Master of Autism Studies

Graduates of a Master of Autism Studies will have:

• Detailed and deep knowledge of the diversity of neurodivergent lived experiences and apply that knowledge with creativity and initiative in professional practice, and/or further learning, to support neurodivergent people across the lifespan.

This degree, offered by the Autism Centre of Excellence, has a multidisciplinary, whole of life focus. In the Masters, you will build on this knowledge and learn about critical issues in autism such as diagnosis, early intervention, mental health, communication and the importance of identifying strengths and challenges. You will gain comprehensive understanding and skills in research and practice for autistic individuals, that will enable you to work effectively with autistic learners and their families at home, in school, at work and in the community.

The Master of Autism Studies is a pathway to becoming a Developmental Educator. Developmental Educators are National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) approved professionals who support individuals on the autism spectrum, those with other disabilities, and their families to achieve their individual developmental, social and learning goals.

This degree also addresses an area of acute need as determined by the Australian Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Queensland Department of Education and Training, and the Queensland Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services.

Recommended study pattern

All of the eight Autism Studies courses are delivered primarily online. Online lectures are recorded for students who are not able to participate at the designated time. All of the Autism Studies core courses will involve an intensive session delivered in one intensive workshop for one day during the length of the course. Attendance in these sessions is strongly recommended but not required as videos of the sessions will be available online for students who are unable to attend.

Award requirements

For the award of Master of Autism Studies (MAutismSt), you must successfully complete 80 credit points comprising:

• 80 credit points for all Core Module

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $7,000

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

To be eligible for entry to the Master of Autism Studies you must have:

• a recognized Bachelor degree (or higher*) in a related discipline related (education, allied health) with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale AND require a minimum of 5 years equivalent full-time employment in a specialist role supporting autistic people, OR
• the Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.5 (using a 7.0 scale).
• *A higher qualification refers to a qualification at a higher level than a Bachelor qualification, which includes any of the following: a Bachelor Honours Degree; Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters Degree, MPhil or PhD.  

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including: 

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE. 
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training. 
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.