About the Course
- Available Study Modes
Course Description
The New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling NSPC has been involved in research and teaching in autism and neurodiversity since its inception in 1998. The online courses provide in-depth theory, understanding of clinical issues and practice, and research skills. NSPC believes that improving the quality and accessibility of services for neurodivergent individuals is paramount. Continued research into neurodivergence, that is led by the neurodivergent community is essential in service of this goal.
The distance learning nature of the course means that students can learn in a flexible format that fits around work and personal commitments. The course is wholly online and is accessed by students across the world. Learning incorporates theory, references to real world settings, skills and research. Students learn together in a collaborative way via an online learning platform, sharing knowledge and experience.
The courses provide professional development for those supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals. If you are qualified in a relevant professional field, these courses will provide you with detailed knowledge and understanding of neurodivergence which you can then integrate into your practice as a specialist within that area. However, the programmes are also of interest to those wanting to study autism and neurodiversity solely from an academic and research perspective, including parents, carers or neurodivergent individuals who want access to the latest research, and information about services. Features of the course you might like:
• This programme provides students with a flexible, part-time qualification.
• All teaching is online and includes in-depth teaching on autism and other neurodivergent diagnoses.
• Students also look at clinical and practical issues such as development, social and cultural factors.
Course Leader: Dr Dawn Querstret ([email protected])
Please contact Dawn for any questions related to the course, and for further information on possible learning adaptations we can offer neurodivergent students and students with a disability or chronic health condition.
Application Deadlines:
- January Cohorts (start the course in January) - application deadline is the 30th of November
- September Cohorts (start the course in September) - application deadline is the 1st of August
This course follows the Middlesex Research Degree Regulations available here: https://www.mdx.ac.uk/about-us/policies/
Information on our open days can be found here: www.nspc.org.uk/course-directory/open-days/
Programme of Study
Year 1*
Autism
This module critically considers historical and current diagnostic criteria, including examining this from a social disability model and critical autism studies perspective. Students will explore the defining features of autism, as well as the diversity in how autistic individuals experience the world (e.g., issues of intersectionality). We will consider what effective support looks like for autistic individuals, and we will critically examine some of the historical and current approaches from a neuro-affirming perspective. The module develops students' ability to critically consider research and theories of autism, and how this can enhance the support of autistic people.
The summative assessment for this module includes a 1000-word case study and a 1500-word theoretical essay.
Neuropsychological and neurobiological approaches to atypical development
This module aims to provide all of the necessary biological and psychosocial knowledge for a student to be able to read and understand the scientific literature on the causes, development, and lived experience of neurodevelopmental conditions. Giving students a foundational knowledge base that also assists with completion of other modules of the course. The module will critically examine the research into neurodevelopmental conditions, including from a neuro-affirmative perspective.
The summative assessment for this module includes a 2000-word theoretical essay.
Development Through the Life Span
Autism, ADHD and neurodivergence involves issues of development and within this module students will critically consider developmental theories, including how physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development interact. The module will examine traditional concepts of development and developmental theory and will critically evaluate these in relation to the experience of neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan. As well as considering non-normative ideas of development and existential reflections on the purpose of development as an unfolding project.
The summative assessment for this module includes a 2000-word theoretical essay.
Research Methods Module
This module will provide an understanding of the contribution of research to the growth of knowledge and the effectiveness of practice. It will give the student a grounding in research approaches, with particular attention to the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative approaches.
The summative assessment for this module includes writing a research proposal.
Year 2*
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder
Students will explore ADHD from a medical and neuro-affirmative perspective, considering the tensions between these viewpoints. Students will learn about the different presentations of ADHD and consider the lived experience of people with ADHD. It also aims to provide a comprehensive account of contemporary knowledge about the causes, possible treatments, and supportive strategies for people with ADHD. The student to be able to combine these personal and scientific perspectives.
The summative assessment for this module includes a 1000-word case study and a 1500-word theoretical essay.
Atypical speech, language and motor development
This module gives students an awareness of the presentations of specific learning difficulties (SpLDs), communication disorder, developmental coordination disorder (DCD, also known as Dyspraxia), and the lived experience of those individuals with these conditions. Students will gain a comprehensive account of contemporary knowledge about the causes of different conditions and enables the student to be able to combine personal and scientific perspectives. The overall aim is to provide the detailed knowledge of these developmental disorders, that are often overlooked in adults. The module will also examine the topic from a neuro-affirmative perspective, considering the impact of the medical model, and how to develop person-centred and strength-based support.
The summative assessment for this module includes a 2000-word theoretical essay.
Social, cultural, and ethical issues
This module will cover cultural variations, and the impact of social organisation and culture on morals, values, and social expectation. It will enable students to make appropriate decisions about consent, confidentiality, discrimination, exploitation, fairness, duty of care, and other ethical and moral quandaries in professional practice.
The summative assessment for this module includes a 2000-word theoretical essay.
And ONE of the following modules
Well-being and health
This module provides an understanding of the role of positive psychology and other theoretical approaches to well-being within an overall strategy of improvement of quality of living. Student will learn about the links between happiness and well-being, and about positive psychology and well-being interventions.
The summative assessment for this module includes a 2000-word theoretical essay.
OR
Intellectual Disabilities
Students will learn about the presentations and aetiology of intellectual disability or impairment and the impact of these on the individual. It also looks at co-morbidity of intellectual impairment with other neurodevelopmental conditions and effective support and services for individuals. The module will also consider the social model of disability, as well as examining the importance of neuro-affirmative approaches. Students will also consider related issues such as the criminal justice system and safeguarding.
The summative assessment for this module includes a 2000-word theoretical essay.
Research Supervision (all students completed this)
MSc students will also have to complete an independent and original research project leading to a completed research dissertation of 15.000 words. Students will get supervision with a personal supervisor to guide and support them through their research journey.
*The order of modules on your personal course plan may differ from the above depending on what optional module you take and whether you begin your studies in September or January.
Accreditation and Careers
This programme is quality assured by Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion.
The courses also covers the curriculum within the “Expertise Level” of training as outlined by the Scottish Government / NHS for Education Scotland Training Plan for Autism (the most comprehensive guidelines on autism training to date).
This postgraduate course provides medical, mental health, healthcare, social care, occupational, and education-focused professionals with specialist knowledge they can then apply in their fields of practice. Developing a deep understanding of autism can open career opportunities in areas where neurodivergent understanding is critical, but this course alone does not equip you to work therapeutically with neurodivergent individuals. If you are already trained to work therapeutically with clients, this course will provide a deep understanding and knowledge of different neurodivergent conditions which can then be integrated into your existing practice. The course also enhances the skills and deepens the knowledge of those already working as neurodiversity specialists. We also have many students who are neurodivergent on our courses, so it is likely you will learn about the lived experience of autism from your peers, should you wish to study with us.
Fees 2024-25
Fees are subject to annual inflationary increases
Year of course | Units to be completed in year | Fee payable per year (if no units have to be repeated) |
1 | 5 units over 3 terms | £5700 |
2 | 6 units over 3 terms | £6840 |
Validated Courses Additional Charges
Application Fee | £50 non-refundable |
Acceptance Deposit | £100 which will be deducted from the initial invoice when you start the course. It is non-refundable if you do not start. |
APEL Fee is only applicable if your claim for prior learning is approved and will replace the tuition fee for that unit. | £200 per submission |
Instalment Plan | £20 per Unit |
Late changes to Course Plan | £50 |
Professional registration | At own expense |
Books | At own expense |
Please note : Students on validated programmes are not eligible for Student Finance or DSA
Students who are employed by NHS may be eligible to receive a 10% discount
Entry Requirements
- A good Bachelors degree in any field, or a higher degree such as a PGDip (equivalent experience may be acceptable)
- Fluent English: IELTS level 7 or above in all categories (or equivalent)
- Personal suitability to be determined at interview
- Reliable internet connection
How You Study
The course is delivered wholly online. Modules are undertaken using a bespoke learning platform called Moodle. The theory modules are mainly asynchronous (which means you can access them and complete them at any time of day), so can easily fit around a busy life or caring commitments, and the course is accessible worldwide, as long as you have a reliable Internet connection.
Students work through weekly materials online, posting and discussing in online forums with the group and tutor. Students will also have a weekly (optional) online chat with tutors and other students, at a time and day decided between group members.
It is also possible to apply for a PGDip Autism and Neurodivergence (the same as the MSc but without the dissertation), PGCert in Autism, or a PG Cert in Attention Hyperactivity Disorder.
Words from Our Graduates
A few years ago I was looking for a postgraduate course in autism and after comparing a couple of options I decided to go for this one and I’m glad I did. It required a lot of self-studies and it was definitely challenging, but all the modules were constructed so well both in terms of structure and content and made it possible for me to follow. I cannot stress enough that the tutors had real expertise in their fields and were really willing to help when we struggled. Having completed the course now I realise that it gave me solid knowledge in autism and I want to know more. Choosing this course was one of the few good decisions I have made in my life.
