About the Course
- Available Study Modes
Course Description
The PGCert in Adult Autism Assessment is a joint programme between the NSPC and Middlesex University, leading to a PGCert Adult Autism Assessment awarded by Middlesex University. This one-year course is entirely online.
The programme provides students with an in-depth understanding of the autism assessment process, including the theoretical foundations of diagnosis and assessment. You will explore autism spectrum conditions, from an academic, clinical and existential, person-centred perspective. You will explore the neurobiological, psychological, and sociologically theories about autism spectrum conditions, developing the ability to critically examine research, issues and practice within the field. You will develop clinical skills and knowledge through a combination of theoretical teaching and learning within a specialist placement. You will learn how to complete NICE compliant assessments, as part of a multi-disciplinary team, in line with NHS best-practice guidelines.
PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE READ THE ENTRY CRITERIA FOR THIS PROGRAMME (LOWER DOWN THIS PAGE), AND THAT YOU SATISFY THEM ALL BEFORE YOU APPLY.
Application Deadline:
- January Cohort - application deadline is the 30th November
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: nspc.org.uk/course-directory/open-days/
To apply, please click or tap the "Apply Now" link below which will direct you to the application form
Apply Now
Programme of Study
Autism Theory Module
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 critically examines some of the historical and current approaches from a neurodiversity affirmative 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 assessments for this module include a 1000-word case study and a 1500-word theoretical essay.
Autism Assessment
This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of the strengths and limitations of the diagnostic criteria and autism assessments, including critical appraisal of the medical and social models of autism. We explore the process of assessment, taking a developmental history, using assessment tools, and conducting a clinical interview. Key topics such as differential diagnosis, co-morbidity and the impact of personal, social and cultural factors will be critically considered. The module explores the lived experience of autistic individuals and those close to them, during the assessment process. It also considers how to elicit information in a sensitive and person-centred manner, in compliance with local protocols, legal and professional requirements. Students will explore key diagnostic biases and common errors (including diagnostic overshadowing and masking) and the issues relating to diagnosis in the face of ambiguity incomplete data, and complex presentations. The module will examine the importance of post-diagnostic support and care plans.
The summative assessments for this module include a 1500-word theoretical essay and creating a 10-minute presentation.
Placement and Supervision units 1 & 2
The aim of these units are to enable students to develop their assessing skills within a placement setting under clinical supervision, thus allowing students to be appointed within the NHS or private health organisations as autism diagnosticians under the supervision of suitably qualified and experienced consultant psychologists and psychiatrists. The students will work within a placement for two terms, receiving supervision from both the placement and NSPC tutors.
The summative assessment for this module includes two 2000-word case studies and a report from the placement supervisor.
Accreditation and Careers
This programme is quality assured by Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion. You can view the Middlesex Research Degree Regulations here.
This course teaches students how to complete NICE compliant assessments, as part of a multi-disciplinary team. The courses also cover the curriculum within the “Expertise Level” of training as outlined by the Scottish Government / NHS for Education Scotland Training Plan for Autism and Tier 3 of the National Framework Guidelines (the most comprehensive guidelines on autism training to date).
Graduates of the programme will be qualified to work in NHS assessment services, or in private assessment services.
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 | 2 x theory units 2 x clinical placement units | £2280 £2380 |
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 20% discount*
*To be eligible, you must apply, submit all required documents, and pay the application fee by the 30th of July 2025. After this date, the discount will revert to the standard 10%. Applications that are incomplete or unpaid by the deadline will not be eligible for the increased discount.
Entry Requirements
This course will provide psychologists and psychiatrists (and other suitably qualified medical and healthcare practitioners, such as speech and language therapists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers) with the specialist knowledge to offer comprehensive adult autism assessments as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
This course is NOT suitable for people wishing to conduct autism assessments as a lone individual. We adhere to best practice NHS and NICE guidelines offering assessments as part of a multi-disciplinary team because the differing perspectives of team members are critical to arriving at the correct diagnosis and understanding of strengths and difficulties for each individual client.
Eligible applicants will have:
- A postgraduate qualification in social science or psychology OR an equivalent professional qualification (e.g. medical professionals, social service/workers, mental health nurses, nurses, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy)
- A special case may be made for those without a postgraduate qualification or professional qualification, but only for those with exceptional professional experience in the field
- Extensive experience working with autistic people in a professional capacity (e.g., in clinical, educational or organisational settings). Having personal lived experience of autism or having friends or family members who are autistic is not suitable experience alone, unless you also have extensive experience of working with autistic people professionally.
- Experience working with autistic clients in the NHS is desirable, but not mandatory
- A suitable placement in an NHS or private organisation providing autism assessments in a multi-disciplinary team (your placement must be agreed before you can start on the programme)
- You must be able to commit to one day a week in placement in terms 2 and 3 of your programme
- We currently offer access to four NHS placements in Autism assessment services.
- Two placements are London-based assessment services and would require attendance in person.
- Two placements are based in Surrey and northeast Hampshire and can be completed virtually or in person.
- Applicants can ask to be considered for one of the above-mentioned placements. (suitability for these placements can be discussed during your admissions interview)
- Applicants who are not suitable for the above-mentioned NHS placements must find their own placement for the programme. The applicant must secure agreement for the placement before they commence on the programme, and the placement must be deemed suitable by the programme team (for discussion during your admissions interview)
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong written communication skills before they can start the programme. Report writing is a key part of the role as an autism assessor, and applicants must be able to demonstrate strength in this area - either through academic writing, or through the writing of reports in clinical or educational settings (to be discussed during your admissions interview)
- Regular, reliable and private access to the Internet
- Fluent English (IELTS score of 7.0 with minimum component score of 7.0 or TOEFL score of 87)
- Personal suitability to be decided at interview
- A clear DBS check or equivalent
For further information on possible learning adaptations that we can offer neurodivergent students and students with a disability or chronic health condition, contact the Programme Lead, Dawn Querstret ([email protected]).
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, so you can easily fit them around a busy life, or caring commitments. Students work through weekly materials online, posting and discussing in the forum with the group and tutor. Students will also have a weekly online tutorial, at a time and day decided between group members.
In terms 2 and 3 students will being working in their placements and having supervision from their placement, as well as weekly online supervision with NSPC.
Students may take up to 4 years to complete should they need additional time.
