MBA

Hi Maddy,

Presumably this is a taught MBA? Have you already done a degree course? I know in some cases you can do an MBA without having done a first degree.

I ask because there is a difference in the advice between having had a degree, even if obtained before the diagnosis and doing a degree for the first time.

If starting from having done a degree a taught masters is not greatly dissimilar. There is a distinction for people undertaking self directed study or research, in that this lacks a framework and involves an agreement with supervisors which can be more demanding for people on the spectrum.

For a taught course it is a matter of being able to engage with what is required of you to complete the course. Where this may present problems for people on the spectrum, depending on their own characteristics, lies with organisation and timekeeping, doing all the work required in an assignment even if it doesn't seem necessary, group work if there is any, and fitting in in a teaching environment, and the writing of assignments in the manner they want you to do.

Most universities have got some experience now of supporting people on the spectrum, but there may still be oversights. Most disability support teams talk to local NAS representatives and other professionals.

You should contact the Disability Access team, or something under a similar title. They will ask you for details of your autism and will draw up in discussion with you an agreement about the support needed. Are you going to receive an allowance for disability support?

Most universities will let you meet disability support and teaching staff before you enrol.  It is useful to have such a meeting so they know any difficulties you anticipate and can discuss your needs with teaching staff ahead of teaching. You should also be able to get a tour of lecture rooms and facilities, though you also need to view a room full of students to see how that feels - it need not be students in the same course. If you propose to reside on campus in halls or a flat, ask to see these as well, but also what support is available in residences.

Nowadays there is usually some support infrastructure. It does sometimes depend on you asking and also explaining things that are difficult for you. You may find the pace difficult in which case talk to someone as early as possible. But you may also find the learning environment quite refreshing compared to anything else you've been through, so it depends on whether your autistic spectrum experience is one that will work well in this environment or one where you need support.

Hope this helps

Hi Maddy,

Presumably this is a taught MBA? Have you already done a degree course? I know in some cases you can do an MBA without having done a first degree.

I ask because there is a difference in the advice between having had a degree, even if obtained before the diagnosis and doing a degree for the first time.

If starting from having done a degree a taught masters is not greatly dissimilar. There is a distinction for people undertaking self directed study or research, in that this lacks a framework and involves an agreement with supervisors which can be more demanding for people on the spectrum.

For a taught course it is a matter of being able to engage with what is required of you to complete the course. Where this may present problems for people on the spectrum, depending on their own characteristics, lies with organisation and timekeeping, doing all the work required in an assignment even if it doesn't seem necessary, group work if there is any, and fitting in in a teaching environment, and the writing of assignments in the manner they want you to do.

Most universities have got some experience now of supporting people on the spectrum, but there may still be oversights. Most disability support teams talk to local NAS representatives and other professionals.

You should contact the Disability Access team, or something under a similar title. They will ask you for details of your autism and will draw up in discussion with you an agreement about the support needed. Are you going to receive an allowance for disability support?

Most universities will let you meet disability support and teaching staff before you enrol.  It is useful to have such a meeting so they know any difficulties you anticipate and can discuss your needs with teaching staff ahead of teaching. You should also be able to get a tour of lecture rooms and facilities, though you also need to view a room full of students to see how that feels - it need not be students in the same course. If you propose to reside on campus in halls or a flat, ask to see these as well, but also what support is available in residences.

Nowadays there is usually some support infrastructure. It does sometimes depend on you asking and also explaining things that are difficult for you. You may find the pace difficult in which case talk to someone as early as possible. But you may also find the learning environment quite refreshing compared to anything else you've been through, so it depends on whether your autistic spectrum experience is one that will work well in this environment or one where you need support.

Hope this helps