Applied Behaviour Analysis MSc

This programme is aimed at those wishing to specialise in applied behaviour analysis. The course is designed to develop advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of the basic principles of behaviour analysis and the application of the principles within clinical and research settings.

The programme has been developed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) to meet the professional requirements of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). If completed in full with no breaks or time away from study, the course covers the BACB Task List specifications and is recognised by the BACB as providing the content eligibility criteria necessary to sit the full BCBA exam. Students who complete 2 year MSc with practicum will also fulfil the applied work experience requirement and will be in a position to apply to sit the BACB exam when their degree is conferred. It is recommended that students visit the BACB website (www.bacb.com) to become familiar with the professional requirements.

Students wishing to can exit the programme after achieving either a PG Certificate or PG Diploma if they don’t wish to undertake the full MSc. The full course leads to a Master’s degree, but it is designed to be flexible to meet the differing needs of our students. For example, you may choose to take a smaller number of modules for a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma, or for Continuous Professional Development purposes. The course requires attendance at university on two full days per week as a full time student and one day as a part time student. 

Additional Course Costs:

Additional costs may also be charged as follows: Enhanced DBS check (approx. £65).

FAQs

Is the course offered as distance-learning? The course is primarily neither distance learning or online learning. We have some distance sites, however these are professional settings who send their staff on the course. Under special circumstances, distance sites can accommodate some additional students, however this is by special arrangement with the Course Director.

When are the classes? Students are required to come to class Tuesdays 10 to 5pm (part-time first years), Mondays 10 to 5pm (second year part-timers) or both if full time, plus exams and welcome day. Please note that these times and days are subject to change.

Is a 'Practicum' option offered with this course? Unlike previous years we are NOT able to offer a practicum element to ABA students this year however we plan on reinstating that route starting in September 2021.

What is a ‘Practicum’? It involves completing 2000 hours of supervised work (c20 hrs per week unpaid) in a practicum setting arranged by the course, instead of a thesis. The setting is arranged by the university and supervision is provided by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and students cannot complete the practicum in a setting of their choosing. When available students who are enrolled on the MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis apply in writing at the beginning of their course and the application process includes interviews and written statements. When the practicum is next available (2021/22 academic year) places will be limited and awarded on a competitive basis.

Student Profiles

To get a taste of what life as a postgraduate student in the School of Psychology is like, you may want to read the profiles of some of our current and past Postgraduate students.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.