The Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies takes a social justice perspective to supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals by focusing on creating successful learning, education and employment programs in early childhood and school settings, and employment environments. Teaching staff within this program include a number of individuals from the autistic and neurodivergent community, ensuring their perspectives and experiences are taught alongside the most up-to-date research and teaching principles.
Save up to 75% on postgraduate course fees.
Master of
Autism & Neurodivergent Studies
Get up to 75% off your fees in 2025
UOW is guaranteeing Commonwealth Supported places for eligible domestic students studying postgraduate autism courses in 2025. This means the Australian Government will pay up to 75% of course fees. There’s never been a better time to get started on your next qualification.
ELIGIBILITY & FEES Apply now
Key facts
Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies
The Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies can be studied over 1.5 years full-time (four subjects per semester). You can also choose to study part-time and work at your own pace. Students who are working full time often study part-time, choosing to complete one to two subjects per semester, taking three years to complete the full degree.
Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodivergent Studies
The Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodivergent Studies can be studied over six months full-time (four subjects per semester). You can also choose to study part-time and work at your own pace. Students who are working full time often study part-time, choosing to complete one to two subjects per semester, taking 12 months to complete the full degree.
Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies
The Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies requires the successful completion of 12 subjects (72 credit points).
Core subjects include:
- Autism and Learning
- Introduction to Education Research
- Learning Curriculum for Autistic and Neurodivergent Individuals
- Leading Collaborative Communities for Lifelong Learning
- Minor Research Project: Supporting Individuals with Disability
- Inclusive Practice and Specialist Educators
- Learning Environments for Autistic and Neurodivergent Individuals
- Learning Futures for Autistic and Neurodivergent Individuals
- Evidence-informed practice, autism and neurodivergent conditions
- Professional Experience – Developmental Educators
Plus 12 credit points (2 subjects) from a large range of electives.
View the Course Handbook for the complete course structure and learning outcomes.
Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodivergent Studies
The Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodivergent Studies requires the successful completion of four subjects (24 credit points):
- Autism and Learning
- Learning Environments for Autistic and Neurodivergent Individuals
- Learning Curriculum for Autistic and Neurodivergent Individuals
- Learning futures for autistic and neurodivergent individuals
View the Course Handbook for the complete course structure and learning outcomes.
| Session | Session Details |
|---|---|
| 2025 Autumn |
Commences: 3 March 2025 |
| 2025 Spring |
Commences: 28 July 2025 |
Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies
| Campus | Total Course Fee* |
|---|---|
| UOW Online | $6,936 (2025) |
Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodivergent Studies
| Campus | Total Course Fee* |
|---|---|
| UOW Online | $2,312 (2025) |
The above tuition fees are the amount payable for a Commonwealth Supported place.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are University places where, for eligible domestic students, tuition fees are made up of two parts:
- an Australian Government contribution (for some courses, up to three-quarters of the tuition fee is funded by the Australian Government)
- a student contribution (listed above, which may be deferred and repaid later via a HECS-HELP loan)
To be eligible for this fee subsidy, you must meet the following criteria: Be a domestic student, i.e. an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident of Australia or a permanent Australian Humanitarian visa holder.
*Total indicative course tuition fees shown is for a Commonwealth Supported place. These fees are based on normal course length and progression and are subject to change from year to year. For up to date information on course structure and fees, refer to the UOW Course Handbook.
UOW Online
UOW integrates online learning into nearly all subjects. However, when your course is offered through UOW Online, 100% of your course will be delivered online, including all tutorials, class discussions and submission of assessments. This delivery mode allows you to study from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
Studying online still means you will be able to connect with our passionate lecturers and teachers and network with your classmates.
The Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies is accredited by Developmental Educators Australia, which means that graduates qualify to register as Developmental Educators and provide services under NDIS.
For anyone thinking about jumping into doing postgraduate study, if you think you don't have the time, just go for it. There are are ways that it can be tailored and supported, flexibly so that you can get the most out of your experience.
Positive impacts
So many opportunities have arisen from completing my master's. It opened my eyes to a whole new community, which I love being part of and learn something new every day. I have so much that I still want to achieve and I will make it possible through applying my knowledge and understanding in everything that I do. I wouldn’t be where I am today without having completed the Master of Autism.
What next?
Fill out your details and we will reach out to provide more information.
Register now for our online course webinar on 26 November.
Book a time to speak to a postgraduate specialist over the phone.
Applying to study at UOW is quick, easy and secure.
The Master of Autism gave me the opportunity to gain a multifaceted perspective on autism and how we can support those we work with. Despite having lived experience as an autistic individual, I found the course content challenging (in a good way), and the teachers were extremely knowledgeable. Having completed this course I am able to support colleagues to further understand what autism is and how to support our students. I love working as an autistic autism specialist.
Graduate Certificate in Autism
A short, prescribed degree that examines the key principles of diagnosis and assessment, and reflects on how the history of Autism has led to current beliefs and the development of programs for autistic and neurodivergent individuals and their families. You can progress into the Master of Autism if you are interested in further study.
Find out more
Create supportive spaces
As rates of autism have grown in the community, so too has the demand for services and tools on how to create successful learning, education and employment programs to suit the different needs of autistic and neurodivergent people—in the classroom, in the workforce, in the home, and in the community.
Support for postgraduate students
If you have questions before you apply, complete the enquiry form or book a consult with one of our postgraduate course specialists.
In 2025, most of UOW's postgraduate coursework degrees will offer Commonwealth supported places (CSP) to eligible Domestic students, which means you could save up to 75% off your course fees.
UOW Careers service can help you gain professional experience, provide advice on resumes and applying for roles, engage with new employers as well as find you a new role using your new qualification.
UOW understands that postgrad students may need study support. UOW offers online study support via our Learning Co-op, Library, Academic language and learning, plus maths and stats help.
We're here to help
Fill out your details and we will reach out to answer any questions you may have about our courses, fees, dates or the application process.