About This Course
Designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the theories and practices that underpins Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) this MSc is aimed at those seeking an advanced qualification in PBS.
This master's degree is designed to support practitioners develop an effective, compassionate, and values-led practice. During their studies, students will consider how Positive Behaviour Support can empower people to make positive changes in their lives. PBS is a growing field in the UK with excellent employment opportunities education, and health, and social services.
Professionals are overseen by the UK Society for Behaviour Analysis (UK-SBA.) The UK-SBA’s register of professionals is accredited under the Professional Standards Authority’s Accredited Register programme. We endorse and adhere to the UK-SBA practice values and Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct.
The MSc in Positive Behaviour Support at Bangor University provides the postgraduate coursework necessary for students to apply to become certified in the United Kingdom with the UK-SBA. Candidates for the UKBA(cert) will also be required to complete the UK-SBA Supervision and Competence Standards.
This programme leads to a Masters degree. Students can exit the programme after achieving either a PG Certificate (60 credits) or PG Diploma (120 credits) if they don’t wish to undertake the full MSc.
The course is taught as blended, distance learning. The course can only be taken part-time and is intended for practitioners who are working while studying. Students can complete much of their studies in their own time, however students must attend mandatory online seminars for half a day, once a month from October to June.
The full MSc includes six modules, and a dissertation taught over 2 years. Students take one module at a time. Each module will include pre-recorded lectures that students can access in their own time alongside readings and independent work. At Bangor University, we believe that live seminars are necessary for practitioners to develop an ethical and values-led practice of PBS.
Some students on the MSc Positive Behaviour Support will already be in paid employment. We are very happy to meet with students and facilitate introductions to employers around the UK. We do not arrange placements for students on the MSc PBS.
Students who work under the supervision of a UKBA(cert) may apply to complete a practicum rather than a research dissertation. Students who enrol on the practicum will receive supervision based on the UKBA(cert) Competence Framework. Students on the practicum will have the opportunity to complete Clinical Case Studies in lieu of a research project to fulfil their dissertation requirements. To be eligible to enrol in practicum, students must be Practising Members of the UK-SBA.
Course Content
What will you study on this course?
This course will be taught over two years. Modules may include:
- Introduction to Behaviour Change Procedures
- Assessment in Behaviour Science
- Positive Behaviour Support
- Advanced Behaviour Change Procedures
- Research Methods in Behaviour Science
- Practicum in Positive Behaviour Support* or Dissertation in Positive Behaviour Support
*Students who work under the supervision of a UKBA(cert) may apply to complete a practicum rather than a research dissertation. Students who choose the practicum option must work as a PBS practitioner for a minimum of 15 hours a week. The placement must be supervised by a UKBA(cert) who can provide on-site supervision. Placements can be arranged by the students with prior agreement from the course leader. An agreed and signed contract with Bangor University will be necessary before the placement is approved.
This course will be taught through a combination of:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Group work
- Thesis supervision
- Self study
- Clinical placements*
*Students who work under the supervision of a UKBA(cert) may apply to complete a practicum rather than a research dissertation.
Assessment will involve a mixture of:
- Examinations
- Presentations
- Case reports
- Essays
- Research thesis
This information is for guide purposes only and may be subject to change.
Entry Requirements
You should have a single or joint honours first degree in Psychology or a related field with at least a 2.2. Relevant work experience is welcomed and mature candidates with at least 3 years relevant experience who are not graduates may also gain entry to the diploma level of the course and will be considered on a case by case basis. Candidates may apply to have some coursework recognised from another institution, but preference will be given to candidates who wish to take all of their coursework at Bangor. We may ask candidates to interview for a place on the course.
International students will be given individual consideration, but you must be able to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.5 (with no element below 6.0) and you will be expected to demonstrate that you have a suitable academic background for the programme.
Please note: Additional costs may be charged for an Enhanced DBS check (approx. £65).
Careers
This MSc in Positive Behaviour Support at Bangor University has been developed by UKBA(cert)s in collaboration with the UK-SBA. Practitioners often work in education and health services.
During the degree students will gain practical skills in research design, analysis, and information technology for investigating research questions in psychology and the social sciences. Equally as important, this master's programme in Positive Behaviour Support provides training in communicating research findings to others.
At Bangor University, we have been training practitioners in Positive Behaviour Support for over 20 years. Our students have gone on to establish practice in education, health care, and social services. We have a strong history of helping graduates make connections to advance their careers and find paid employment.
