About the course
This 9-month post-graduate course will help you to develop an in-depth knowledge of what autism is and isn’t. You will gain insight into lived autistic experiences, understanding the unique needs of autistic individuals, explore an autism-affirming framework, and learn how specific sensory differences shape autistic experiences.
It is designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
There will be a variety of speakers on the taught component of the course, including Dr Luke Beardon.
The course is run twice a year; once in-person (either in Manchester or London) and once live-online.
You are provided with an in-depth exploration of the main autism theories, with alternative perspectives identified with supporting rationale. The course is deeply embedded in an inclusive model, and embraces the social model of disability. As such, the notions of inclusion, models of disability, and what it means to be autistic in the modern age are all explored within the course.
This course is designed for anyone connected to autism, whether you’re autistic (formally diagnosed or not), a parent, carer, family member, or a professional working with autistic individuals of any age. We’ll deep dive into autism from a neuro-affirming perspective, informed by global autistic communities.
To apply for a place: please use the link next to the dates you are looking for which will take you to the Sheffield Hallam website – where you can apply directly.
Please note that references are not required when applying for this course. Please leave the reference section of the form blank when submitting your application.
For more detailed information about the course – please see our additional information and FAQs page and visit the course pages at Sheffield Hallam:
SHU In-person Autism PGC
SHU Live online Autism PGC
Testimonials
The online version of this course has meant that I have been able to complete this course, as I would not have been able to do the course had it been university based due to the logistics of travel, childcare and work commitments. I have also really enjoyed the online mode of delivery, being able to watch the presentations at a time that works for you, pause them to reflect on the point before moving on, and rewind to listen again to key bits of information. The virtual format for discussions has made it easier to ask a question or make a point than speaking in front of a room full of people! In all - a much better way for me to access and learn from a course and hopefully a model that will be repeated in the future.
The course was changed to remote rather than attended lectures, late in the day due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The remote learning has been advantageous for me and has not taken away from the student experience. I didn't have to pay hotel fees or take as much annual leave from my job, as there was flexibility with watching the sessions 'live' or played back in your own time. The question and answer sessions were also recorded. A WhatsApp group was helpfully set up by an former student and this is a perfect way to keep in touch with my fellow students. Luke's passion and enthusiasm for all things autism was tangible, even in a virtual capacity. I have found Blackboard easy to navigate. Remote learning would now be my preference.
I live in Scotland and working remotely has been of huge benefit to me. This course was really important for me as I have two autistic children and want to learn more about autism, how it can impact my children (especially with education) and what I can do to support them.
The content of the module was very informative, and presented clearly and enthusiastically by Luke. I also think, given that engaging with online training can be very intense and tiring, the 'bite sized' presentations of the academic material followed by opportunities to ask questions of Luke via Zoom was an ideal format. I'm also very appreciative of the ongoing support and guidance being offered by both Luke and Shona; the latter doing a great job of managing the social media groups and responding to the understandable anxieties many are having engaging with academia for the first time in several years.