Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies

Course summary

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.

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. LEARN MORE

Course information

Study area

Education

Campus

UOW Online Wollongong

Course Code

3235

Duration

1.5 years full time or 3 years part time

Delivery

Distance

Cricos

UAC Code

-

Admission, Key dates, and Fees

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

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

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.

CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING

Credit for Prior Learning


All subjects successfully completed in the Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodivergent Studies will count as credit towards the Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies, enabling completion within one year full-time equivalent.


Pathways and Nested Qualifications


Entry and Exit Pathway - 3234 Graduate Certificate in Autism & Neurodivergent Studies.


Students will receive exemption from the subjects completed in the Graduate Certificate in Autism & Neurodivergent Studies (3234).

FEES

CAMPUS

DELIVERY METHOD

SESSION FEE*

COURSE FEE*

UOW Online Wollongong

Distance

$12,624 (2025)

$37,872 (2025)

The above tuition fee is the amount payable for a full fee-paying place. UOW is offering Commonwealth Supported Places for all of our postgraduate coursework degrees* in 2024. This means the Australian government will subsidise your tuition fees by up to 75%. LEARN MORE

*Excluding Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive), Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (Executive), and Masters of Business Administration (Executive)

* 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.

ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS

The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:

English Test

Overall Score

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

IELTS Academic

6.5

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

TOEFL (Internet-based)

86

18

18

17

17

UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Credit (weighted average mark of 65 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing)

Other qualifications may also be considered. Full details can be found on our English Language Requirements website.


CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING

Credit for Prior Learning


All subjects successfully completed in the Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodivergent Studies will count as credit towards the Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies, enabling completion within one year full-time equivalent.


Pathways and Nested Qualifications


Entry and Exit Pathway - 3234 Graduate Certificate in Autism & Neurodivergent Studies.


Students will receive exemption from the subjects completed in the Graduate Certificate in Autism & Neurodivergent Studies (3234).

FEES

This course is pending approval to admit international students.


Tuition fees are reviewed annually: fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and are subject to increase during the period of study.

Additional Fees:


In addition to tuition, there are other fees and costs you will need to consider, including but not limited to:



  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

  • Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)

For more details on fees and other costs, please visit Fees and Assistance.

CAMPUS

DELIVERY METHOD

SESSION FEE*

COURSE FEE*

UOW Online Wollongong

Distance

$15,864 (2025)

$47,592 (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. The fees outlined in your Letter of Offer of Admission to the University are correct at the point of offer, but are indicative and subject to change without notice. The indicative total course tuition fee is an estimate, based on normal course length and progression and current course fees.

Admission Profile


INDICATIVE ENROLMENT



STUDENT PROFILE

This table shows the breakdown of the applicant background of the student group at UOW for this course. It provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and continued study beyond the census date at UOW in 2023.

Applicant background

2023 intake

2023 intake (%)

Higher education study Students who have studied a University course, or completed a bridging or enabling course.

-

-

Vocational education & training study Students who have undertaken vocational education or training since leaving school.

-

-

Work & life experience Students admitted on the basis of previous achievement other than higher education study, vocational education & training, or recent secondary education.

-

-

Recent secondary education

ATAR Only Students admitted only on the basis of ATAR including any applied adjustment factors.

-

-

ATAR plus additional criteria Students who were admitted on the basis of both ATAR and additional criteria (e.g. an audition or individual subject results).

-

-

Other criteria only (non-ATAR) These students were admitted on the basis of other criteria where ATAR was not a factor (e.g. UOW Early Admission).

-

-

International students All other students.

-

-

All students

-

-

< 5: Number of students is less than 5
N/A: Data not available for this item
N/P: Not published (hidden to prevent calculation of other numbers less than 5)


ATAR PROFILE

This table relates to all students selected on the basis of ATAR alone or ATAR in combination with adjustment factors. For more information on adjustment factors commonly available to applicants, see ‘ATAR-based admission’.

ATAR profile of ATAR-based offers in 2023

ATAR The unadjusted, raw ATARs for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR. Selection Rank The ATARs of the same student group, including the impact of adjustment factors.
Highest rank to receive an offer

-

-

Median rank to receive an offer

-

-

Lowest rank to receive an offer

-

-

< 5: Less than 5 ATAR-based offers made
N/A: Data not available for this item
N/P: Not published (less than 5 ATAR-based offers made)

More Information

For more information about UOW admission pathways, see UOW Admission Information.

Key Dates

SESSION

CAMPUS

SESSION DETAILS

2025 Autumn

UOW Online Wollongong

Orientation: 24 - 27 February 2025
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.

2025 Spring

UOW Online Wollongong

Orientation: 14 July 2025
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.

Course Structure

(Current year structure - subject to change)

Course Handbook

Accreditation & professional recognition

The Master of Autism & Neurodivergent Studies is fully accredited by Developmental Educators Australia Incorporated (DEAI). Graduates who commenced study from 2024 will be automatically eligible to apply for full membership with the DEAI

Why choose this course

UOW’s School of Education has a reputation for practical programs and flexible learning strategies that produce highly employable educators. It is founded on the expertise of our staff and our strong ties with community organisations and government bodies.