What is a Graduate Certificate of Education in Autism?

A Graduate Certificate of Education in Autism provides a deep understanding of how to create effective learning environments for people on the autism spectrum. It prepares you with an in-depth awareness of the strengths and challenges people with autism face in education and how to effectively respond to them. You will graduate better equipped to teach children with autism and creating inclusive learning environments.

Using a ‘person first’ approach, you will increase understanding of autism, and develop and apply positive support skills to effectively engage learners in a range of educational environments. You will learn how to create supportive learning environments to shift away from traditional views of autism to contemporary practice and authentic inclusive education. This is not an accredited Australian Initial Teacher Education course and therefore does not qualify the student to teach in Australia.

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Learning outcomes

Apply a person-first perspective to find the best solutions to issues.
Identify and analyse biases, prejudices and assumptions associated with autism in educational practice.
Demonstrate specialised knowledge of autism theory.
Design and implement effective educational environments aligned to the strengths of students with autism.

Download course guide Start online application

Study mode

Online, On campus

Campus locations*

Sydney, Melbourne, Online

Student

Domestic

International

Course duration

Full-time: 5 months Part-time: 11 months

Start date

05 Jun 2023

Fees

View fees

This is an AQF Level 8 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.

*For more details on international student study options.

Work to achieve social change

As a qualified educator, you have a real opportunity to generate positive change and shape your local community.

A dedicated Success Coach

An ally to encourage, inspire and guide, your Success Coach will help you achieve your goals and create the right trajectory for your career.

Learn from specialists in their field

Our academics understand where the industry is heading and will guide you on your learning journey.

Discover Education at Torrens University Australia. Hear from our Program Director Jeannette Keser and Learning Facilitator Thu Dang as they take you through our postgraduate offerings in Education.

Career opportunities

Upon graduation, you will have the opportunity to support people with autism across a range of educational environments. You will find employment in schools, TAFEs and universities, as well as external government and not-for-profit agencies focused on education.

Potential career paths

Special Education Teacher
Average salary: $79,353 - $113,252
Disability Support Manager
Average salary: $81,596 - $128,133
Education Consultant
Average salary: $84,375 - $127,193

Learn more about careers in Education

Subjects and units

Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.

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Core
Electives

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Requirements

These three core subjects must be completed. Additionally you're required to select one elective from the electives tab.

Person-Centred Approach | PFA401

Using a contemporary lens, evidence-based practices that both support and value Autistic individuals and their unique strengths are investigated in this subject. Neurodiversity is celebrated and explored as each Autistic individual is unique and requires a uniquely supportive learning environment, collaboratively designed to meet their learning needs. As part of a person-centred approach, the importance of always providing a ‘voice’ and a ‘choice’ for both the individual and their carer underpins all educational decisions and the importance of active listening and co-design for learning. An investigation of the history and complexity concerning a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the influence on the development of knowledge and application in education systems. A current definition, prevalence and the importance of early intervention are explored. Interactions with the varying perspectives, experiences, challenges, and aspirations in the Autistic community create a platform for students to examine bias, prejudice and assumptions and the impact on both individuals and families. Further, students’ understanding is deepened when asked to critique the social implications relating to discrimination, policy and practices advocating for positive changes in education and community settings to value Autistic strengths. As educators, we need to be aware that we can positively affect change by raising awareness and implementing evidence-based support in inclusive classrooms.
Autism Support across the Lifespan | ASL402

Utilising a holistic perspective, the lifespan for an individual with Autism in the present day is explored. From diagnosis, to schooling, communication and health, the experience for an individual and their carers varies. In this subject students consider the range of challenges across the lifespan and the differing paths Autism takes for an individual and their carer. Given the complexity and unique nature of Autism, critical thinking about the day-to-day needs of individuals encourages students to enhance person first and problem based thinking skills. Issues such as accessibility, the range of support, choices and types of community are examined. In addition, challenges across the lifespan will be identified and analysed including communication stigmas, misdiagnosis and co-morbidities.
In this subject, a range of interventions from past to present and varying viewpoints are critiqued in reference to person first and positive support. This aspect of the subject drives deeper thinking in relation to education philosophy. With this grounding, students reflect upon the contemporary pedagogy for supporting individuals with Autism in Education. Students consider factors such as social, health, education and accessibility in the early years of life, through to housing, work, relationships and services in adult life. This comparison between historical interventions and contemporary practices across the lifespan for individuals with Autism provides insight to the shifts in attitudes and support. Finally, the application of these complexities is introduced for a lateral thinking approach to education practices.
Autism: Contemporary Practices | ACP601

Using the skills of critical analysis students will investigate contemporary evidence-based inclusive practices that are designed to support Autistic individuals in the modern classroom setting. Students will be presented with a range of appropriate support strategies, collaboration between stakeholders from the multidisciplinary team including carers to develop an individual education plan that uniquely caters for the needs of Autistic students in the inclusive classroom. Identification of the importance of a range of allied health professionals and therapies are explored to ensure that individuals are successful across the lifespan. Finally, students will explore a range of contemporary practices to build a toolkit of individual supports that cater to Autistic strengths and provide best-practice strategies for individuals and carers. With both information and practical strategies students will feel empowered to make a difference to the lives of Autistic individuals within the inclusive classroom.

Prerequisite: PFA401; ASL402

Requirements

Choose one elective subject below.

Innovation for Education | IED402

In this subject students will analyse a variety of examples of innovative educational practice (including, for example, practices relating to the support of students with additional educational needs), critically examine the meaning of innovation and debate whether innovation can be quantified and measured. Students will be supported to identify problems/issues within education practice and will utilise tools and thinking processes designed to assist in the generation of innovative solutions. Finally, students will explore evaluation methodology as a means of analysing innovation outcomes relevant to their professional context in a systematic way.
Design Thinking | DTE401

Design Thinking is an approach to innovation that involves identifying ‘problems’ or issues in a particular context, empathising with those who have a stake in these problems/issues and designing a range of possible solutions that are then prototyped, tested and refined in practice. In this subject, you will explore the concepts and processes of design thinking, including the origins of Design Thinking and its use across a range of disciplines and contexts. Following these general processes, you will then engage in a design thinking process to identify and address an issue within your own professional context. Through this Design Thinking process, you will engage in reflection, analysis and development of your professional skills, knowledge and judgement, and ultimately arrive at an advanced understanding of your roles as both an innovator and a leader in your professional context.
Technology and Education | TED403

This subject challenges students to engage with a diverse range of educational technologies with a view to critically examining the relevance and application of such technologies within their professional context. More broadly, students will engage critically with the discourses surrounding technologies in education, refining their skills of critique and analysis to articulate the principles through which educators might make informed decisions about the effectiveness and appropriateness of specific technologies for learning. The subject will provide students with the opportunity to consider specific technologies that are relevant for their professional setting, for example technologies to engage students with Autism, and/or technologies relevant to the teaching of particular disciplines.
Social Enterprise | DSGN6031

The theoretical base of this subject focuses on developing the students’ understanding of the fundamental contemporary theories of social entrepreneurship and a variety of applicable business models. The course will explore cross discipline material encompassing design, business and technology and how to acquire and combine knowledge and skills in all 3 areas to amplify the potential for success in 21st century society. At the core of this subject will be a focus on customer experience design, both theory and skill, and why user centric principles are increasingly used in business today.
Students will explore the application of entrepreneurship business strategies and apply this knowledge in a philanthropic context and come up with solution to a real world problem they can execute to the pitch ready stage for investment. The project will entail some type of ‘design for good’ aspect in either a profit or non- for-profit business model.
The course will also cover the latest neuro-leadership principles and why EQ is just as important as IQ in both design and business. Students will be expected to think critically as they evaluate complex ideas and learn the patterns, frameworks and mechanics or storytelling, behaviour design, game design and platform design.
Students will be expected to:
• Identify and analyse a social problem that needs to be solved.
• Plan and progress an idea through a business development lifecycle.
• Conduct face to face user interviews utilising a self-constructed questionnaire.
• Synthesize and visualize quantitative and qualitative data in order to communicate the patterns they discover in the data collected.
• Learning the basics of using a business model and value proposition canvas as tools for design.
• Create, present, and communicate a professional-level business deck along with a functional prototype in order to demonstrate their understanding of theoretical and practical concepts.
• Learn and practice lean start-up and design thinking principles in the validation of their business idea along with validation of the prototype for the product or service they create.
Business Communications | MGT502

This subject introduces you to the concepts of business communications and transferrable academic skills. This subject presents an analysis of the types of communication processes expected in industry, which occur in the internal and external business environment, including an examination of the theoretical underpinnings of communication in business. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, reports and presentations and on using technology to communicate. The subject introduces you to research skills, information literacy, critical analysis, writing and language techniques.
Managing People and Teams | MGMT6009

Understanding organisational behaviour, politics, dynamics and environments and how they impact on the role and legitimacy of the management function is the core of this subject. This subject helps individuals understand the constraints they face as managers and emerging leaders and how they can develop strategies to leverage advantages and overcome constraints and barriers in their organisations. The subject also focusses on developing some of the advanced communication skills necessary in management and leadership roles, and the ability of the individual to influence others. The subject introduces students to the concept of naturally occurring data and qualitative analysis. This subject also focuses on the development of knowledge and skills to enable students to identify, analyse and make effective decisions to resolve people-related issues in organisations, facilitate employee development, and develop and sustain effective teams in complex, diverse, and increasingly global operating environments.
Dynamic Leadership | MGMT6000

Being an effective and genuine leader in a dynamic era requires an understanding of leadership concepts, how leaders think and act, and how various management styles impact situations and relationships within an organisation. Being a dynamic leader also demands a strong set of competencies such as motivating self and others, leading creativity in an organisation, cultural intelligence, and navigating ambiguity. This subject provides students with a foundation of leadership theory, styles and approaches, and an opportunity for students to access and build on their own leadership styles throughout the course, developing their personal sense of social justice in the workplace as they progress their course. As such, the subject introduces students to reflexive research methodologies and the concept of the lived experience as a research method.

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. Please note that due to COVID-19, authorities have provided exceptions to the usual face-to-face learning requirements until 30 June 2023 only. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

Entry details

Domestic
International

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

If you are truly passionate about education, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of education scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the education industry:

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

AQF Level 7 (Bachelor degree) or above from an Australia University

The below is an alternative option.
Relevant professional experience includes those who are currently working in education-related fields and teachers holding alternative qualifications.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

Scholarships

We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as an international student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Australian bachelor's degree or equivalent

Academic IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent.

OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate. Exceptions may apply to some courses.
What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has a range of application pathways to help you gain entry into our degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study Pathways or contact our Future Student Advisors.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
If you are a domestic student attending university or an approved higher education provider, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

You are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for a unit of study (i.e. subject) if you:

Undertake study with an approved provider.

Meet the citizenship and residency requirements:

An Australian citizen or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency criteria and who will undertake, in Australia, at least one unit of study contributing to your course; OR

A permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be a resident in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR

Are a permanent visa holder who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of the study.

Enrolled in an eligible unit of study by the census date for the unit.

Have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.

For full details, visit the Australian Government website Study Assist.

If you are still unsure, please contact our Future Student Advisors who can talk you through the information.

Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available for most courses upon application and academic approval (excluding Higher Degree by Research programs). 

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Review our Course Credits page or chat to our Future Student Advisors.
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that recognises experience, previous study and qualifications, and other forms of informal and non-formal learning, to determine if you meet course requirements.

If you have relevant qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.

Please speak to our Future Student Advisors to discuss your prior learning experiences.

For more information, please visit Course credits.
How do I apply for a scholarship?

Torrens University has a wide range of scholarship options to support new, returning, international and Australian students. They all include a reduction in tuition fees, and some scholarships include a mentoring component with our industry partners.

Domestic students

When you speak to our Future Student Advisors, let them know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application form. They will show you how to apply for a scholarship.

International students

Please contact your Education Agent for further information. Alternatively, you can call us on 1300 575 803 or by email.

For more details, explore our range of scholarships.

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Graduate Certificate of Education (Autism)

What is a Graduate Certificate of Education in Autism?

Learning outcomes

Career opportunities

Potential career paths

Subjects and units

Requirements

Requirements

Entry details

Fees

FEE-HELP

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Fees

Fee payment

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Frequently asked questions

Graduate Certificate of Education (Learning Differences)

Graduate Certificate of Education (Special Education)

Master of Education (Special Education)

Want to find out more?

Study

Students

International students

Torrens University Australia

Study

Students

International students

Torrens University Australia

Graduate Certificate of Education (Autism)

What is a Graduate Certificate of Education in Autism?

Learning outcomes

Career opportunities

Potential career paths

Subjects and units

Requirements

Requirements

Entry details

Fees

FEE-HELP

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Fees

Fee payment

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

How to apply

Get started

Apply

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Frequently asked questions

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Graduate Certificate of Education (Learning Differences)

Graduate Certificate of Education (Special Education)

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