Postgraduate Certificate SEN/ALN (Autism)

The PG Cert SEN/ALN (Autism) is for those who want to become an advanced practitioner in autism by acquiring a relevant qualification. USW's SEN/ALN course offers the only practice-based study of autism in the region and draws a wide range of students from south Wales and the west of England, as well as many international students.

The course is designed for professionals who hold a specialist position in educational, health and care settings, or in the third sector, and is suitable for those who work with autistic children or adults.

The PG Cert SEN/ALN (Autism) is of relevance to newly qualified practitioners who are interested in gaining a specialism in autism, and if you are coming from a personal perspective on autism and would like to deepen your knowledge and find out more about current research and relevant theoretical ideas.

The PG Cert SEN/ALN (Autism) explores theory, policy and practice in relation to all aspects of autism as it is currently understood within different contexts. Modular content is designed to provide the opportunity to tailor your postgraduate study to meet your individual professional or personal needs.

Students are required to study two modules and can choose to take either one or both of the modules focused on autism:

Autism: Contexts and Concepts

• This module examines the development of current theories of autism and explores the implications of these for autistic individuals, families and practitioners. It is designed to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the sensory perceptual differences of autism and consider the ways in which these may give rise to a different way of being in the world.

Managing and Supporting Autism

• This module critically examines national and international developments in policy and practice in relation to autism education and support within a variety of settings and contexts. It will enable you to evaluate the continuum of provision for autistic people in the light of theories of learning and with reference to important models of disability. 

If you wish to take only one autism module, you are able to select a further module from the Professional Learning Programme, for example:

Child and Adolescent Mental Health

• This module focuses on the causation, presentation and implications of mental health difficulties in children and young people.

SEN: Contexts and Concepts

• This module examines practice in SEN/ALN, learning disabilities and inclusive education and critically reflects on the tension between identification of need and the philosophy of inclusion.

Leading and Managing SEN/ALN

• This module is designed to provide students with a better understanding of theory and practice in relation to the role of SENCo/ALNCo and so respond to the changing landscape of SEN/ALN.

Teaching

Each module is taught during weekly on campus sessions over 10-week terms. Learning takes place in teacher and student-led seminars, group discussions, individual tutorials and through active learning tasks. Content is delivered in engaging and interactive ways, with clear direction and support provided for critical reading and academic-level writing. Teaching usually takes place in the evenings and sessions are delivered by the module leader together with guest speakers.

Assessment

Each module is assessed by an assignment, which may take the form of a 5,000 word written assignment or an alternative practical assessment task.