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.

Programme Length

One full calendar year as a full-time student or 2 years full-time for those doing the practicum. This course is also available part-time.

FAQs

Is the course offered as distance-learning? 

The course can be taken as fully remote learning or as a blend of independent and face to face learning. Each week, we will provide pre-recorded lectures and guided learning for students to access in their own time. There will also be two options for 90 minutes of live seminar per module each week. One seminar will be offered face to face (if appropriate) during the day, and a second, remote seminar will be run at 6pm UK time. The course is designed to be flexible; students may come to Bangor and interact with their peers and lecturers in person. However, if for any reason a student cannot attend live seminars, we welcome you via our remote platform.  

When are the classes? 

Seminars and assessments will be held on Mondays and Tuesdays. First year, part times students will only need to attend on Monday. Please note that these times and days are subject to change.

Is a 'Practicum' option offered with this course? 

Yes. We are currently offering a few practicum placements. Placements will be available in education settings only. Please note that we can only place students if Welsh Government Policy regarding Covid-19 allows. It is possible that placements may be paused during periods of lockdown. Practicum involves completing 2000 hours of supervised work (c20-30 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. Students may not complete the practicum in a setting of their choosing. Students who have been accepted to the MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis will be invited to apply in writing at the beginning of their course, and the application process includes interviews and written statements. Places will be limited and awarded on a competitive basis.

What will you study on this course?

The course consists of two parts. Part One comprises taught modules designed around the BACB Task List. The first four modules introduce the basic theory and practice of the science and the second four offer more detailed analysis of both applied and research procedures.

On successful completion of Part One, you will proceed to Part Two - a clinical research study, planned and conducted in collaboration with your BCBA-qualified research supervisor.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following course toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching is done through a combination of taught workshops, seminars, specialised computer-based instructional packages and practical ’hands-on’ research experience. We aim to provide a high quality teaching and learning environment that is intellectually stimulating and that uses the principles of behaviour analysis. This requires innovative course content and instructional procedures, measurement of learning, flexible communication among students and staff, and a friendly and supportive environment. Assessment methods include written examinations, oral presentations, case reports, essays, and a research thesis.

This BCAB recognised MSc is a highly relevant qualification for those interested in pursuing a career with special educational or developmental needs in a wide range of settings.

Psychology as a science and as a profession makes a difference to real people in the real world, by improving quality of life across a wide range of areas. We are proud of our strengths in both the teaching and learning and research domains, ensuring that you’ll be learning the science and application of psychology from world class researchers and lecturers.