M.Sc. / P.Grad. Dip in Applied Behaviour Analysis

Course Details

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.

Additionally, students meet with an appropriate supervisor (Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) or Chartered Psychologist) for a minimum of 5 individual fieldwork supervision hours, which map on to 100 hours of supervised fieldwork from October to September in both years of the course. Students must source a BCBA or Chartered Psychologist external to the course, for this fieldwork. Students receive continuous assessment and feedback through regular supervision sessions and participation in class activities. Supervised fieldwork is also reported at intermediate and end points during the year. Students must maintain a portfolio of work throughout the course. Dissertation research is initiated during Year 2 and continued and finalised during the Summer months.

Mission Statement  

The mission of the Master of Science programme in Applied Behavior Analysis (MSc. In ABA) at Trinity College Dublin, is to empower our graduates to become highly compassionate and effective leaders in developing solutions for a broad range of individuals. We aim to equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to affect socially significant outcomes whilst utilising evidence-based research, with the goal of preparing them for application in real world settings. The programme seeks to ensure that our graduates are highly sensitive to the needs of culturally diverse individuals, families and environments and to make ethical professional decisions based on that knowledge. In order to fulfil this statement, every student in the master’s program is expected to meet goals in three broad competency areas including; knowledge of behaviour analytic theory, research and practice, skills development through the supervision of research and fieldwork, and professional development where students become aware of their own levels of competency and lack thereof, and the ethical requirements in all areas of their work. Students have opportunities to fulfil these requirements through active engagement with course content, participation in lectures and discussions, successful completion of assigned tasks, and the completion of supervised fieldwork during both years of the programme. 

More Information and How to Apply