Master of Autism Studies

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.

To be eligible for entry to this Masters program, applicants must have the following:

• a Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.5 (using a 7.0 scale)
• OR a Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies (or equivalent).

From 2025, the following admission requirements will apply.

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.

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.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Admission Procedure

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

• Griffith English Language Institute

Graduates are well-placed to work alongside autistic people and their supporters to identify strategies or supports to enable them to achieve their goals. You may also be equipped to advance into leadership and specialist roles in education, health, government policy, social work and service provision for autistic people and their families.

Educators with specialised knowledge in providing for the needs of autistic learners are in high demand in public and private education sectors as a specialist teacher, school leader, curriculum leader or consultant. You will also have the option of completing a research masters and following a career in autism research.