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Course overview
Our MA Inclusion (Autism Children) offers a flexible, part-time path for professionals to gain advanced skills in supporting children with autism. Learn from top experts, integrate your experiences, and explore research and policy to enhance inclusive education practices.
Start shaping the future of inclusive education with us by developing your expertise to lead and innovate in supporting children with autism. With tailored guidance from top experts, you’ll be prepared to confidently take on impactful roles and advanced career opportunities in this field.
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
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 to explore effective educational approaches for autistic children, understand key inclusion strategies, and deepen your knowledge of autism spectrum theories in children. These modules will equip you to create meaningful, inclusive learning experiences. Assessments include coursework, case studies, and more.
Course highlights
Study our MA Inclusion (Autism Children) and enjoy a distinctive, flexible learning experience, taught by leading experts in autism. This part-time, distance course allows you to tailor your studies through diverse modules and a 60-credit dissertation, focusing on the needs of autistic children. Benefit from a global perspective on inclusive education, access to the Autism Centre for Education and Research, and personalised career guidance. Ideal for professionals in various settings, this course equips you to drive meaningful change and advance in your career, potentially leading to further qualifications like a PhD.
- Expert-Led Learning: Gain insights from leading autism specialists and integrate your own experience into the course.
- Flexible Study Options: Choose from a wide range of modules and study part-time to fit your professional commitments.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Develop skills in autism spectrum theory, inclusive practices, and educational policy.
- Career Advancement: Access strong career support and pathways to advanced roles and further qualifications, including a PhD.
- Our global expertise
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.
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 then 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.
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.
- UK 2:2 honours degree
in a relevant area of practice or discipline
For this programme, you require 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.
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 Children) offers a transformative path for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in autism education. With guidance from leading experts, you’ll gain advanced skills in addressing diverse needs and inclusive practices. This course equips you for roles such as specialist teacher, education advisor, or SEN coordinator, and provides pathways to further qualifications, including a PhD. Embrace flexible learning and make a profound impact in the field of autism education.
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.