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Postgraduate Programme Specification

MSc Applied Behaviour Analysis

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title MSc Applied Behaviour Analysis Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master of Science
Programme Code EDU-MSC-BA UCAS Code HECoS Code 100459 - Education studies - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

--

Interview Required

--

Mode of Study Full Time or Part Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Full Time - 1 Academic Year
Part Time - 3 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 180
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Social Sciences, Education and Social Work

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

N/A

Accreditations (PSRB)

No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

N/A

Programme Specific Regulations

The programme may either be completed over one academic year (full time) or students may build up the required number of modules over a period of two or three years from initial enrolment (part-time).

Students who wish to complete the programme in a two year period could follow the schedule:
Year 1/Semester 1: 1 or 2 modules
Year 1/Semester 2: 3 modules
Year 2/Semester 1: 1 or 2 modules
Year 2/Semester 2: Dissertation or ABA Portfolio completed (October-September)

Students must pass 120-CATS points of taught modules on the programme and complete a dissertation or ABA Portfolio (60 CATS points) to be eligible for the award of a Master’s degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

On successful completion of the MSc ABA, students will:

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of any educational research, policy, practice and theory covered in the programme;

analyse and apply critically examples of the research literature relating to the content of the programme;

show evidence of reflection on their professional practice;

demonstrate knowledge of a range of educational research methods;

choose fit-for-purpose methods for a research or applied project within the context of their own professional role;

demonstrate engagement in the processes of research planning, intervention design, data collection and analysis (as appropriate) and research or portfolio reporting.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Students will develop skills of critical thinking and reasoning in educational, theory, and practice contexts, based on challenging learning tasks, appropriate reading and personal research.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching/learning methods and strategies are based on challenging learning tasks, appropriate reading, and personal research.

Methods of Assessment

The methods of assessment are based on challenging learning tasks, appropriate reading, and personal research.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Many of the practical skills are transferable e.g. collaborative working, communication, general writing skills, library skills etc.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

ICT usage is promoted by online use of the discussion forum to respond to study questions, viewing pre-recorded PowerPoint presentations and Internet-based resources, undertaking online multiple choice tests, reading electronic books, producing a project video and receiving additional support through email and internet-based discussion fora.

Methods of Assessment

The methods of assessment include essays, multiple choice tests, discussion fora, responses to study questions, and project based reports.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of any educational research, policy, practice and theory covered in the programme;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

All module content is delivered online; in addition each module offers one full day or half day workshop to consolidate learning. This gives students the opportunity to meet tutors and each other face-to-face and discuss their learning.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments are weighted equivalent to 4,500 words essay for each module. The assignment format varies considerably taking into account research on academic assessment as well as ABAI requirements. The formats include essays, multiple choice tests, discussion fora, responses to study questions, and project based reports. All assessments are subject to internal moderation and external examining. Moderation of marking (for dissertation and ABA portfolio) and anonymous marking (for assignments) ensure fairness and consistency.

analyse and apply critically examples of the research literature relating to the content of the programme;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

All module content is delivered online; in addition each module offers one full day or half day workshop to consolidate learning. This gives students the opportunity to meet tutors and each other face-to-face and discuss their learning.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments are weighted equivalent to 4,500 words essay for each module. The assignment format varies considerably taking into account research on academic assessment as well as ABAI requirements. The formats include essays, multiple choice tests, discussion fora, responses to study questions, and project based reports. All assessments are subject to internal moderation and external examining. Moderation of marking (for dissertation and ABA portfolio) and anonymous marking (for assignments) ensure fairness and consistency.

show evidence of reflection on their professional practice;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

All module content is delivered online; in addition each module offers one full day or half day workshop to consolidate learning. This gives students the opportunity to meet tutors and each other face-to-face and discuss their learning.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments are weighted equivalent to 4,500 words essay for each module. The assignment format varies considerably taking into account research on academic assessment as well as ABAI requirements. The formats include essays, multiple choice tests, discussion fora, responses to study questions, and project based reports. All assessments are subject to internal moderation and external examining. Moderation of marking (for dissertation and ABA portfolio) and anonymous marking (for assignments) ensure fairness and consistency.

demonstrate knowledge of a range of educational research methods;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

All module content is delivered online; in addition each module offers one full day or half day workshop to consolidate learning. This gives students the opportunity to meet tutors and each other face-to-face and discuss their learning.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments are weighted equivalent to 4,500 words essay for each module. The assignment format varies considerably taking into account research on academic assessment as well as ABAI requirements. The formats include essays, multiple choice tests, discussion fora, responses to study questions, and project based reports. All assessments are subject to internal moderation and external examining. Moderation of marking (for dissertation and ABA portfolio) and anonymous marking (for assignments) ensure fairness and consistency.

choose fit-for-purpose methods for a research or applied project within the context of their own professional role;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

All module content is delivered online; in addition each module offers one full day or half day workshop to consolidate learning. This gives students the opportunity to meet tutors and each other face-to-face and discuss their learning.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments are weighted equivalent to 4,500 words essay for each module. The assignment format varies considerably taking into account research on academic assessment as well as ABAI requirements. The formats include essays, multiple choice tests, discussion fora, responses to study questions, and project based reports. All assessments are subject to internal moderation and external examining. Moderation of marking (for dissertation and ABA portfolio) and anonymous marking (for assignments) ensure fairness and consistency.

demonstrate engagement in the processes of research planning, intervention design, data collection and analysis (as appropriate), and research/portfolio reporting.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

All module content is delivered online; in addition each module offers one full day or half day workshop to consolidate learning. This gives students the opportunity to meet tutors and each other face-to-face and discuss their learning.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments are weighted equivalent to 4,500 words essay for each module. The assignment format varies considerably taking into account research on academic assessment as well as ABAI requirements. The formats include essays, multiple choice tests, discussion fora, responses to study questions, and project based reports. All assessments are subject to internal moderation and external examining. Moderation of marking (for dissertation and ABA portfolio) and anonymous marking (for assignments) ensure fairness and consistency.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Students will develop practical and research skills in Behaviour Analysis. The course sequence (6 core modules) is verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and meets the learning outcomes set out in the BACB Tasklist (5th Edition). In addition, the students will develop their skills in writing and Internet searching as part of the requirements of online learning.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning is independent and supervised by module tutors and has a practical as well as conceptual/theoretical orientation.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments and dissertations/ ABA portfolios are required, as far as this is practical, to be situated in the student’s working context.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Dissertation EDU7999 7 60 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Behaviour Change in Education and Supervising Others EDU7228 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 75% 0% 25%
ABA Portfolio (Autism Specialism) EDU7900 7 60 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Evaluation in Behaviour Analysis EDU7229 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education (online) EDU7257 7 0 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 0% 100% 0%
Concepts and principles of behaviour analysis EDU7225 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 25% 0% 75%
Assessment in Behaviour Analysis EDU7227 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 75% 0% 25%
Ethical and Professional Conduct EDU7230 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Fundamental elements of behaviour change EDU7226 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 25% 0% 75%

Notes

Masters students must choose either module EDU7999 or EDU7900.