MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis Queen's University Belfast - Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Behaviour analysis has been recognised as the basis for medically necessary intervention and educational provision for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 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 46,000 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, schools and 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 (mostly online with some face-to-face workshops) 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 to students preparing for PhD studies.

Please note that, unfortunately, this course is not eligible for a Tier 4 visa.

* Recently, the BACB announced impactful changes related to international focus. Anyone who wishes to pursue BACB certification should familiarise themselves with these changes to see if they may be affected.

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 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. Queen’s Verified Course Sequence had an outstanding pass rate of 81% in the 2020 BCBA exam (BACB pass rates at https://www.bacb.com/university-pass-rates/), strong evidence of the high teaching quality that our students avail of.

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 15,000-20,000-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 15,000-20,000-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.

Our educational research has been ranked 4th within the UK in relation to research intensity, with 87% assessed as ‘internationally excellent or world leading’ (REf, 2014).

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, and children/adults with behaviour problems and related difficulties.