Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis University of Galway, Ireland

Students will learn about the principles of behaviour analysis and how they are applied in the real world to support learning and improve quality of life for a range of people including children and adults with developmental disabilities, students struggling in education, older adults, those who have an acquired brain injury. The science of ABA has broad applications in practice. This is reflected in the MSc programme and in the diverse career paths of our graduates. 

The MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis accepts applications from candidates who hold a Second Class Honours degree (typically an upper second class honour [2.1] or equivalent in a relevant discipline e.g., psychology, psychological studies, social care, childhood development.  Priority may be given to applicants with denominated degrees in psychology given the relevance of their studied field.  Evidence of relevant experience and motivation is taken into account in offering places on the course. 

Within psychology, the field of behavioural psychology or behaviour analysis focuses on the application of the principles of behaviour and learning to support success, alleviate behavioural difficulties, and enhance quality of life across a variety of contexts. The MSc in ABA programme instils in trainees the values and skills necessary to do so. Core values outlined by Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968; 1987) in defining the field of applied behaviour analysis are upheld. 

The central foundation of this programme is the scientist-practitioner model, the concept and application of which is weaved through academic content and supervised experience. Trainees learn about the core principles of behaviour, the science of behaviour, experimentation and evidence-based practice, as well as attain competence in the implementation and evaluation of specific assessment methods and intervention strategies. Reliance on evidence and scientific knowledge is a core value of the programme. 

A core value emphasised throughout the programme, is the provision of only those services which are socially significant to each individual that we work alongside. The selection of goals and assessment and intervention strategies must be in accordance with our charge as a field to provide services that are ethical, contextually appropriate, have high acceptability, represent the least-intrusive approach, and are worthwhile for each individual. Students will graduate from this programme with extensive knowledge and experience of ethical and appropriate professional.