Ranking
#1
most targeted by top employers
Course overview
Our Inclusion (Autism Adults) MA equips you with specialised knowledge in autism, rooted in theory, research, and practice. Designed for flexible, part-time study, this distance learning course empowers you to apply learning directly to your professional setting, enhancing your ability to support adults with autism.
Start shaping your future in Inclusive Learning with us by deepening your expertise, enhancing your professional impact, and opening doors to rewarding leadership roles. You'll be prepared to lead innovative practices in autism care and education and make a lasting difference in the lives of adults with autism.
Postgraduate certificate
As well as the MA we also offer a one year, part-time Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits in total). This option gives you the opportunity to gain a specialist qualification at Masters level after just one year of study, or (on successful completion of the modules) to transfer to the MA Programme. For the PGCert, you choose from one of the first year pathway options and for those who transfer to the MA, this would constitute your first year of the three-year course. The MA Inclusion entry criteria, teaching and assessment all apply to the PGCert option.
This course will run in a part-time mode, online for either 12 or 36 months depending on which awarded degree you enrolled for.
Study three core 20-credit modules that will allow you to explore inclusive practices, understand diverse needs, and learn to empower autistic adults. These modules will equip you with the skills to assess, support, and create personalised, evidence-based programmes that make a real impact. Evaluation will consist of essays and literature reviews throughout the year.
Course highlights
Our Department of Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs (DISN) blends global expertise with practical insights to drive inclusion and social justice through innovative research and tailored education. The Inclusion (Autism Adults) MA/PGCert offers a flexible, part-time learning experience that merges theory, research, and practice. Focused on supporting adults and young people with autism, the course features specialised modules, insights from autistic researchers, and a global perspective on SEND.
- Specialist Focus: Gain in-depth knowledge of autism spectrum theory and practice tailored for adults and young people.
- Expert Insight: Learn from authors and researchers, offering diverse perspectives on autism and support strategies.
- Flexible Learning: Study part-time and online, balancing coursework with professional and personal commitments.
- Career Advancement: Prepare for advanced roles in autism care and inclusive education with a substantial research project and professional guidance.
- Expert insight
from autistic authors and researchers, offering diverse perspectives on autism and support strategies
- 3rd in the UK
for 4* research in Education (REF 2021)
The distance learning format allows you to balance your studies with professional commitments. Culminating in a significant research project, this course prepares you for advanced roles in autism care and inclusive education, equipping you with the skills to lead impactful initiatives in your field.
Course delivery
Teaching will utilise a range of learning methods, including online classes, discussions and group activities.
- Online live classes: Classes with this format meet at a regularly scheduled time online. You can interact live with your instructor and classmates as you all work together at the same time and same days.
- Online on-demand classes: On-Demand content and materials are available around the clock, whenever they are needed. Each learner can proceed through at their own speed.
- 1:1 Supervision: Supervisors expected to support, encourage and guide those students who are their tutees’ so that they are supported in maximising their academic potential, personal development, and professional and employability skills acquisition throughout their time as a student at the University.
Module information
Complete three 20-credit modules to obtain your Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert). For those progressing onto the MA in the second year, you'll need to choose 60 credits from a combination of optional modules (which include core modules from the other pathways on the MA Inclusion) and complete a dissertation (60 credits) in your final year.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The following modules must be taken in Year 1:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Inclusion : Universal and Specialist Approaches | 20 | |
| LM Understanding the Common and Diverse Needs of Autistic Adults and Young People | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Using Enabling Practice with Autistic Adults and Young People | 20 | Semester 2 |
In Year 2, students must choose 60 credits of optional modules:
In Year 3, the following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Dissertation (Distance Education) | 60 | Full Term |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:2 Honours Degree
in a relevant area of practice or discipline
Normally a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant area of practice or discipline. Vocational qualifications are accepted as criteria for entry to this course.
Most students will have some relevant professional experience and all applicants are encouraged to gain relevant experience in educational, care or other professional settings before, and during, embarking on a programme of study.
Speakers of English as a second language will be required to hold an IELTs 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band or equivalent qualification.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £3,913
Fee per year of study starting in September 2025
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Our MA Inclusion (Autism Adults) provides a rich learning experience designed for those dedicated to advancing support for individuals with autism. You'll emerge equipped to lead in complex, inclusive educational environments.
Combining rigorous theoretical study with practical insights, this course equips you with the skills to develop and implement effective support strategies. You'll be ready for advanced roles in autism services, inclusive education, or leadership, with options to pursue further qualifications or a PhD. The part-time, distance learning format ensures you can integrate your studies with professional responsibilities.
- #1 Most Targeted UK University
by leading graduate employers (High Fliers Research 2024)
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.