MSc Applied Behaviour Analysis

at National University of Ireland Galway

The MSc involves full-time study for two years. Lectures are held one day per week, with additional clinical supervision sessions provided on designated days. The course provides students with opportunities to gain experience working within schools and services that support individuals with differential diagnoses, which facilitates the integration of the course’s practical and academic elements. The course offers approved clinical placements with associated supervision. Placement is not compulsory and an alternative assessment can be selected instead. We strongly recommend that you undertake a supervised placement for 2–3 days per week.
 

The programme offers a thorough training in a variety of behaviour change procedures, functional assessment technologies and skills teaching practices. Students are given training in the theoretical foundations of behaviour analysis and are provided with the skills to work as practitioners. A strong emphasis is placed on the ability to work with, and provide treatment for, diverse and complex cases. Students will become competent in the design of educational and rehabilitative programmes in an applied environment. This course covers the Task List as set out by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB), the international credentialing body for Behaviour Analysts.
 

Year 1 (60 Credits)

• Required PS6155: Behaviour Assessment
• Required PS512: Principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis
• Required PS6121: Ethics, Professional Conduct and Clinical Practice 1
• Required PS508: Applied Project I
• Required PS513: Research Methods & Design
• Required PS511: Behaviour Change Procedures

Year 2 (90 Credits)

• Required PS6122: Ethics, Professional Conduct and Clinical Practice 2
• Required PS518: Advanced Research Methods and Design
• Required PS6123: Advanced Behaviour Systems
• Required PS516: Clinical Behavioural Interventions & Person Centred Behavioural Procedures
• Required PS519: Developmental Disorders
• Required PS520: Research Thesis
• Required PS509: Applied Project II

Undergraduate and mature students can satisfy matriculation registration requirements for NUI Galway by achieving certain grades in the following examinations. 
 

Leaving certificate (for EU and non-EU)

You need a pass in at least six subjects in the Leaving Certificate in accordance with College requirements with:

• Minimum Grade H5 (Higher Level) in two subjects 

• Passes in the remaining four subjects at O6/ H7 
   

You should pick your subjects based on the requirements for entry to your desired course.
 

All subjects of the Leaving Certificate are accepted for matriculation registration purposes, with the exception of Gaeilge Bonnleibhéal (Irish Foundation Level), Mathematics (Ordinary Alternative/Foundation Level and; Home Economics (General), which is recognised only for St. Angela's College, Sligo.
 

GCE and GSCE
 

You need a pass in at least six subjects in accordance with College requirements with at least:

• GCE Advanced Level: Grade C in two recognised subjects and

• GCSE Level: Grade C in four recognised subjects.
   

You should pick your subjects based on the requirements for entry to your desired course.

English Language Requirement:

IELTS :- 6.5

TOEFL :- 88

Fees: EU
€7,450 p.a. 2022/23

Fees: Tuition
€7,310 p.a. 2022/23

Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. 2022/23

Fees: Non EU
€17,440 p.a. 2022/23
 

Past students are employed nationally and internationally across a variety of educational and behaviour support services, working with a broad range of populations, including children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition, students are supporting individuals within mental health services, residential and community living environments, and acquired brain injury rehabilitation services. The programme will prepare students for a career in clinical and educational settings, and will also provide students with a foundation for further postgraduate study (e.g., clinical or educational psychology) and research at PhD level.  Students can subsequently apply for the Structured PhD in ABA.
 

Students are provided with expert support in their clinical placements for the duration of the course. Most students will complete different placements in their first and second years in order to broaden their experience across the period of their studies. There are a number of course-affiliated placements to choose from and some students may source their own placement. If so, they can avail of expert advice from programme staff to ensure they get optimum benefit from the placement.