Overview
Improve understanding and support for autistic people
At least 1 in 100 children the world are autistic (WHO Nov 2023). Statistics from the Scottish Government suggest 3.6% of children attending school are autistic (NHS Inform). Our Autism and Neurodevelopmental Conditions Research Masters can help you to better understand and support autistic people and their families.
By learning to carry out robust autism research you can make a real difference in the lives of autistic people.
Study psychological research methods
The MSc Autism and Neurodevelopmental Conditions Research gives you a deep understanding of current topics in autism research. Learn about key areas of theory, research and ethical practices. You'll also focus on the relationship between autism and other co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD and prosopagnosia. You’ll graduate with skills and knowledge to conduct research that focuses on the needs of the autistic community, including how to:
- Explain research in a way that's clear and gets people interested.
- Work with, listen to and support the autistic community.
- Analyse statistics and qualitative data to an advanced level.
- Manage and deliver complex projects on time.
- Include different viewpoints in what you do.
- Work on your own and with other people.
- Use what you know to solve real-world problems.
There’s a dedicated lab space for autism research. Autism and Neurodevelopmental Conditions Research Masters students have their own office. You will be part of the active research community in the Psychology department.
Translate autism research theory into practice
Benefit from a practical placement. You can identify an area where you would like to enhance your experiences and skills. Past placements have included:
- working with autism researchers across the UK,
- helping autism charities with policy,
- support work with autistic people,
- gaining experience with social enterprises related to autism.
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
In REF 2021, 100% of our research impact and environment, and 87% of our overall research in Psychology is classed as world leading or internationally excellent - positioning us 2nd in Scotland for research impact in Psychology.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore INTO University of Stirling to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
International entry requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
The MSc Autism and Neurodevelopmental Conditions Research is made up of modules designed to provide training in the fundamentals of research methods and how these apply to these to autism research.
Modules
Compulsory full time modules
| Quantitative Analysis Methods in Psychological Research (HPSP131) | 20 credits |
| Research Methods in Psychology 1 & 2 (PRMP131) | 20 credits |
| Key Skills for Psychology Researchers (PRMP134) | 20 credits |
| Autism and Neurodevelopmental Conditions Research (PRMP141) | 20 credits |
| Placement (PRMP148) | 20 credits |
| Qualitative Approaches in Psychology (HPSP132) | 20 credits |
| Dissertation (PRMP145) | 60 credits |
Compulsory part time modules
| Key Skills for Psychology Researchers (PRMP134) | 20 credits |
| Autism and Neurodevelopmental Conditions Research (PRMP141) | 20 credits |
| Qualitative Approaches in Psychology (HPSP132) | 20 credits |
| Research Methods in Psychology 1 & 2 (part-time) (PRMP132) | 20 credits |
| Quantitative Analysis Methods in Psychological Research (HPSP131) | 20 credits |
| Placement (PRMP148) | 20 credits |
| Dissertation (PRMP145) | 60 credits |
Course Details
Teaching is done via seminars, lectures, a research placement in a relevant context and a research project supervised by a relevant expert. The way we teach research skills ranges from explicit hands-on demonstrations of tools to discussion of different approaches to research.
The course includes a wide range of different assessments that aim to test and develop your skills in writing, reflecting, analysing and communicating. One of the most significant assessments of this course is the dissertation, which is based on the autism research project you conduct.
You will be taught be a range of experts on autism research, and both autistic and non-autistic scholars. You will also learn from people who are not in academia. More broadly, you’ll also benefit from the methodological expertise from across the Psychology department in Stirling.
Fees and funding
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
Graduate with a Masters in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Conditions Research and you'll have the ideal skills to further your career in autism.
This course is an excellent foundation for a career as an autism professional. The average salary for an autism specialist is £31,842 per year in United Kingdom (source: indeed.com 2024).
Autism and Neurodevelopmental Conditions Research jobs can include:
- Fundraising, campaigning, advocacy or policy roles for charities and organisations that are involved with autism.
- Working in health and social care directly supporting autistic people.
- Roles within neurodevelopmental or autism teams.
As an autism researcher your work will help to improve the lives of autistic children and adults. Your contribution will be to help the world understand autism.
