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Programme Specification

MSc Autism Spectrum Disorders

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title MSc Autism Spectrum Disorders Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master of Science
Programme Code EDU-MSC-AS UCAS Code HECoS Code 100459 - Education studies - 100
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Full Time or Part Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Full Time - 1 Academic Year
Part Time - 3 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 180
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Social Sciences, Education and Social Work

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

N/A

Accreditations (PSRB)

No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

Recognition of Prior Learning. Students may be awarded credit of up to 30 M points for completed awards, such as the PGCE, and therefore gain exemption from optional taught modules of the programme.

Programme Specific Regulations

To complete the Masters degree, students must accumulate 180 CATS points (120 from taught modules plus 60 from completing the dissertation). Students must accumulate 60 CATS points from the ASD modules below and An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education module EDU7250/7. The final 40 CATS points may be taken from optional modules.

Successful completion of a module requires a minimum attendance of 70% at all planned teaching sessions.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

On completion of the programme the student will be able to:

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of any educational research, policy, practice and theory covered in the programme;

analyse and apply critically examples of the research literature relating to the content of the programme;

show evidence of reflection on their professional practice;

demonstrate transferable skills such as writing and research skills;

demonstrate knowledge of a range of educational research methods;

choose fit-for-purpose methods for a research project within the context of their own professional role;

demonstrate engagement in the processes of research planning, data collection and analysis (as appropriate), and research reporting.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Students will develop skills of reasoning in educational, theory and practice contexts, based on challenging learning tasks, appropriate reading and personal research.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching/learning methods and strategies are based on challenging learning tasks, appropriate reading, and personal research.

Methods of Assessment

The methods of assessment are based on challenging learning tasks, appropriate reading, and personal research.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Many of the practical skills are transferable eg collaborative working, communication, general writing skills, library skills etc.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

ICT usage is variously promoted by staff using Microsoft PowerPoint presentations and Internet-based resources, and offering additional support for students through email and Internet-based discussion forums.

Methods of Assessment

The methods of assessment include essays, multiple choice questions, discussion fora, and practical reports.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of any educational research, policy, practice and theory covered in the programme;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Depending on the nature of the modules they choose, students experience a variety of pegagogic approaches including seminars, workshops and lectures.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments are assessed against published criteria. The tutor’s assessment is subject to internal moderation and external examining. Blind double marking (for dissertations) and anonymous marking (for assignments) ensure fairness and consistency.

analyse and apply critically examples of the research literature relating to the content of the programme;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Depending on the nature of the modules they choose, students experience a variety of pegagogic approaches including seminars, workshops and lectures.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments are assessed against published criteria. The tutor’s assessment is subject to internal moderation and external examining. Blind double marking (for dissertations) and anonymous marking (for assignments) ensure fairness and consistency.

show evidence of reflection on their professional practice;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Depending on the nature of the modules they choose, students experience a variety of pegagogic approaches including seminars, workshops and lectures.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments are assessed against published criteria. The tutor’s assessment is subject to internal moderation and external examining. Blind double marking (for dissertations) and anonymous marking (for assignments) ensure fairness and consistency.

demonstrate transferable skills such as writing and research skills;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Depending on the nature of the modules they choose, students experience a variety of pegagogic approaches including seminars, workshops and lectures.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments are assessed against published criteria. The tutor’s assessment is subject to internal moderation and external examining. Blind double marking (for dissertations) and anonymous marking (for assignments) ensure fairness and consistency.

demonstrate knowledge of a range of educational research methods;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Depending on the nature of the modules they choose, students experience a variety of pegagogic approaches including seminars, workshops and lectures.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments are assessed against published criteria. The tutor’s assessment is subject to internal moderation and external examining. Blind double marking (for dissertations) and anonymous marking (for assignments) ensure fairness and consistency.

choose fit-for-purpose methods for a research project within the context of their own professional role;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Depending on the nature of the modules they choose, students experience a variety of pegagogic approaches including seminars, workshops and lectures.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments are assessed against published criteria. The tutor’s assessment is subject to internal moderation and external examining. Blind double marking (for dissertations) and anonymous marking (for assignments) ensure fairness and consistency.

demonstrate engagement in the processes of research planning, data collection and analysis (as appropriate), and research reporting.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Depending on the nature of the modules they choose, students experience a variety of pegagogic approaches including seminars, workshops and lectures.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments are assessed against published criteria. The tutor’s assessment is subject to internal moderation and external examining. Blind double marking (for dissertations) and anonymous marking (for assignments) ensure fairness and consistency.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Students will develop practical research skills. They may also elect to develop their skills in writing and Internet searching through workshops provided in support of the programme.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning is, in general, independent and supervised by module tutors and has a practical as well as conceptual/theoretical orientation.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments and dissertations are required, as far as practical, to be situated in the student’s working context.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Social Justice in Special Needs Education and Inclusion: A Capability Approach EDU7254 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education EDU7250 7 20 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Understanding Adults with ASD EDU7241 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Deconstructing Special Needs Education and Inclusion EDU7256 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education (online) EDU7257 7 0 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Bilingualism, Literacy and Disciplinary Literacy Development EDU7277 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
E-learning: Concepts and Pract EDU7275 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Digital Literacy and Communication EDU7273 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Understanding Children with ASD EDU7240 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Behaviour Change in Education and Supervising Others EDU7228 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 75% 0% 25%
Leadership Theory and Practice: An Overview EDU7185 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Curriculum: Theory, Policy and Practice EDU7103 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Reflective Practice and Action Research EDU7089 7 10 YES -- 2 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Leadership for Change EDU7186 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Dissertation EDU7999 7 60 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Fundamental elements of behaviour change EDU7226 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Concepts and principles of behaviour analysis EDU7225 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 25% 0% 75%
School Effectiveness and School Improvement EDU7209 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Epistemic Injustice: The Ethics of Knowing in Special Educational Needs/ Inclusion EDU7083 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%

Notes

Students must take EDU7999 for the award of MSc