MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis

Behavior analysis is the science of understanding behavior. Therapies and strategies derived from science have a wealth of evidence showing their effectiveness in helping people learn new skills as well as reducing behaviours that may be harmful to them or others. Behavior analysis has been recognized as an effective intervention and educational provision for many clinical (e.g., autism) or non-clinical (industry) populations. With the growing prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (now estimated to be 1:36) behavior analysis has experienced a significant rise in popularity with many behavior analysts working with this population.

There are over 46,000 certified behavior 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, schools, and related settings. Furthermore, behavior analysis is increasingly being applied to general education, special education, health and social care settings, and organizational leadership settings.

This program is a highly interactive learning program. All key teaching takes place online with on-campus seminars taking place once per semester. The program provides 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 a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) (only applicable for students residing in the United States), a UKBA(cert), and to those in the ‘helping’ professions (e.g. teachers, speech/language therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists) as well as students preparing for PhD studies.

Applied Behaviour Analysis highlights

Career Development

ABAI Verification The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward 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.

The UK Society for Behaviour Analysis (UK-SBA) oversees behavior analysis in the UK. This program endorses and adheres to the UK-SBA's practice values and Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct.

This program meets the eligibility requirements for candidates to take the UKBA(cert) examination after January 1, 2026. Candidates will also be required to complete the UK-SBA Supervision and Competence Standards and pass a qualifying exam.

Student Experience

The program 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 as an exit route.

Industry Links

The supervised practice element is not included in the program. 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 as well as the UK-SBA standards of competence.