MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis

The School of Psychology launched the MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis in September 2006. This is a taught programme that provides professional training in Applied Behaviour Analysis. This course is accredited by the internationally-recognised Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®). This certification allows graduates to work as practitioners in organisations or as independent contractors. The programme subscribes to the scientist-practitioner model, and provides students with thorough and integrated training in academic, practical, and research aspects of Applied Behaviour Analysis.

The MSc degree program is designed to meet the growing need for practitioners who can work effectively within systems to improve the quality of services in the fields of intellectual and developmental disabilities, education, rehabilitation, and mental health. The principles and strategies of ABA can be used to alter a wide range of human behaviour and are often recommended as the best-practice approach for working with people with intellectual disabilities and/or pervasive developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder. Worldwide demand for competent behaviour analysts exceeds current supply; a similar shortage of appropriately trained professionals is evident in Ireland.

What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?

ABA provides an approach for developing, implementing, and evaluating practical strategies to produce changes in socially significant behaviours of individuals in the contexts of home, school and community settings. Three important features characterise the scientific basis upon which ABA is built: a) it focuses upon objectively measurable behaviour of an individual or system; b) it studies environmental influences upon the targeted behaviours; and c) it places a premium upon single-subject research designs to analyse the effects of different environmental variables.

ABA is a well-developed discipline among the helping professions, with a mature body of scientific knowledge, established standards for evidence-based practice, distinct methods of service, recognised experience and educational requirements for practice.

Programme Content

Year One

Year Two

Careers in Applied Behaviour Analysis:

Graduates are taught the necessary skills and knowledge to work in various settings as applied behaviour analysts. They are also given the necessary training for graduates to apply for board certification in behaviour analysis from the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board [ http://www.bacb.com/].
Those graduates who become certified behaviour analysts (BCBA®) will teach others to carry out ethical and effective behaviour analytic interventions based on published research and design and deliver instruction in behaviour analysis.
The programme helps prepare graduates to work in a variety of educational settings, community settings, residential programmes, rehabilitation programmes and mental health centres, research facilities, and home-based programmes for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.

ICAN, in partnership with Autism Speaks and The American Ireland Fund, hosted Ireland's first International Autism Conference, 'Autism Spectrum Disorder: from Clinical Practice to Educational Provision' on January 12th - 13th, 2012.

Speakers from left to right: Lynn Brennan, Connie Kasari, Nancy Jones, Richard Foxx, Geraldine Leader, Laura Klinger, Joe McAllister.

Students on the MSc in ABA are placed in Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention programmes, ASD Units and Adult Services.