PG Cert Neurodiversity

Course Overview

Arden University’s Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity is designed for anyone seeking to enhance their knowledge in this area. Neurodiversity refers to the different ways a person’s brain processes information. Neurodiversity is an umbrella term used to describe a number of these variations, such as Autism, ADHD and dyslexia. It is estimated that around 1 in 7 people in the UK have some kind of neuro difference. This course focuses on the current issues in the education sector, the workplace, and the criminal justice system. You’ll graduate from the course with a broad foundation in neurodiversity and hands-on skills in understanding and supporting neurodiversity and inclusive practice in your personal and professional life.

The course begins with an introduction to the field of neurodiversity, covering a wide range of areas such as dyslexia, autism, ADHD, and mental health. You’ll then choose two modules pertaining to your interests from the key sectors of education, work, or criminal justice. The course provides theoretical and practical awareness of neurodiversity as a whole and within these three distinct areas. You’ll explore neurodiversity across the lifespan, how it’s categorised, the various diagnostic assessments that are in place, enablers and barriers that neurodivergent individuals might face, inclusive research, and much more.

Upon graduation, you’ll have gained the ability to translate this knowledge into practice in your current or future workplace. The course is ideal for anyone interested in improving their support of neurodivergent individuals, as well as those who want to pursue roles in equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Entry requirements

At Arden University applications are consider on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn’t a clear pathway to this degree – Arden team is more than happy to discuss your application.

Eligibility

To be eligible for AU Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity, you should normally have:

A UK Honours Degree at a minimum of second class (2:2) or equivalent.
If you don’t hold the above qualification, relevant professional work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Course fee

Uk Fee	Fee
Total fee:	£2,925

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

English proficiency

IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 90; or equivalent.
Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English, can be accepted.
AU also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency. More information can be found here.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (AU recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

Apply for the Course

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Course details and modules

On this postgraduate certificate, you’ll complete three modules totalling 60 credits. Your mandatory first module will introduce you to the topic of neurodiversity, including its key theoretical, historical, and cultural aspects. You’ll then choose two of three elective modules providing you with an in-depth look into their respective areas.

You’ll study each module over a total of 10 weeks. Weeks 1 -8 will cover your module content and weeks 9-10 will give you time to work on your module assessment.

How do Arden University assess students?

AU assess students using diverse methods that go beyond traditional exams, especially in postgraduate certificate programs. Instead of exams, these programs employ practical, real-world assessments tailored to meet individual needs and help students develop transferable skills for their future careers. These assessments may include:

Essays: Developing critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
Consultancy Reports: Addressing real-world challenges with professional insights.
Recorded Presentations: Enhancing communication and presentation abilities.
Case Studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
E-Portfolios: Showcasing personal and academic achievements through organized digital collections.
Visual Research: Combining creativity and analytical skills to present research visually.

This approach ensures that students gain valuable, hands-on experience relevant to their career goals.

Modules

Core modules

Introduction to Neurodiversity (20 credits)

Elective modules(Choosw two)

Neurodiversity in Education (20 credits)
Neurodiversity and Work (20 credits)
Neurodiversity in the Criminal Justice System (20 credits)

Career prospects

The valuable and engaging course sets you up with the knowledge and skills to better understand and support neurodiversity and inclusive practice in your professional life. You’ll also have the chance to apply your learning to your areas of interest, helping you develop and refine your professional practice.

What can I do after Arden University?

This course is perfect for anyone interested in improving their neurodiversity knowledge and practice, particularly in the areas of education, the workplace, and criminal justice. You’ll graduate with the skills for further study or work in the field, including implementing your learning towards the betterment of your profession in support of:

Neurodiverse children and/or adults
Neurodiverse individuals in education, work, or the criminal justice system

What will the Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity do for me?

This degree has been designed to provide you with an in-depth awareness of neurodiversity and how this awareness can be used to improve your work with neurodivergent individuals. While studying, you will:

Gain an in-depth understanding of the topic of neurodiversity
Learn how to support neurodiversity and implement inclusive practice in your professional life
Improve your sensitivity in working with neurodivergent individuals
Apply your knowledge and experience to real-life scenarios

Industry skills

Campaign for Social Science

Arden University is a member of the Campaign for Social Science.

The Campaign demonstrates how social science improves public policy, society, and all our lives. It highlights the value of applied social science research and advocates for its greater use in decision-making and in government. It is supported by a coalition of universities, social science societies, and publishers.

As a member, Arden receives access to case studies, research into the value provided by social sciences, and insights into the employability of social science graduates. Through this, you will gain a better understanding of the skills you are learning and their value to employers.

LinkedIn Learning

All Arden students will have free access to LinkedIn Learning through the Library Portal. LinkedIn Learning is a video-based online learning platform offering over 16,500 expert-led courses across a wide range of subjects including business, technology, and creative skills.

With LinkedIn Learning, you can:

Pursue curated learning pathways aligned with AU curriculum and your career goals.
Add value to your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your newly acquired skills.
Personalise content based on skills relevant to your chosen career path, interests and prior learning.

Study Options

Part-time Online learning

How does it work?

Studying this course online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enroll with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location.

AU online students study their degree through ilearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. ilearn provides everything you need to study at university. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and access to AU Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.

ilearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate AU study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have your Kindle handy.

Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with like-minded students who you can meet with through AU Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. AU have even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you’re currently learning.

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. Please find more information on AU fees and funding page. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.

Introducing your Digital Backpack

Once you’ve enrolled on your course with Arden you’ll get access to your Digital Backpack, a toolkit of digital resources AU have put together to help you succeed during your time studying with us.

Here are some of the digital resources you’ll have available from day one of your course:

Office 365 subscription
Integrated zoom video conferencing
Careers support available through Arden Futures, your careers platform, to help you throughout your career journey whether you are a Career Starter, Changer or Developer
Free online access to AU Library Portal, which includes thousands of eBooks and journals, as well as industry databases which AU have carefully hand-picked to support your studies – all yours for free while you study with us
Subscription to Togetherall for an abundance of mental health support