Hello, The MEd and Postgraduate certificate are separate courses, the MEd is a three year course and the post graduate certificate is a one year course. Both courses are post graduate, ie. further study following your initial degree. If you search through the under graduate courses I’m sure you will find a suitable degree program. You could have a look at the BPhil, I believe this is degree level. If you are studying part time it may be worth looking at a foundation degree, followed by a degree and then the post graduate qualification. Good luck and I hope you achieve your degree!

Hello, thank you very much for your question and apologies in the delay getting back to you. My name is Emma from the Postgraduate Recruitment team, and I am replying on behalf of the mentor as they have not yet answered it.

There are various funding opportunities available for both home and international students. Please refer to our funding database (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgfunding) for possible funding opportunities. You may also find information on our international pages useful, including our page on international scholarships (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/International/students/finance/scholarships/index.aspx).

Please be aware that our Dentistry courses are on campus, rather than online, due to the nature and content of the course.

Best wishes,
PG Recruitment

Hello, thank you for your question. I understand you can pay fees by instalments, however, please could you email sebd@contacts.bham.ac.uk. for confirmation and further information. Many thanks.

Hello,thank you for your question and apologies for the delay in response. It sounds like the young people you work with are lucky to have you! In my view, further study is a personal goal and achievement. Yes, you will read lots of articles and journals, some of which will give you fresh ideas which will enhance teaching and learning. You have to bear in mind an academic qualification doesn’t necessarily guarantee a progression in the workplace. Hope this is helpful.

Hello,
thank you for getting in touch, unfortunately I am unable to answer your question. Please could you email the recruitment team who will be able to help, sebd@contacts.bham.ac.uk. Thanks!

Hello,
returning to study is a commitment, you do need self discipline and time. I read books and journals each evening and spent weekends writing. I think I spent, on average, 15 hours per week studying. Good Luck!

Hi, thank you very much for your question. My name is Emma from the Postgraduate Recruitment team, and I am replying on behalf of the mentor as they have not yet answered it.

Have you tried emailing sebd@contacts.bham.ac.uk, or isen@contacts.bham.ac.uk? If you have, apologies, but thought I would check! It might be worth emailing again, but if you can wait, there is a live chat for postgrad programmes in the School of Education happening at the end of May (https://www.pg.bham.ac.uk/events/event/pg-programmes-education-28-05-2020/). This will be staffed by members of the team and you should hopefully be able to get answers that way.

Best wishes,
Emma

Hello, I think your best option is to have a look at the website, select postgraduate study and browse through the courses available. All the information regarding the modules, method of assessment and fees is given.

Best wishes
Jo

Hi, when completing my personal statement I gave a brief overview of my background, why I wanted to complete the course, what I hoped to gain from it and how it would benefit me in the future. For me, a personal statement should demonstrate an understanding of the subject coupled with a commitment to learn. Hope this is helpful, good luck!

Hi, To be successful and gain high marks you need to write critical essays, this involves lots of reading and research! It is hard to give an exact time, however, I read journals, papers and books for around two hours each evening. I then spent around eight hours over the weekend writing and researching. I did complete my studies whilst working full time but not with a young family! It is a huge time commitment but it may be worthwhile for your future career plans. Hope this is helpful, good luck!

Thank you for your question, it s good to see you would like to extend your knowledge on working and supporting autistic people. As far as I am aware there is no combined children and adults programme of study. I have experience of working with young people aged 11 – 25, however, more specifically with those transitioning from secondary school to sixth form and then into university. I studied on the Autism Adults course and was able to research the impact of further and higher education. If you work with younger people, maybe the Children with Autism course may be more suitable. Once on the course, you will have access to the on line resources and fantastic library. You will be able to view and download lots of journals and Ebooks, all of which will be invaluable for developing your knowledge of autistic adults. I hope you find this helpful, it all depends on how long you want to study, the Masters is three years but you can complete other qualifications in a year. You may decide to complete two courses! If you need more information, please send me another question. Good luck and best wishes, Jo.

Embrace the programme of study, at MEd level, there is an opportunity to not only develop your subject knowledge but also to increase your level of understanding on areas which interest you. You are able to tailor your studies, in line with your current caseload, leading to better practice. The distance learning programme is great for those who want to continue studying whilst working, however, self-discipline and organisational skills are a must.

I have financed my postgraduate studies with a combination of personal funds together with the postgraduate loan from Student Finance England.

I am keen to develop my knowledge within my specialist area. Not only will this develop my knowledge of the current research published, it will also stand me in good stead when representing the autistic people and their families I support to access the services available. In addition, it is a personal goal I would like to achieve.

I left school in the mid-eighties with a handful of O levels and a level three qualification. I embarked on a career in the world of insurance. Life progressed, leading to a change in career direction into education in 2008. I found, to my surprise, I really enjoyed working with young people and supporting them on their journey through education. In order to progress professionally and personally, I made the decision to return to education. Initially, I began part time study on a Foundation Degree programme. This was a challenge, returning to the classroom and the demands of academic study. Whilst I could write reports and document facts, additional critical academic writing techniques took longer to develop. I resisted the urge to abandon the books and towards the end of the Foundation Degree, I finally understood the requirements of successful academic writing. The following year, I progressed on to the BA (Hons) programme in Education Studies. Here, I was able to put into practice my academic writing skills together with my professional experiences working in education. I graduated with a first class degree, something I never expected to achieve when I left school in 1985! I work in the field of autism supporting autistic students at varying stages of their education, therefore, it seemed the natural progression to continue studying!

The University of Birmingham has an excellent reputation within the field of autism. It is the Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER). As a postgraduate student you automatically have access to the ACER hub and the renowned authors in autism. The study weekends are an excellent opportunity to listen to speakers who are held in regard within autism practice and research. In addition, the study notes are written by leaders in the field of autism research, therefore, to be able to study amongst such professionals is something unique to the University of Birmingham.

Congratulations on your graduation! The first year modules for the PG cert, PG diploma and the MEd all cover Intervention and Support & Understanding and working with the continuum of need followed by a special studies module. Therefore, the first year of either programme will enable you to develop your knowledge. If you choose the PG diploma or the MEd route you are able to develop your knowledge and expertise in an area of interest through the special studies module. This can be linked to your practice and could be invaluable in your work. It is great to be able to study at MEd level, researching and reading fascinating materials, however, you have to bear in mind the time commitment together with the financial costs involved. Good luck with whichever course you choose at Birmingham!

Hello,
Thank you for your question. Studying for the MED Autism qualification enables you to develop your knowledge and understanding of autism and the impact this has on the individual.

With respect to the future prospects, it is dependent on the area in which you are employed. If, for example, you support students in higher education, a post graduate qualification is a requirement. I would recommend researching roles in which you have an interest to clarify whether the MEd qualification is a requirement. Whilst studying at postgraduate level is both rewarding and a huge achievement it does not, unfortunately, guarantee employment.

Hope this is helpful.
Jo

Hello, thank you for your question. If you gain a place on the MEd programme you will be expected to complete an assignment each semester. Each assignment is approximately 5000 words.  You will be allocated a tutor to support you in your learning.  All course material is on Canvas and can be accessed at any time. Once you are enrolled on the course you will have access to the library. The library is fantastic with all relevant journals, articles and books available to you. The library staff are extremely helpful and offer an online chat to support you with your studies.  The MEd is a great programme to study, the work is so interesting, however, you will have to make time to study and be very self disciplined.  If you require further information, please ask! Hope this is helpful. Kind regards Jo

Hello, The post graduate certificate is a higher qualification. I would suggest you check with admissions whether your current qualification meets the entry requirement.