MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis
Queen's University Belfast
Key Information
Campus location
Belfast, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
Blended
Duration
1 - 3 year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 19,100
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
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Introduction
Behaviour analysis has been recognised as the basis for medically necessary intervention and educational provision for individuals on the autism spectrum and other clinical or non-clinical populations. With the growing prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (now estimated to be 1:54) behaviour analysis has experienced a significant rise in popularity.
There are over 57,000 certified behaviour analysts worldwide and this number is predicted to rise given that professional approval is seen as the key to delivering high quality services to individuals, families, in schools and in related settings. Furthermore, behaviour analysis is increasingly being applied to general education, special education, health and social care settings and organisational leadership settings.
This programme is a highly interactive blended learning programme. All key teaching takes place online with on-campus workshops taking place once per semester - providing professionals from a wide range of backgrounds with scientifically validated expertise that is applicable to mainstream and special needs education, inclusion, curriculum, learning, and pedagogy. It should be of interest to professionals wishing to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA®)*, to those in the ‘helping’ professions (e.g. teachers, speech/language therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists) and students preparing for PhD studies.
Please note that unfortunately this course is not eligible for a Tier 4 visa.
Applied Behaviour Analysis Highlights
Over 83% of research submitted by colleagues based in the Education Unit of Assessment was judged to be ‘World Leading’ or ‘Internationally Excellent' by a peer review panel (REF2021).
Industry Links
- The supervised practice element is not included in the programme. However, the Centre for Behaviour Analysis has close links with international service and placement providers and can provide contacts for supervised placements in line with the BACB experience standards.
Career Development
- ABAI Verification The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the programme to fulfil the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
Student Experience
- Flexibility The programme is designed to meet the needs of local and international professionals and is delivered via blended learning. A Postgraduate Diploma in ABA option is also available.
Admissions
Curriculum
Course Structure
Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2**-3 years) basis. Part-time students typically complete one or two modules per semester. Full-time students typically complete three modules per semester.
The MSc is awarded to students who successfully complete six taught modules (120 CATS) and a 15,000-word dissertation (60 CATS) or ABA Portfolio (60 CATS), as well as audit 'An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education' online module in Semester 2.
** the 2-year part-time study route is subject to specific University regulations.
Course Details
Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 or 3 years) basis. Individual modules may be studied as a short course. Part-time students typically complete one or two modules per semester. Full-time students typically complete three modules per semester. The MSc is awarded to students who successfully complete six taught modules (120 CATS) and a 15,000-word dissertation (60 CATS) or ABA Portfolio (60 CATS), as well as audit 'An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education' online module in Semester 2.
Students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis by successfully completing 120 CATS points from taught pathway modules.
Please note that unfortunately this course is not eligible for a Tier 4 visa.
Indicative Number of Modules per Semester
Part-time students typically complete one or two modules per semester. Full-time students typically complete three modules per semester.
Modules (all 20 CATS points) - with assessment method in brackets:
- Assessment in Behaviour Analysis (weekly multiple-choice tests and final essay)
- Behaviour Change and Education and Supervising Others (weekly multiple-choice tests and final essay)
- Concepts and Principles of Behaviour Analysis (weekly discussion forum posts and summative multiple-choice exam)
- Ethical and Professional Conduct (weekly discussion forum posts and final essay)
- Evaluation in Behaviour Analysis (weekly discussion forum posts and final essay)
- Fundamental Elements of Behaviour Change (weekly discussion forum posts and summative multiple-choice exam)
Students are expected to audit 'An introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education' online module in Semester 2.
Indicative Proportional Mix of Time in Classes, Tutorials/Seminars/Labs, and Private Study in a Teaching Semester
15- or 17.5-hours online delivery, 5- or 2.5-hours face-to-face seminar per 20 CATS point module.
Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:
Online Learning
The programme content is delivered online with multiple focused weekly virtual interactions that include peer and tutor feedback. This structure allows for acquisition of knowledge, information sharing, development of critical thinking skills, and giving and receiving immediate feedback.
An intensive, on-campus, one-day or half-day consolidation workshop takes place once during each module to give students the opportunity to meet each other and course tutors face-to-face.
Students can study at the time of their convenience within pre-determined weekly periods.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Most students are already in relevant jobs and the job market is healthy for behaviour analysts at present. Professionals behaviour analysts have the skills and knowledge to develop, implement and evaluate quality interventions that help to produce positive behavioural changes in a range of settings.
Typically, behaviour analysts work in the 'helping' professions (psychologists, teachers, speech/language therapists, occupational therapists). Increasingly, jobs advertised for behaviour managers or specialists require BCBA status and there is a demand for BCBAs in Europe and worldwide, especially in North America.
Teachers as well as allied health professionals should find this degree beneficial for their workplace.
Employment after the Course
There is a shortage of professional Behaviour Analysts worldwide. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to work in educational and clinical settings serving diverse populations, such as individuals with developmental disorders, students with learning difficulties, children/adults with behaviour problems and related difficulties.
English Language Requirements
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