MSc Intellectual Disabilities and Autism (Clinical Practice)

University of Kent

United Kingdom, Canterbury

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Home/United Kingdom/Canterbury /University of Kent/MSc Intellectual Disabilities and Autism (Clinical Practice)

University of Kent

United Kingdom , Canterbury

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Canterbury

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Next Intake September-2026

MSc Intellectual Disabilities and Autism (Clinical Practice)

About

Overview

You will develop advanced knowledge and a critical understanding of intellectual disabilities and autism. Our degree programme has been designed to provide four distinct pathways for students who want to specialise in autism, intellectual disabilities, forensic issues and clinical practice.

You can choose whether you would like to attend the course entirely online, or campus based. The course includes lectures, seminars, project work, tests and presentations.

About the Tizard Centre

The Tizard Centre is part of the School of Psychology and is at the forefront of learning and research in autism, intellectual disability and community care. In 2013 the Tizard Centre received a Queen’s Anniversary Prize in recognition of its outstanding work in these areas.

The Centre has excellent links with health and social care organisations, and other relevant establishments. Our primary aims, through research, teaching and consultancy, are:

To find out more about how to effectively support and work with people with learning disabilities
To help carers, managers and professionals develop the values, knowledge and skills that enable better services
To aid policymakers, planners, managers and practitioners to organise and provide enhanced services.

The Tizard Centre is recognised as leading the field in deinstitutionalisation and community living, challenging behaviour, quality of staff support, sexuality, quality of life, and autism, and has had a significant impact on national policies in these areas. We are committed to addressing issues arising from social inequality.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

A good honours degree, typically in psychology or other relevant social sciences, or comparable professional qualifications and experience.

Those who do not meet the degree requirement but have significant relevant work experience may still be considered for entry. Applicants may be asked to complete an admissions task and/or an interview as part of the admissions process.

All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.

International students

Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.

English language entry requirements

This course requires a Very Good level of English language, equivalent to a high B2 on CEFR.

Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage.

Examples:

IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component

PTE Academic 67 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test

A degree from the UK

A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country

Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.

Career

Your future

Our postgraduate courses improve employability prospects for both those with established careers and new entrants to the field. Many of our students already work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in professional, management or supporting capacities.

Our programmes support their continuing professional development and enhance their opportunities for career advancement. Other students, who are at the beginning of their careers, move on to a range of professional roles in health and social care including working as psychologists in learning disability or behavioural specialists in community learning disability teams; service management of development roles; clinical psychology training or a PhD.

Career support

Whether you want to get ahead in your current career, change lanes, or kickstart a new one – we are here to help you realise your ambition.