Behaviour Analysis - Applied

The broad aim of the MSc Applied Behaviour Analysis is to give students the opportunity to develop their theoretical and conceptual knowledge in behaviour analysis, develop skills in behavioural assessment, and acquire the ability to work in partnership with clients where they plan and implement programmes that are aimed at establishing, strengthening and/or weakening targeted behaviours.



The course is designed for professionals who work (or intend to work) in the caring professions, for example with people with autism and other learning disabilities, in the area of general behaviour management, parent training, community development, and adult mental health.



It aims to provide a pathway to those interested in gaining UKSBA Registration accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health & Social Care.



In Semesters 1 and 2 students will attend the campus on Fridays during the teaching period of 12 weeks. In semester 4 students will attend the campus on Thursdays for the teaching period of 12 weeks. In Semester 1, they will take Module 1 (3 hours class time) and Module 2 (3 hours). In Semester 2 they will take Module 3 (2 hours), Module 4 (3 hours) and Module 5 (3 hours). In Semester 3, they will commence work on the placement, which will continue through Semester 4 (the first semester in their second year of enrolment). In Semester 4, they will also take Module 6 (4 hours). The dissertation based on a research project in ABA will begin in Semester 5 of enrolment (i.e. the second semester of the second academic year) and continue through Semester 6, the summer period.



Work placement / study abroad

Students are responsible for sourcing their own suitable placement opportunities which will allow them to complete a minimum 250 hours of work based practice using the principles of behaviour analysis. We anticipate the use of a variety of types of placement. These will include those where the student is an employee of an organisation that regularly employs ABA, or is a full-time employee of an organisation that employs a range of approaches in working with clients (e.g. a learning disability service), or is a part-time employee involved in delivering a behavioural programme at the home of a child. Where none of these conditions are possible we will endeavour to help students identify a community-based activity which could form the basis of a suitable placement. In every case, there will be active negotiation with the agency to ensure that suitable opportunities for the placement student can be made available, that adequate health safety standards will be met, and that adequate supervision arrangements can be established.



Those students interested in carrying out a placement in the New England Center for Children (NECC) should be aware that the Ulster University cannot guarantee any student a placement position or the number of placements available. These decisions are at the discretion of NECC. Please also note that Ulster University cannot guarantee any student a work visa for the US, thus any student applying for a visa should not give up employment or book flights until the visa application has been successful.

Year one

• Introduction: Theories and Application of Applied Behaviour Analysis

• Scientific Principles of Behaviour Analysis

• Ethical and legal considerations in applied behaviour analysis

• Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Applied Behaviour Analysis

• Assessment and Intervention techniques in Applied Behaviour Analysis



Year two

• Placement with work experience in applied behaviour analysis

• Research Methods and Advanced Techniques in Applied Behaviour Analysis

• Dissertation based on a research project in applied behaviour analysis

A second class honours degree in psychology or equivalent subject (e.g., education, child development, social work) and have relevant experience. Candidates will be interviewed to assess motivation and experience.



Satisfactory criminal record check (AccessNI)



The closing date for applications for entry is normally 31 May and interviews are held in June. Applications received after that date may be considered if all places are not filled. If all places are filled then late applications will be considered the following year.





Those with a 2:2 are welcome to apply, but preference will be given to those who have some additional relevant experience to add to their CV.



English Language Requirements

English Language minimum requirement for International Applicants:



Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Start Date: September 2025

Career options

Those students who have completed the course have gone on to have successful careers in a number of areas. For example numerous students have gone on to work for local health and education authorities, and charities as behaviour specialists in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Others have gone on to work privately by providing home- and school-based behavioural interventions for families. A number of students who completed their placement year with the New England Center for Children (NECC) in Boston went on to work for NECC in London and Abu Dhabi.



Those students who completed the course whilst in employment have gone on to bring their new skillset to such diverse backgrounds as education (Special Needs and mainstream), social work, and mental health nursing.