PGCert in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

 

Course Description


The postgraduate certificate (PGCert) in Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a joint programme between NSPC and Middlesex University, leading to a PGCert awarded by Middlesex University. This one-year course is entirely online.

The programme aims to:

• Provide students with the neurobiology, psychology, and sociology theory necessary for understanding and helping people with ADHD.

• Explore the concepts of the social disability model, neurodiversity, and neuro-affirmation, and how they relate to ADHD academic theories, research, and services.

• Examine and critique developmental theories and the experience of people with ADHD and neurodivergent people across the lifespan.

• Instil the ability to critically evaluate evidence and to apply it to practical issues raised by people with ADHD.

• Develop the ability to apply theoretical understanding to practice.

• Deepen student’s knowledge of, and their ability to apply, accurate and appropriate interpersonal, ethical and cultural sensitivity, and empathic understanding.

For further information on possible learning adaptations that we can offer neurodivergent students and students with a disability or chronic health condition, contact Dawn Querstret ([email protected]).

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/

 

Application Deadlines:

  • September Cohorts - application deadline is the 1st of August

  • January Cohorts - application deadline is the 30th of November

     

Apply Now

Programme of Study


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.

Neuropsychological and neurobiological approaches to atypical development

This module aims to provide all 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 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 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.

And one of the following:

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.

OR

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 2000-word research proposal.

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.



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 postgraduate course provides medical, mental health, healthcare, social care, occupational and education-focused professionals with specialist knowledge about ADHD which they can then use in their fields of practice. The course allows non-specialists to develop a deep understanding of ADHD, and the course has been developed for people from all backgrounds and with varying levels of understanding and experience. This course alone does not equip you to work therapeutically with ADHD individuals. If you are already trained to work therapeutically with clients, this course will provide a deep understanding and knowledge of ADHD which can then be integrated into your existing practice. We also have many students who are neurodivergent on our courses, so it is likely you will learn about the lived experience of ADHD from your peers, should you wish to study with us.



Fees 2025-26

 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) 

4 units over 3 terms 

£4560 

APEL 

(optional claims for prior learning)

Per submission 

£200 

 

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 the tuition fee for that unit

£200 per submission
Instalment Plan£20 per unit
Late Changes to Course Plan£50
Professional RegistrationAt own expense
BooksAt 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, so can easily fit around a busy life or caring commitments and is accessible worldwide as long as you have access to the Internet.

Students work through weekly materials online, posting and discussing in the forum 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 possible to apply for this PG Cert in Attention Hyperactivity Disorder. And we also offer the following associated neurodivergence programmes: PGCert in Autism, or a PGDip or MSc in Autism and Neurodivergence.

MIddlesex University

logo

20% Discount for NHS and Armed Forces Applicants - Apply by 30th July

20% off Pastoral Care. 20% off Autism Assessment for NHS only. To apply by 30th of July for the discount: submit your application form, upload supporting documents, pay the application fee. Start this September!
logo

Virtual Open Day: 29.07.25 11am - 12pm UK Time

Thinking about training with us? Join our Virtual Open Day on Tuesday 29 July - your final chance to explore our programmes before applications close for September 2025.