Overview
This is an intensive full-time course which aims to ensure that students become efficient in the practical application of the principles of applied behaviour analysis, with particular regard to persons with autism and other developmental disabilities and/or children and adolescents in care or special programmes, and/or those clients presenting learning and/or behavioural challenges in school. The content of this course focuses on behavioural theory and application. This course provides professional training in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for a yearly intake of up to 15 students.
Formal classes run from mid-September to late May and are normally held one day every week. Additionally, students meet with a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) for 1-2 hours every other week from October to September. Dissertation research is initiated during the academic year of Year 2 and continued and finalised during the summer months. Placement practice in behaviour analysis must be facilitated by an external BCBA. Students receive continuous assessment and feedback through their regular supervision sessions and participation in class activities. Placement practice in ABA is also reported at intermediate and end points during the year. Students must maintain a portfolio of their work throughout the course.
Course Content: 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.
Modules include:
Philosophical Underpinnings
ABA Definitions, Characteristics and Basic Principles
Selecting, Defining and Measuring Behaviour
Behavioural Assessment
Behavioural Intervention, Measurement and Evaluation
Professional and Ethical Practice in ABA
Research Dissertation
Advanced Philosophical Underpinnings
Personnel Supervision & Management
Click Here for further information on modules/subject.
Study Applied Behaviour Analysis (M.Sc.) at Trinity
Short description of what Applied Behaviour Analysis is and what we study in TCD to enable us to become expert Behaviour Analysts, course requirements and entry requirements
Course Details
Number of Places
15 PlacesNext Intake
September 2022
Course Director
Asst. Prof. Olive Healy (Year 1), Asst. Prof. Maeve Bracken (Year 2).
Closing Date
31st May 2022

Admission Requirements
Applicants will normally be required to hold at least an upper second class honours degree in Psychology or a related field from a recognised 3rd level institution
Course Fees
Click here for a full list of postgraduate fees
Apply
To apply, click on the relevant Apply Link below
Get in Touch
Telephone Number
+353-1-896 2290
Website
https://psychology.tcd.ie/postgraduate/applied-behaviour-analysis/
Register Your Interest
Register your interest in postgraduate study at Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.
As Ireland’s leading university, we offer a wide range of postgraduate programmes at masters, diploma and certificate level.
Trinity is an international university steeped in history, with a reputation for excellence in education, research and innovation.
Testimonials
Stephen
I studied the MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Trinity and graduated in 2017. I found the experience extremely rewarding both with regards to the educational value and professional support I received during my studies. My professors, project supervisor and Course Director were all incredibly knowledgeable, pragmatic and supportive when providing advice and guidance. Their expertise, insight, understanding and professionalism shone through at all times. Its a fantastic course and Id recommend it to anyone interested in studying a practical and effective area of psychology of wide-ranging applications. Its also currently a field in which trained professionals are in high demand so its also attractive from the standpoint that there is a viable and sustainable career open to graduates of ABA.
Generally speaking, I found the administration of Trinity easy to navigate and contact with regard to enquires, difficulties and problems I was having. I found their facilities were thorough, up to date and comprehensive, with links to the most modern and latest research databases. As a student I felt exceptionally welcome and well-catered for. Theres something for everybody on campus and its an exciting and bustling college to attend at the very heart of Dublin City. Logistics-wise, its easy to access as all modes transport are available for getting there.
Personally, I am now working full-time and I attribute this to a large degree to the MSc in ABA as the practical training and experience combined with the exceptional academic skill development throughout the course provided me with the ability to present myself in interviews as well as thrive in the workplace of my chosen field.