About the Course

Masters of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis

• Course Objectives
• Programme Information
• Programme Duration
• Programme Content
• BCBA Certification
• Frequently Asked Questions

Course Objectives

The programme offers a thorough training in a variety of behaviour change procedures, functional assessment technologies and skills teaching practices. Students are given training in the theoretical foundations of behaviour analysis as well as a multitude of skill to work as practitioners. A strong emphasis is placed on the ability to work with, and provide treatment for, diverse and complex cases. Students will become competent in the design of educational and rehabilitative programmes in an applied environment. Students learn to demonstrate competence in the design of educational and rehabilitative programmes in an applied environment. The course provides students with opportunities to gain experience working within schools and services that support individuals with differential diagnoses which facilitates the integration of the course’s practical and academic elements. The course offers approved placements which students can pursue.

Examples of skills taught:

• Design of individualised educational programmes from numerous behavioural curricula for individuals with complex learning difficulties
• Conduct functional assessments and functional analysis to determine the maintaining variables of problem behaviour
• Develop ethical and effective interventions and continually assess outcomes
• Implement appropriate measurement systems in order to validate their individualised approach to each client
• Use of numerous measures to assess social skills and adaptive behaviour, co-occurring psychopathology, challenging behaviors, psychotropic medication side effects, feeding disorders, intellectual functioning and autism spectrum disorders.
• A strong emphasis is placed on ABA research methodologies and the ability to critically evaluate research as it relates to behavioural interventions.
• Students will learn the ethical and professional guidelines of Applied Behaviour Analysis

Programme Information

The MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis is a taught programme that provides professional training in ABA. The programme involves full-time study for two calendar years. The course sequence has been approved by The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (see http://www.bacb.com/), allowing graduates to work as practitioners in organisations or as independent contractors both nationally and internationally.

The MSc will prepare graduates for careers in clinical and educational settings as applied behaviour analysts, and will also provide an excellent foundation for further postgraduate study (e.g., clinical and educational psychology) and postgraduate research (e.g., PhD).

The MSc in ABA aims to provide students a variety of placements in order to provide them with a breath of experiences across the programme. We currently have a diverse range of clinical experiences across the life span. These range from Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI), preschool services, special schools, Adult intellectual disability services, and Acquired Brain Injury. 

Programme Duration

The MSc involves full-time study for two-years. Lectures are scheduled one day per week with additional clinical supervision sessions provided on designated days. Students are encouraged to seek employment in a clinical/educational setting to facilitate the integration of the practical and academic elements of the course. The course offers approved placements which students can pursue. Placement is not compulsory and alternative assessment can be selected.

Programme Content

Year One

Students who successfully complete Year 1 will be permitted to progress to Year 2 of the programme.

Year Two

BCBA Certification

The course is accredited by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® ( http://www.bacb.com/). This allows students to apply for certification as a BCBA on completion of their Masters Programme. Students who wish to apply for this exam are required to complete field work in an applied setting and receive on-going supervision of this field work in tandem with their M.Sc. course work. In order to facilitate this, students are encouraged to obtain work or complete placement in a setting that will supplement their fieldwork and supervision requirements. Students are required to maintain a log book of all fieldwork and supervision that is reviewed annually by course staff.

 Frequently Asked Questions

What are the career opportunities on completion of the course?

Past students have been employed nationally and internationally across a variety of education and behaviour support services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition, students are supporting individuals within mental health services, residential and community living environments, and acquired brain injury rehabilitation services. The programme will prepare you for a career in clinical and educational settings, and will also provide you with a foundation for further postgraduate study (e.g., Clinical or Educational psychology) and research at PhD level. 

How do I apply?

Applications are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). 

Is Placement compulsory?

Placement is not compulsory and alternative assessment can be selected.