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Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies

Support neurodivergent individuals. Study cutting edge research. Implement successful strategies to enhance learning.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

Applicants can apply directly to UOW. You may be required to have scans or electronic copies of the following documents ready to attach to your application:

  • Academic qualifications relevant to your application
  • English proficiency evidence (if required)
  • Evidence of your citizenship, passport, or permanent residency status

Before you apply, please check the UOW course entry requirements, intake dates, and closing dates for your chosen degree.

International students are encouraged to apply with the support of an approved UOW agent. An agent can help navigate the application process and ensure that you submit all necessary documentation. For your nearest agent, please see our agent list.

Alternatively, if you would like to apply directly (without an agent), you can start the process through our Apply Online portal. Please note, some applicants will not be eligible to apply directly and will be prompted to apply via an agent.

Before starting your application, review the entry requirements, intake dates, and deadlines for your chosen degree at UOW. International students should also be aware of both UOW's general English language requirements and the English proficiency standards required for a student visa.

Need help?

Contact the UOW Future Students Team:

Enquiry Form: Submit an enquiry

For more details about this course

Australia: 1300 367 869. International: +61 2 4221 3218

Student ?
Domestic
Campus
UOW Online Wollongong
Delivery ?
Distance
Duration
1.5 years full-time, or part-time equivalent
Starts
  • Autumn 2025
  • Spring 2025
Codes
UAC: 935130
UOW: 3235

Overview

The Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies is specifically designed to enable neurodivergent individuals, parents and professionals in multidisciplinary areas to take a leadership role in creating and implementing evidence-based practices and programs that support to realise their goals across the lifespan.

Throughout the degree you will review the current research on perspectives of and neuro-affirming practice to support autistic and neurodivergent individuals. You will develop the expertise to analyse and translate current research to establish socially inclusive policies and structures and neuro-affirming and evidence-based learning and employment programs that build the capacity and empower autistic and neurodivergent individuals in a range of school, home, workplace and community environments.

You will learn how to critically examine research and create and implement practice that reflects new knowledge in a range of areas. These include the use of technology, collaborative communities of practice, family systems theory, systems leadership and transitions. You will also develop an understanding of aetiology and biology of different neurodivergent conditions and personal-environmental interactions, and the impact for autistic and neurodivergent individuals.

Additionally, your professional experience and practice will help you utilise assessment, evidence-based practice and consultation and collaboration to analyse complex problems facing autistic and neurodivergent individuals and evaluate effectiveness and social validity of programs and practices.

See the course handbook for more information.

Fee subsidised places available

UOW is offering Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) for all of our postgraduate coursework degrees in 2025. This means the Australian government will subsidise your tuition fees by up to 75%. 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.

See more

Careers

  • Advocate
  • Developmental Educator
  • Education Policy Consultant
  • NDIS Support Worker
  • Special/Inclusive Education Teacher
  • Training and Development Officer
See more

Accreditation & professional recognition

The Master of Autism & Neurodivergent Studies is fully accredited by Developmental Educators Australia Incorporated.
Graduates who commenced study from 2024 will be automatically eligible to apply for full membership with the DEAI.
You can find more information about benefits of membership on the DEAI website.

Admissions information

A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

For specific advice or to ask any questions regarding an application, please contact the UOW Future Students Team.

A recognised bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any area with an average mark of at least 65.
Applicants who do not meet the requirements for direct admission may instead be considered for the Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodivergent studies.

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

    UOW's Woolyungah Indigenous Centre's Indigenous Admissions Program (IAP) offers an alternative pathway for Indigenous Australians aged 17 and over who are seeking entry into an undergraduate course at UOW. Upon completing the IAP, applicants will be considered for admission based on an interview and assessment of both academic and non-academic qualities. For further details, including the application process, please contact Woolyungah Indigenous Centre.

  • Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications

    If you have completed or partially completed studies at an approved university or tertiary institution, you may be eligible for entry to UOW. You'll need to provide academic records, and your course must be at least one-sixth complete. Non-English documents must include an official English translation. For more information, contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • English language proficiency

    All UOW courses are taught in English and require varying levels of proficiency. If English is not your first language, you must meet the University’s English Language Requirements, which differ by course.

    Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and OET for specific health-related courses.

    Alternatively, you can fulfill the requirement by completing an English course at UOW College.

  • Workload

    Full-Time Study Load

    As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study and practical work & placements.

    Part-Time Study Load

    For part-time students, study hours will vary based on the number of units taken, with similar expectations for class and independent study.

    For more details on course workloads, please refer to the UOW Handbook.

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

    Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.

    UOW values lifelong learning and recognizes various types of prior learning, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page.

More detail

Course fees table
Campus Delivery method Session fee* Course fee*
UOW Online WollongongDistance$12624 (2025)$37872 (2025)

* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression. These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at UOW, your fees will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.

  • Autumn, 2025 at Wollongong, UOW Online Wollongong

    Orientation: Check your campus details
    Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025

    Applications close

    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 December 2024*
    • International Applicants: 9 December 2024*

    *Applications must be complete with all required documentation.

    Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not available.

  • Spring, 2025 at Wollongong, UOW Online Wollongong

    Orientation: Check your campus details
    Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025

    Applications close

    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 May 2025*
    • International Applicants: 5 May 2025*

    *Applications must be complete with all required documentation.

    Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not available.