Learning Disability and/or Autism

The normal minimum requirement is a degree equivalent to UK lower second-class honours (2:2 or above) in a health or social care related subject. You must also be an experienced practitioner within the field of learning disabilities and/or autism and be registered with a relevant UK professional body. You should typically have experience of two years in practice or the equivalent.

You must have access to appropriate practice in a suitable clinical area. This will be demonstrated on completion of the application form and at interview, requiring approval from your line manager and/or training and development lead. A clinical supervisor must be identified in your workplace and a suitable reference obtained to confirm your suitability to enter and complete the programme.

An interview forms part of the selection process.

Designed for individuals from a variety of professional backgrounds, this programme will immerse you in leading advanced practice, person-centred care, and enhanced service delivery for people with a learning disability and/or autism. By enabling high quality credentialing in learning disability and/or autism practice supporting children, young people and adults, the course will be particularly attractive to any registered professional in the learning disability and/or autism workforce across health, social care and the independent sector. This includes, for example, nurses, allied health professionals, psychologists and social workers. Online distance learning will help you to balance work commitments and study remotely to meet your individual needs.

This innovative Postgraduate Certificate aligns to the Multi-Professional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice in England (Health Education England, 2017) and Advanced Clinical Practice: Capabilities Framework When Working with People who have a Learning Disability and/or Autism (Health Education England, 2020).