Course Structure

Students may enroll on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (3 years) basis. Full-time students typically complete three taught modules per semester and a dissertation module in the summer. Part-time students typically complete one or two modules per semester and a dissertation module in their third year.



The MSc is awarded to students who successfully complete 180 CATS normally comprising of six taught modules (120 CATS) and a 12,000 - 15,000-word dissertation (60 CATS)

Students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis by successfully completing 120 CATS points

Individual modules may be studied as a short course. (CENG - Credit Earning Non Graduating). Please contact sseswpgt@qub.ac.uk for further details.

Closing date for this programme is Friday 31st July 2026 at 4pm.

Late application's may be considered.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below

Programme Content

The programme content is delivered in person on campus with multiple focused weekly interactions that includes peer and tutor feedback. This structure allows for acquisition of knowledge, information sharing, development of critical thinking skills, and giving and receiving immediate feedback.

Assessment

All information on assessment methods and requirements for all modules will be available in advance via module handbooks and Canvas.

• Assessments will be marked and moderated by the modules convenors and a 20% sample (including all fails) will be sent to the External Examiner for quality assurance.
  
  Analysis of student outcomes will be used as a source for quality assurance.
  
  Students will receive an automated message upon uploading their assignment to Canvas and will be notified when marks are released.

Facilities

The School is situated across a suite of three buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter. We provide student and staff common rooms, computer suites and designated study spaces.

Explore the teaching and social spaces in our School through our 360 Virtual Tour:
https://youtu.be/PJeiF24bjxE

Modules

Career Prospects

Employment after the Course

Graduates of the MSc Autism in Practice programme develop advanced knowledge and critical understanding of autism across the lifespan, together with strong analytical, reflective, and research skills. These skills are valued across a range of professional sectors, including education, health and social care, community services, policy development, and research. The programme is designed both to enhance the professional and personal development of those already working with autistic individuals and to support graduates seeking to move into specialist roles within the field of autism.
Students gain experience in evaluating research, understanding policy and practice frameworks, and applying evidence-informed approaches to support autistic individuals and their families. These transferable skills support career progression and leadership within inclusive practice, service development, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Graduates may progress to roles in education such as specialist teachers, SENCOs, inclusion coordinators, or learning support professionals. Others may work within health and social care services, autism charities, community organisations, or specialist support services in roles such as autism practitioner, behaviour support specialist, or service coordinator. The programme also provides a strong foundation for careers in policy, advocacy, and programme development within organisations focused on disability rights and inclusive practice.
The MSc also prepares students for further academic study. Graduates may progress to doctoral research in areas such as autism, inclusive education, psychology, social policy, or disability studies. The interdisciplinary and internationally relevant nature of autism studies means that graduates are well positioned to pursue opportunities both within the UK and internationally.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£7,700
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£7,700
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£10,400
EU Other 3	£23,000
International	£23,000

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus