Applied Behaviour Analysis

Overview

Behaviour analysis is the science of understanding behaviour. Therapies and strategies derived from the science have a wealth of evidence showing the effectiveness in helping people learn new skills as well as reducing behaviours that may be harmful to them or others. Behaviour analysis has been recognised as an effective intervention and educational provision for many clinical (e.g., autism) or non-clinical (industry) populations. With the growing prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (now estimated to be 1:36) behaviour analysis has experienced a significant rise in popularity with many behaviour analysts working with this population.



There are over 61,000 certified behaviour analysts worldwide and this number is predicted to rise given that professional approval is seen as the key to delivering high quality services to individuals, families, in schools and in related settings. Furthermore, behaviour analysis is increasingly being applied to general education, special education, health and social care settings and organisational leadership settings.



This programme is a highly interactive blended learning programme. All key teaching takes place online with on-campus seminars taking place once per semester - providing professionals from a wide range of backgrounds with scientifically validated expertise that is applicable to mainstream and special needs education, inclusion, curriculum, learning, and pedagogy. It should be of interest to professionals wishing to become Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBA®)*, a UKBA(cert) and to those in the ‘helping’ professions (e.g. teachers, speech/language therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists) as well as students preparing for PhD studies.



Please note that unfortunately this course is not eligible for a Tier 4 visa.



* The BACB announced impactful changes related to international focus. Anyone who wishes to pursue BACB certification should familiarise themselves with these changes to see if they may be affected. You can read about these changes here: https://www.bacb.com/faqs-about-the-2023-international-changes/



Course Structure

Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2**-3 years) basis. Part-time students typically complete one or two modules per semester. Full-time students typically complete three modules per semester. Individual modules may be studied as a short course.



The MSc is awarded to students who successfully complete six taught modules (120 CATS) and a 15,000-word dissertation (60 CATS) or ABA Portfolio (60 CATS), as well as audit 'An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education' online module in Semester 2.



Students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis by successfully completing 120 CATS points from taught pathway modules.



** the 2-year part-time study route is subject to specific University regulations.



Indicative Proportional Mix of Time in Classes, Tutorials/Seminars/Labs, and Private Study in a Teaching Semester: 15- or 17.5-hours online delivery, 5- or 2.5-hours face-to-face seminar per 20 CATS point module.

Year 1

Core Modules

Ethical and Professional Conduct (20 credits)

Fundamental elements of behaviour change (20 credits)

Evaluation in Behaviour Analysis (20 credits)

Assessment in Behaviour Analysis (20 credits)

Behaviour Change in Education and Supervising Others (20 credits)

Dissertation (60 credits)

ABA Portfolio (Autism Specialism) (60 credits)

Concepts and principles of behaviour analysis (20 credits)

An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education (online) (0 credits)

Graduate

Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree (with minimum of 55%) or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject discipline plus one year of experience in an Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) or related context and access to an ABA related working environment.



Applicants with a 2.2 Honours degree below 55% (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) may also be considered if they have at least two years of experience in an ABA related context and access to an ABA related working environment.



Applicants with a lower level of performance in an Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University may also be considered if they have at least three years of experience in an ABA related context and access to an ABA related working environment.



Applicants with a sub-honours degree level qualification or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University may also be considered if they have at least five years of experience in an ABA related context and access to an ABA related working environment.



Applicants who do not satisfy the above but who are holders of an equivalent approved professional qualification or work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.



Please note that this is an online course.



Unfortunately, this course is not eligible for a Tier 4 visa.

Closing date for applications: Friday 29th August 2025 at 4pm. Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

Modules are assessed by a variety of methods, eg multiple choice tests, essays, project reports, and contributions to an online discussion forum.

1 year (Full Time), 3 years (Part Time). Delivery: Online.

Entry Year: 2025/26

Career Prospects

Most students are already in relevant jobs and the job market is healthy for behaviour analysts at present. Professional behaviour analysts have the skills and knowledge to develop, implement and evaluate quality interventions that help to produce positive behavioural changes in a range of settings.



Typically, behaviour analysts work in the 'helping' professions (psychologists, teachers, speech/language therapists, occupational therapists). Increasingly, jobs advertised for behaviour managers or specialists require BCBA status and there is a demand for BCBAs in Europe and worldwide, especially in North America.



Those registered with the UK-SBA who work in health and social care or education are accredited under the Professional Standards Authority’s Accredited Registers programme.



Teachers as well as allied health professionals should find this degree beneficial for their workplace.



Employment after the Course

There is a shortage of professional Behaviour Analysts worldwide. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to work in educational and clinical settings serving diverse populations, such as individuals with developmental disorders, students with learning difficulties, children/adults with behaviour problems and related difficulties.