M.Sc. Psychology (Applied Behaviour Analysis)

Course Overview

This intensive course provides professional training in applied behaviour analysis (ABA) for a yearly intake of up to 8 students. It has approved course sequence status from the Behaviour Analysis Certification Board, an international body which sets standards for training and provides a route for securing ABA Certification status.
Classes are normally arranged to take place one day during the week with occasional additional classes taking place as required to accommodate visiting lecturers etc. Placement practicein behaviour analysis which is ongoing throughout the year, must be supervised by a privately engaged, but course approved supervisor.

Course Content and Structure

Students receive continuous assessment and feedback through their regular supervision sessions and participation in class activities. There are casework projects to be submitted throughout the course, literature reviews, essays on special topics and a research dissertation of 10,000 (minimum) words. Placement practice in ABA is also formally assessed at mid and end of course. Students must maintain a portfolio of their work throughout the course.
All aspects of the course must be passed for the Court of Examiners to recommend a student for the MSc in Psychology (Applied Behaviour Analysis).
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. They understand the methods of research in behaviour analysis and demonstrate competency in conducting and writing up an applied research project to a publishable standard. Graduates may expect to be employed by the Health Service Executive, autism services, voluntary agencies, private schools, parents, the Department of Education and Science, and Universities. They may also provide supervision to other behaviour analysts, within the guidelines of the relevant Codes of Ethics/Professional Practice.

Modules and ECTS

Special Topics

Theoretical Applications

PS7077 – Theoretical Approaches in Behaviour Analysis

PS7088 – Applications of Recent Theoretical Advances in Behaviour Analysis (5 ECTS)

PS7901 - Conceptual Issues in Behaviour Analysis  

Instructional Procedures
PS7078 - ABA in Multidisciplinary Teams (5 ECTS)

PS7079 – Advanced Instructional Procedures: Precision Teaching (5 ECTS)

PS7085 – ABA with persons with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (5 ECTS)

PS7086 – Advanced Instructional Procedures: Pivotal Response Training (5 ECTS)

Entry Requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a degree in Psychology from a recognised University, which confers eligibility for graduate registration with the Psychological Society of Ireland or equivalent. Applicants are also required to have completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in ABA or have completed a course which allows them to sit for the BCABA exam. For further information on entry requirements please contact the course administrator, Mrs. June Carpenter, on carpentj@tcd.ie.

How to Apply

Applications for admission must be submitted online through www.tcd.ie/courses/postgraduate/ .  The closing date for applications is 30th April annually.  Late applications will be reviewed on a space available basis.

Course Fees

Course fees for 2010/2011:
EU applicants: €8,750
Non-EU applicants: €15,708
Individual and group supervision costs are separate and in addition to the course fee.

Please consult information about eligibility for admission as an EU or Non-EU student (Graduate Studies) and note that EU applicants must satisfy specific requirements to be deemed eligible for EU fee status.

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