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-affirmative, and how this relates 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 adaptions we can offer neurodivergent students and students with a disability or chronic health condition, contact [email protected]

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.

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 completion of other modules of the course. The module will critically examine the research into neurodevelopmental conditions, including from a neuro-affirmative perspective.

Development Through the Life Span

Autism, ADHD and neurodivergence involves issues of development and within this module students will to 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.

And one of the following:

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.

Social, Cultural, and Ethical Issues

This module will enable students to be able to make appropriate decisions about consent, confidentiality, discrimination, exploitation, fairness, duty of care, and other ethical and moral quandaries in professional practice. This module will also ask students to consider how we encounter difference which is essential in building awareness of unconscious bias and in developing cultural competence.

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

 

 

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 provide mental health, social care and education focused professionals with the qualifications to work as specialists in their fields of practice. Opening up career opportunities with autism/neurodiversity specialist services and centres (e.g. assessment, mental health, further education). The courses also enhance the skills and knowledge of those already working as autism/neurodiversity specialists.

Fees 2023-24

Year of course 

Units to be completed in year 

Fee payable per year  

(if no units have to be repeated) 

1 

4 units over 3 terms 

£4560 

APEL 

(optional claims for prior learning)

Per submission 

£200 

*NB There is one textbook that you are required to buy, but many students also buy books from our recommended reading list. 

There is a £50 non-refundable application fee for all courses, to cover administrative costs. An interview with a member of the course staff will only be arranged once this has been received.   

A registration Fee of £150 will be paid when you accept your place on the course. This is non- refundable. 

For more detailed financial terms and conditions click here.

Please note : Students on validated programmes are not eligible for Student Finance or DSA

Entry Requirements

  • An undergraduate degree in any subject (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 easy to fit around a busy life, or caring commitments and is accessible worldwide. Students work through weekly materials online, posting and discussing in the forum with the group and tutor. 

Students will have a weekly online chat with tutors and other students, at a time and day decided between group members.

It is possible to apply for a PGCert, PGDip or Msc in Autism.

MIddlesex University