Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism

Since the pandemic, we've really embraced online learning. We know that study habits have changed, and more and more people are taking advantage of the convenience of studying online.

Our online courses are perfect for helping you to improve knowledge, boost your CV, and progress your career. You can choose from an excellent range of subjects such as accounting, leadership, and care-related courses.

We'll also provide you with an online support tutor, so you won't be left on your own to figure it all out for yourself. Your support tutor will always be on hand to guide and steer you in the right direction and give you feedback on your assignments.

Please note that some Level 3 courses may be fully funded if you do not already hold a full level 3 qualification or if you are unemployed or earn under the low-income threshold of £25,000 or under (annual gross salary). (*subject to postcode check)

*We will use your postcode to determine if you live in an area we can fund with a fee waiver. If your postcode is devolved** then you may decide to waive your funding rights and proceed with self-funding, or an Advanced Learner Loan.

**There are currently 12 areas with mayoral devolution in England: Greater London, West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Tees Valley, West of England, York and North Yorkshire, East Midlands, and the North East.

We are also unable to support with funding with a fee waiver or if you live in Wales, Scotland or Ireland.

For more information on eligibility please contact us:

Contact Us

  • Email: independent.learning@escg.ac.uk
  • Tel: 030 300 39854

Site

Workplace/Other

Level

Level 3

Course Type

Adult

Courses

Options Course Code Starts Ends Days
enquire apply 60796-01 14/04/25 14/11/25 On Demand

What will I study?

This qualification is designed to increase your knowledge and understanding of autism.

By completing the qualification, you will develop in-depth knowledge of autism which could support progression onto appropriate qualifications and into relevant employment in the health and social care sector.

KEY COURSE DETAILS

Study method: Online

Course length: 7 months

Recommended study per week: 8-10 hours

  • £0 - fee waiver
  • £811 - Advanced Learner Loan or Self-funded

Fee waivers are available for those on low wage or unemployed (subject to postcode check).

Successful completion of this qualification will support progression into relevant employment within the health and social care sector.

AIMS OF THE COURSE The qualification will help you to understand:

  • how to adopt a positive approach to supporting individuals with autism the current legislative framework relating to individuals with autism and how different theories have developed over time
  • how to support and manage transitions for individuals with autism the range of therapeutic interventions and support available for individuals with autism and co-occurring conditions
  • how to support communication and social interaction for individuals with autism
  • how to develop an understanding of how individuals with autism may be vulnerable and the support
  • worker’s role and responsibilities relating to safeguarding according to legislative requirements.

To be awarded the Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism, learners are required to successfully complete 6 mandatory units:

  • Unit 01 Autism in context
  • Unit 02 Positive behavioural support for individuals with autism
  • Unit 03 Understand support and management of transitions for individuals with autism
  • Unit 04 Therapeutic interventions and support available for individuals with autism and co-occurring conditions
  • Unit 05 Communication and social interaction with individuals with autism
  • Unit 06 Safeguarding and resilience in autism

How will I be assessed?

This online course differs to a classroom course, as you will not be taught. Instead, you will study independently following the online learning materials and completing assignments.

Your dedicated unit assessor can be contacted through the message system on the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment).

If you need any guidance, help, or wish to book in a phone or Teams video support call you can message your assessor or contact the admin team. We allow 7 months to work through the course, so it’s flexible in that you can study when you want eg the course platform is available 24/7 however you will have deadlines to meet to complete each unit assignment.

Study time includes:

  • working through the interactive content
  • completing the assignments for each unit
  • reading assessor feedback and reviewing course material or other resources as directed
  • resubmitting your assignment where requested

You won’t need to purchase any books unless you wish to supplement these study materials.

What qualification will I achieve?

You will achieve a NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism (QAA aim code: ).

To achieve the Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism, learners must successfully demonstrate their achievement of all learning outcomes of the units as detailed in the qualification specification.

What can I do after completing this course?

Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to:

  • Level 3 Diploma for the Children's Workforce (Early Years Educator)
  • Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
  • Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults) for England
  • Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England)
  • Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support Services
  • Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Healthcare Support
  • Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care (England)
  • Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
  • Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning Schools
  • Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training.

Are there any extra costs?

ATTENDANCE

The online course is designed to be flexible yet structured, with an 8 - 10 hour weekly study expectation and a requirement for students to log in at least twice a week. Holidays can be accommodated; students are simply asked to inform the course administrators of their absence in advance.

This structure supports consistent progress while allowing for life's unpredictable moments.

HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS IS THE RIGHT COURSE FOR ME?

East Sussex College offer a 14-day cooling-off period for this course. This period allows you to evaluate the course and online study method.

You are liable for the full course fees after 14 days from the start date stated in your learning and funding letter which will be issued after your application has been processed.

This process ensures that both the student and the institution can make informed decisions about the educational journey ahead.

If you take out an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your fees, then this will be activated 14 days from the course start date stated in your learning and funding letter.

If you wish to withdraw, you may cancel your enrolment by notifying the Administration Team in writing (by e-mail) prior to day 14 and you will owe nothing. After 14 days, you will owe the full course fee plus an administration charge, in line with the ESCG Tuition Fee Policy

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ESSENTIAL:

  • Access to a device (laptop/PC/tablet) the minimum recommended study time per week (study via a mobile device isn’t advised)
  • Access to Wi-Fi connect
  • Demonstrate a good standard of English and math – (GCSE/Functional Skills Certificates or complete an Initial Assessment)

Our online courses have various start dates each month. Our upcoming dates are below:

  • 14th April 2025
  • 28th April 2025
  • 12th May 2025
  • 26th May 2025
  • 9th June 2025
  • 23rd June 2025
  • 7th July 2025
  • 21st July 2025