Applied Behaviour Analysis

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally be required to hold at least an upper second class honours degree in Psychology or a related field from a recognised 3rd level institution.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This course provides professional training in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for a yearly intake of up to 15 students. This is an intensive full-time course which aims to ensure that students become efficient in the practical application of the principles of applied behaviour analysis, with particular regard to developmental and intellectual disabilities and/or children and adolescents in care or special programmes, and/or people presenting with emotional, behavioural or learning needs. The content of this course focuses on behavioural theory and application and providing support and care in a highly personalised, respectful and inclusive manner.

This course has been verified by ABAI as meeting the 5th Edition, 315-hour coursework requirement for those wishing to sit the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examinations. Students will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the exam.

Formal classes run from mid-September to late May and are normally held one day every week. Dissertation research is initiated and continued throughout the second year of the course and is submitted in early Summer. Additionally, students meet with a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA)® to gain a requisite number of supervised fieldwork hours throughout both years of the course. Supervised fieldwork in behaviour analysis must be facilitated by an external BCBA®. Students receive continuous assessment and feedback through their regular supervision sessions and participation in class activities. Supervised fieldwork in ABA is also reported at intermediate and end points during the year. Students must maintain a portfolio of their work throughout the course. Please note that the fieldwork site and BCBA® supervisor of fieldwork are independently sourced by students.

Graduates of this course are skilled to engage in the ethical practice and research of ABA, to conduct functional behavioural assessments, implement and design behaviour support plans or learning/skill acquisition programmes, and analyse and display data to make informed decisions around intervention and learning needs.