Postgraduate Certificate
Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare
- Validated by
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- Duration
- 6 months
- Apply by
- 6th Sep 2026
Total fees
£2,550Next intake
September 2026
Apply by
6th Sep 2026
Commitment
Part time
Format
100% online
Duration
6 months
About this programme
Develop postgraduate knowledge of neurodiversity and its implications for healthcare with our university-validated Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare. Designed for healthcare professionals, this six-month, 60-credit neurodiversity course explores how greater understanding of neurodivergence can support more inclusive, individualised healthcare through flexible, 100% online, part-time study.
Across three 20-credit modules, you’ll explore autism and ADHD before broadening your understanding to other neurodivergent conditions, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, Tourette syndrome, sensory processing disorder, and developmental language disorder. You’ll examine assessment, diagnosis and classification, management approaches, co-occurring conditions, executive function, reasonable adjustments, and the wider factors that can shape neurodivergent people’s experiences of healthcare.
Validated by the University of South Wales, this online neurodiversity course takes a neuro-affirmative, multidisciplinary approach to postgraduate education. You’ll consider neuro-affirmative language and practice alongside intersectionality, trauma-informed approaches, equality, and systemic inclusion, while exploring how these principles can inform healthcare within your existing professional scope. Through real-world case-based learning, critical appraisal, and tutor-facilitated discussion, you can develop your understanding alongside your existing professional commitments.
Who can study this Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare?
The Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare is designed for healthcare professionals who want to develop their understanding of neurodiversity and consider how more neuro-affirmative and inclusive approaches can be applied across healthcare.
This neurodiversity course for healthcare professionals may be particularly relevant to:
- GPs and primary care professionals interested in neurodiversity within primary care, including assessment, management, communication, reasonable adjustments, and multidisciplinary care
- Paediatricians seeking to develop their understanding of childhood autism and ADHD assessment, co-occurring conditions, and multidisciplinary approaches to care
- Nurses interested in neurodiversity-informed communication, reasonable adjustments, individualised care, and multidisciplinary working
- Occupational therapists interested in sensory needs, executive function, adaptations, and inclusive approaches to supporting neurodivergent people
- Speech and language therapists seeking to develop their understanding of communication, developmental language, neurodivergence, and multidisciplinary care
- Psychologists, counsellors, and other health and care professionals interested in neurodiversity, trauma-informed approaches, intersectionality, and inclusive practice
- International healthcare professionals looking for flexible, online postgraduate education in neurodiversity that can be studied alongside existing professional commitments
The programme develops postgraduate knowledge of neurodiversity in healthcare rather than providing a diagnostic qualification or changing your professional scope of practice. Studying assessment and diagnosis does not, by itself, qualify you to diagnose autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergent conditions outside your existing professional role.
What will you study on this Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare?
The Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare comprises three sequential 20-credit Level 7 modules, worth 60 credits in total. Over six months, you’ll progress from autism and ADHD to a broader exploration of neurodivergent conditions and the implementation of inclusive approaches within healthcare.
You’ll examine neurodiversity across childhood and adulthood, including assessment, diagnosis and classification, management, co-occurring conditions, and multidisciplinary care. The curriculum extends beyond autism and ADHD to consider dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, Tourette syndrome, sensory processing disorder, developmental language disorder, and executive function.
Throughout the programme, you’ll critically consider how neurodivergent people experience healthcare and how factors including communication, trauma, intersectionality, equality, reasonable adjustments, and systemic barriers can influence accessibility and inclusion. You’ll explore these areas through evidence-informed, case-based learning, considering how neuro-affirmative approaches can inform healthcare within different professional roles and settings.
During the programme, you’ll study:
- Neurodiversity and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – develop a systematic understanding of autism, its impact on health, and approaches to assessment, diagnosis, classification, and management across childhood and adulthood. You’ll also consider co-occurring conditions and the role of multidisciplinary care.
- Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Diagnosis and Management – explore ADHD presentation, assessment, diagnosis, and management across the lifespan, including childhood and adult assessment, ADHD in women and girls, comorbidities, non-pharmacological approaches, medication, and collaboration with other professionals.
- Other Neurodiverse Conditions: Implementing Inclusive Practices in Primary Care – broaden your understanding to conditions including dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, Tourette syndrome, sensory processing disorder, and developmental language disorder. You’ll also consider executive function, trauma, equality legislation, reasonable adjustments, and adaptations across different settings.
Together, these three modules provide healthcare professionals with a structured postgraduate understanding of neurodiversity, neurodivergent conditions, and the principles that can support more inclusive and accessible healthcare.
Year 1
Module 1 Module 1: Neurodiversity and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) +
Module Aims
Providing a comprehensive introduction to neurodiverse conditions, this first module aims to develop a systematic understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder, its impact on health, and the strategies for diagnosing and managing this condition in primary care settings.
Content Summary
- Autism diagnosis and classification
- Child assessment
- Adult assessment
- Autism management
- Autism and co-occurring conditions (Mood, addiction, OCD, Anxiety, ODD)
- The MDT approach in autism and how co-occurring conditions influence management
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse the diagnostic criteria and classification systems used in the assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Critically evaluate the multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach in managing individuals with ASD, integrating advanced knowledge of co-occurring conditions.
Module 2 Module 2: Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Diagnosis and Management +
Module Aims
This module aims to develop a systematic and advanced understanding of the process of diagnosing ADHD, and managing it in a primary care setting, focusing on the presentation, assessment, diagnosis and management of ADHD by exploring differential diagnoses, use of diagnostic tools, and collaboration with specialists.
Content Summary
- ADHD diagnosis and classification
- Child assessment
- Adult assessment (including specifically separate section ADHD in women and girls)
- ADHD and comorbidities
- Non-pharmacological management (parent training / CBT / coaching)
- Pharmacological treatment (stimulant and non-stimulant medication)
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate the latest research and best practice related to ADHD assessment methods and tools to systematically assess the appropriateness and limitations for individuals presenting in a range of primary care settings.
- Systematically develop and critically evaluate assessment strategies for ADHD across the lifespan, that integrate evidence-based practices, individualised care plans, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Module 3 Module 3: Other Neurodiverse Conditions: Implementing Inclusive Practices in Primary Care +
Module Aims
To provide an advanced understanding of dyslexia, dyspraxia and other neurodiverse conditions in depth and to critically evaluate inclusive practices that can be implemented in primary care to manage these conditions, particularly where healthcare providers need to accommodate the needs of patients with dyslexia and dyspraxia through successful collaborations and exploring common challenges faced during the process.
Content Summary
- Dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia, dysgraphia
- Tourette, sensory processing disorder and developmental language disorder
- Complex case history presentations and assessing risk in neurodiversity (including criminality, substance misuse and addiction)
- Neurodiversity and trauma and understanding executive function
- Equality legislation, home, school, and workplace adaptations
- The neurodiverse movement - disorder or difference
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate the assessment and management of a range of neurodiverse conditions within a variety of settings.
- Critically evaluate the wider implications associated with neurodivergent conditions to develop advanced and creative strategies to enhance inclusivity and accessibility across a variety of settings.
How will I learn?
You’ll learn through our flexible, interactive online platform: clinical cases, assignments and collaboration with fellow students at times that suit your rota. There is no fixed timetable — log in daily to take part in the week’s activities.
Groups are small, typically 10–20 students, so discussion stays close to practice. A dedicated tutor and the Student Support Team stay with you through the module.
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100% flexible
Online, with no campus days. Study around clinic, nights and family life.
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Case-based
Two or three clinically rich scenarios each week, discussed with peers and marked by your tutor.
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About 10 hours a week
A little and often — daily login beats a weekly cram.
Assessment methods
The Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare places assessments at the heart of the learning process through the employment of real life scenarios to enhance problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based practice. Since the scenarios act as a focus for learning and assessment, the two are intrinsically linked.
The three modules on the course have the same assessment format and for all modules, you will be assigned a dedicated expert tutor. Your tutor will then facilitate case discussions with the group, whilst monitoring, assessing and marking your work throughout. You will also participate in a combination of module activities that may be group and/or individual based, dependent on the module.
These innovative teaching methods enable you to envisage the translation of your studies into your every day work and practice. Due to the online nature of the course, you will be expected to regularly login and participate in the course - ideally on a daily basis. Students are recommended to spend around two hours per day on their studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team are also available to help with any problems you may face. From navigating our online platform to advising you on deadlines, our team can assist with any questions or challenges you may have along the way.
Assessments are built into the learning. Each week you work through clinical cases with your tutor; those discussions are the core of both the teaching and the marks.
Reflective portfolio - 10% +
The online reflective journal is a learning portfolio that requires the students to record and critically reflect on their learning. Reflection is an important aspect of the programme as the professionals will be able to spend time considering how their practice compares to the themes being discussed in the module. The tutor provides regular feedback to the student and marks it at the end of the module.
Reflective practice is a requirement for healthcare professionals for both professional re-validation and professional development.
Module Activity (Group or Individual) - 20% +
The group activity is designed to stimulate and test the students’ ability to work as a team in taking the subject area forward. A group task is set, the group elects a leader using the online forum (designed to put leadership skills into practice) and the leader allocates tasks to group members.
The leader is responsible for managing, collating and submitting the activity (online) at the end of the module. The tutor provides formative guidance part way through the module and marks the assessment at the end.
Examples of individual activities might include either a written assignment, poster, blog or social media project.
All students must complete the same assignment for each module that is predetermined by the programme Leader before the modules commence. Students are not provided with an option to choose.
Academic Forum (Case-based scenarios and discussion) - 40% +
Students are required to critically analyse clinically focused case-based scenarios, discussion threads and weekly questions posed by their tutors via the Academic Forum (an online discussion board) and designed to meet the module learning outcomes. Here, students make their own researched and referenced contributions and interact with the tutor and their fellow students. There is no didactic teaching, instead, students are posed questions and prompted to search the literature, read it critically and respond. Engagement is encouraged by the tutor prompting students to respond and the use of automated activity monitoring software.
At the end of each module, the tutor allocates marks to each student based on a marking rubric. The rubric takes into account the following elements:
· Promptness and initiative
· Delivery of post (spelling and grammar)
· The relevance of post and referencing
· Expression within the post
Case-based multiple-choice exam - 30% +
Case problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination with multiple-choice ‘single best answer’ questions directly test the reasoning and knowledge objectives of the module. The online examination is marked automatically.
Entry requirements
Since our courses are conducted entirely online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.
Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field, such as a medical or nursing degree.
Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents required
- A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference. This can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
- A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
- A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English language requirements
Proficiency in the English language is essential to completing our courses. If English is not your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of South Wales run a number of English language programmes to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@learna.ac.uk for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Faculty
Tutor
Dr Georgina Brown
Validated by
University of South Wales
The University of South Wales (USW) is a modern, industry focused University located in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd in South Wales, UK. It was rated best in the UK for the Health Professions in the Guardian University Guide 2020 and, in the latest Complete University Guide 2022, is in the top 10 in the UK for Health Studies. USW is one of Britain’s largest and most exciting new universities attracting a cosmopolitan mix of students from across the globe.
Dates
Dates for Postgraduate Certificate / Postgraduate Diploma / MSc Year 1 September 2026 Intake
| Module | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Induction Week | 7th September 2026 | 11th September 2026 |
| Module 1 | 14th September 2026 | 25th October 2026 |
| Module 2 | 9th November 2026 | 20th December 2026 |
| Module 3 | 11th January 2027 | 21st February 2027 |
| Module 4 | 8th March 2027 | 18th April 2027 |
| Module 5 | 3rd May 2027 | 13th June 2027 |
| Module 6 | 28th June 2027 | 8th August 2027 |
Course fees and payment options
Course fees
- Deposit for September 2026
- £425
- Total course fees (UK & international)
- £2,550
Payment options
- Option 1: Upfront payment in full (discount available).
- Option 2: Interest-free monthly payments throughout the course.
Spread the cost with Lendwise, who offer financing options for up to 8 years.
Payment plan breakdown
| Instalment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Deposit | £425 |
| 1st May 2026 | £425 |
| 1st June 2026 | £425 |
| 1st July 2026 | £425 |
| 1st August 2026 | £425 |
| 1st September 2026 | £425 |
Deposits are non-refundable. Prices are subject to review following each intake. Lendwise finance is subject to eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
Are the courses recognised outside of the UK? +
As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.
Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.
Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.
How do online courses work? +
When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.
You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.
You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.
How much time will I need to spend on the course each week? +
The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.
We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.
Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.
Is the course completely online? +
Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.
My international degree was taught in English - do I still need to take an English test to prove my English proficiency? +
All of our courses are delivered in English, so proficiency in the English language is essential for success. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency as part of your application. We accept the following as proof of English Language skills:
We Accept a Range of English Language Qualifications
While IELTS and TOEFL are among the most commonly used English tests, we understand that students come from diverse backgrounds — and we’re happy to work with you to accept a wide range of other recognised English language qualifications.
We accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Our most commonly accepted test, IELTS is globally recognised and widely used for university admissions.
We accept TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Another widely accepted test, TOEFL assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic setting.
We accept English Medium of Instruction (EMI) Letters
Many of our international students provide an EMI (English Medium Instruction) letter from their previous institution. This letter should confirm that you were taught in the medium of English. It is a popular and widely accepted form of proof, especially if you have completed prior academic studies in English.
Our University partners Requirements
The University of South Wales accepts an overall score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 for each band) and The University of Buckingham accepts an overall score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 for each band).
Do you offer any payment plans or funding support? +
Our Flexible Instalment Plan is designed to offer ultimate flexibility to pay for your programme. You have the choice of two payment options:
Make an Upfront Payment in Full: For those who prefer to settle their fees upfront, you can pay the full amount at the beginning of your programme.
Interest-Free Payments: Alternatively, you can choose to spread your payments out with interest-free instalments every month for the duration of your course.
These options are separate from our existing lending partners, which you can explore further on our programme pages. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and our Flexible Instalment Plan is just one of the ways we are committed to supporting you in your academic journey.
What discounts are available, and how much can I save? +
We currently offer two discounts: the Early Bird Discount and the Action Taker Discount. The Early Bird discount allows you to save up to £500 or more, available only to self-funders and is a limited-time offer that runs for the entirety of November for the March cohort or the entirety of May for the September cohort. Our Action Taker Discount allows you to save up to £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify for Action Takers, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance.
For Early Bird Discounts, the discount is visible if your application and acceptance are completed within the required timeframe. For Action Taker Discounts, it will reflect once conditions are met.
What is a Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare? +
A Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare is a Level 7 postgraduate qualification focused on developing knowledge and critical understanding of neurodiversity within healthcare. Learna’s programme comprises three 20-credit modules worth 60 credits and is completed online and part-time over six months.
The course explores autism, ADHD, and a wider range of neurodivergent conditions alongside neuro-affirmative approaches, inclusive practice, and factors that can influence neurodivergent people’s experiences of healthcare.
Who is the Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare course designed for? +
The Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare course is designed for healthcare professionals who want to develop their understanding of neurodiversity and more inclusive approaches to healthcare.
This includes GPs and primary care professionals, paediatricians, nurses, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other health and care professionals.
Can this qualification allow me to diagnose autism or ADHD? +
No. The programme develops postgraduate knowledge of autism, ADHD, and other aspects of neurodiversity, including assessment and diagnosis, but completing the qualification does not by itself extend your professional scope of practice.
Whether a healthcare professional can undertake diagnostic activity depends on their existing professional role, competence, registration, and relevant regulatory requirements.