About the Course
- Available Study Modes
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
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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) |
1 | 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 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, 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.
