Applied Behaviour Analysis (MSc)

Course Overview

This Master of Science (MSc) programme provides you with the theoretical and practical knowledge to kick-start your career as a practitioner.  Students will learn about the principles of ABA and how these are applied in the real world to improve socially significant behaviours for a range of populations, including children and adults with developmental disabilities, students who may be struggling in mainstream education and those who have an acquired brain injury.  The science of ABA has broad applications and this is reflected in the MSc programme and in the diverse career paths of our graduates.  This programme is a Verified Course Sequence (VCS), comprising part of the eligibility requirements for certification from the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board, which is internationally recognised. Read more on the BACB.

The programme provides students with the training and supervision required to conduct applied research with clinical populations.  In addition we have a number of course-affiliated placements, where you can obtain fieldwork and supervision that counts towards the requirements of the BACB.  Applied Behaviour Analysis has a strong evidence base, comprising over 50 years of applied research.  It is recommended by the largest ever review of research into interventions for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), The National Standards Project, (National Autism Centre, 2009, 2015) as having the strongest evidence base of all interventions for ASD.  

Our programme follows the scientist-practitioner model, providing students with integrated training in the academic, practical and research aspects of the science of ABA.

NUI Galway offers a Verified Course Sequence (VACS) which is applicable towards BACB eligibility requirements. More information.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Additional Requirements

Course Outline

The MSc involves full-time study for two years. Lectures are held one day per week, with additional clinical supervision sessions provided on designated days. 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 clinical placements with associated supervision. Placement is not compulsory and an alternative assessment can be selected instead. We strongly recommend that you undertake a supervised placement for 2-3 days per week.

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 and are provided with the skills 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. This course covers the Task List as set out by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB), the international credentialing body for Behaviour Analysts.

Further Education

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

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