MSc Applied Behaviour Analysis

This Master of Science (MSc) programme provides you with the theoretical and practical knowledge to kick-start your career as a practitioner. The MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis was established in 2006 in the School of Psychology and is designed to meet the demand for graduates with expertise in behavioural psychology. It is a two year full-time programme of academic study with an intake of 20 students annually and is one of only two Masters programmes in the Republic of Ireland.

Students on this MSc will learn about the principles of behaviour analysis and how these are applied in the real world to support learning and improve quality of life for a range of people including children and adults with developmental disabilities, students who may be struggling in mainstream education, older adults, 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.

The course meets international standards with regard to coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards necessary to become a Behaviour Analyst. The MSc is a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the Association of Behaviour Analysis International, a standard recognised in the field of behaviour analysis around the world: https://www.abainternational.org/vcs.aspx

The course is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland as a postgraduate professional programme in behavioural psychology fulfilling the postgraduate course requirements to become a Chartered Behavioural Psychologist: https://www.psychologicalsociety.ie/accredited-courses/PSI-Accredited-Postgraduate-Courses

Our graduates work as Behaviour Analysts in practice once they have met the necessary training requirements. Graduates can register as a Behaviour Analyst with the Irish Society for Behaviour Analysis: https://isba.ie/membership-account-2/membership-levels/

The course also meets the requirements to allow graduates to apply to the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board in the United States to become a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. This only applies to applicants residing and working in North America.

The MSc in ABA provides course affiliated clinical placements to students offering the opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision in services and schools across Ireland. Intensive supervision is provided by the programme team as well as Behaviour Analysts in course affiliated placement settings. The programme team work in partnership with schools and services in the community to support a high standard of supervised experience for trainees on the programme. Throughout the two year programme, an emphasis is placed on linking the course content to its relevant applications in practice ensuring that graduates acquire the practical skills necessary to work as a Behaviour Analyst in practice.

The MSc also offers an excellent foundation for those pursuing further clinical training or for those who wish to pursue a PhD in a related area. Graduates are equipped with a skill set which can be applied in most clinical settings to enhance quality of life for the people they work alongside (for example within a Positive Behaviour Support framework), as well as a set of research competencies developed throughout the course.

Please watch course video here.

                                             _{Behaviour Analysis students}