MSc Applied Behaviour Analysis

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Bangor University

Program Overview

The MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Bangor University equips students with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of behaviour-analysis and its applications in clinical, educational and organisational settings. It suits graduates or practitioners aiming to specialise in behaviour change, assessment and intervention, or pursue research and professional accreditation in behaviour analysis.

Curriculum structure:
In the first phase of this one-year full-time programme (or equivalent intensive mode), students engage with core modules such as Introduction to Behaviour Change Procedures, Basic Principles in Behaviour Science, and Applications of Behaviour Analysis, which build foundational understanding of behaviour-analytic concepts and how they are applied to real‐world problems.
Then the curriculum progresses to advanced modules including Advanced Behaviour Change Procedures, Assessment in Behaviour Science, and Research Methods in Behaviour Science, where students deepen their practical and methodological competence in designing interventions, measurement, and analysing behaviour-change outcomes.
Finally, students undertake a major Dissertation or Practicum (60 credits) where they either conduct original research under supervision or complete a supervised placement as a practising behaviour analyst.

Focus areas:
“behaviour analysis; behaviour change procedures; assessment and measurement; research methods; ethical practice of behaviour science; intervention design”

Learning outcomes:
“demonstrate advanced knowledge of behaviour-analytic theory and practice; apply rigorous research and measurement methods in behaviour science; design, implement and evaluate interventions; practise ethically and professionally in behaviour-analysis contexts”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme aligns with the standards of the UK Society for Behaviour Analysis (UK-SBA) and meets the academic coursework requirement for UKBA(cert) certification.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Bangor University has a long-standing Master’s programme in ABA with strong employment outcomes for graduates entering education, health, social care and organisational settings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical skills through supervised clinical practice and hands-on research. They utilise the School of Psychology's specialist facilities and have access to the award-winning Bangor University Behaviour Analysis Clinic. The programme's experiential components include:

Supervised Practice: Hands-on experience in the Bangor University Behaviour Analysis Clinic
BCBA Supervision: Required supervised practice for Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification
Research Project: An applied dissertation in behaviour analysis
Clinical Training: Development of behaviour assessment and intervention skills
Practical Focus: Training in functional analysis and positive behaviour support techniques

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc Applied Behaviour Analysis at Bangor University develops graduates' advanced theoretical and practical skills in behaviour analysis with a focus on compassionate, values-led practice. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in multidisciplinary settings including education, clinical practice, and research, where they collaborate to improve quality of life through evidence-based behaviour interventions.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

University services include personalised career coaching, assistance with practicum placement supervised by UKBA(cert) professionals, and access to multidisciplinary professional networks.
Graduates benefit from a growing field with excellent job prospects; salary figures vary by role but typically start around £25,000 to £35,000.
Strong partnerships with UK Society for Behaviour Analysis (UK-SBA), schools, healthcare providers, and research institutes facilitate placements and professional development.
The program adheres to UK-SBA practice values and the Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct, with the MSc recognized under the Professional Standards Authority’s Accredited Register programme.
Typical roles: Behaviour Analyst, Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, Clinical Behavioural Therapist, Educational Consultant.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can pursue doctoral research or professional certification such as the BCBA, and complement their expertise with psychoanalytic postgraduate studies like the MA Psychoanalytic Studies.