarding professionally relevant areas of research for their dissertation and to do this with the guidance and support of tutors and peers. Lectures will take place online with some face-to-face sessions during September and October. Students use the remainder of the year to carry out research and draft material for their MA Dissertation.
The final dissertation will be a maximum of 20,000 words and the topic chosen by the participant must be related to the Special Educational Needs (Autism ) pathway.
Programme Outline
This MA is considered stage two with a Postgraduate Diploma being completed in stage one, leading to preparation for and completion of a Masters level dissertation.
This MA is considered stage two with a Postgraduate Diploma being completed in stage one, leading to preparation for and completion of a Masters level dissertation.
Recommended Study Hours per week
Each 15 credit module holds a total participant effort of 300hours. This usually encompasses contact hours, directed study, and independent study.
Examination and Assessment
Advanced research methods is assessed with a written dissertation proposal (maximum of 5,000 words). The Dissertation module requires the completion of a research dissertation (maximum of 20,000 words).
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
The Advanced Research module is delivered exclusively online in Semester 1, with the exception of one half-day on-campus workshop. This is held in late January, usually on a Saturday.
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Applicants require an award of H2.2 or higher in the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Special Educational Needs – Autism in order to be considered for this MA.
Careers
The Masters of Arts in Special Educational Needs – Autism qualification enables graduates to acquire an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the autism community. Graduates of the MA in SEN-Autism become advocates for change within schools, other educational settings, and the broader education community by promoting and leading inclusive pedagogy through innovative evidence-informed practice underpinned by a research culture in autism. Many graduates of the MA in SEN-Autism have taken on leadership and professional development roles within various educational contexts.
Further Information
Application Closing Date
15th August 2025
Start Date
September 2025
Contact Information
School of Education
Department
Education