Program Overview

---

Introduction to the Positive Behaviour Support MSc/PgDip/PgCert

The University of Glasgow offers a pioneering MSc in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) that equips students with the skills to improve the quality of life for people with complex support needs. This programme is unique within the UK, focusing on applying skills in practice.

Why this Programme

• Gain a qualification that sets you apart, with no other university-based PBS qualification offering a specific focus on applying skills in practice.
• Achieve real-world impact for people with intellectual disabilities by learning to design, implement, and evaluate interventions that demonstrably improve quality of life.
• Learn practical skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace, with a practical and practice-based approach.
• Be part of a supportive learning community with interactive live group sessions, offering the opportunity to meet PBS peers from various settings and share learning experiences with students from different backgrounds.
• Ensure your expertise is current and in demand, gaining hands-on experience in designing and delivering effective PBS interventions, aligned with UK Government guidance and best practice for supporting people with intellectual disabilities and complex support needs.
• Designed for busy professionals working in health, social care, or education, allowing for part-time online study that can be balanced with work, providing essential, career-boosting skills.

Programme Structure

All teaching on this programme is delivered online through a dynamic virtual learning environment, with content delivered by the University of Glasgow team and guest lectures from PBS research and practice experts. Students benefit from:

• Pre-recorded lectures, webinars, and short videos from PBS experts.
• Interactive live group sessions facilitated by the Programme Lead.
• Carefully curated readings and resources.
• Practical tasks directly relevant to the workplace.
• Regular feedback and guidance from the course team.
• Peer discussion and knowledge sharing via group exercises, practice-based discussions, and case study work in small groups.

Year 1 (PgCert)

• Understanding & Assessing Challenging Behaviour.
• Developing & Implementing Positive Behaviour Support Plans.
• Implementing Positive Behaviour Support Using Practice Leadership.

Year 2 (PgDip)

• Complex Care Needs & Positive Behaviour Support.
• Advanced Positive Behaviour Support Strategies.
• Implementing Positive Behaviour Support in Systems.

Year 3 (MSc)

• Positive Behaviour Support Practice.

Career Prospects

This MSc opens doors to various roles, including:

• Working for the NHS within community teams or inpatient settings, or with health-based specialist PBS teams.
• Working for social care providers, providing community-based support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Working within schools, particularly additional support schools.
• Working as independent PBS consultants.

Typical job titles for graduates include:

• Senior PBS Practitioner/PBS Lead Practitioner.
• PBS Specialist.
• PBS Manager/PBS Coach.
• CAMHS-LD PBS Lead Nurse.
• Specialist Nurse in PBS.
• Psychological Therapist in PBS.

Fees & Funding

MSc

• UK / EU / International: ｣15,000 (total cost), payable in instalments of ｣1,667 per 20 credits.

PgDip

• UK / EU / International: ｣10,000 (total cost), payable in instalments of ｣1,667 per 20 credits.

PgCert

• UK / EU / International: ｣5,000 (total cost), payable in instalments of ｣1,667 per 20 credits.

For students funded by the NHS or UK social care organisations, the fees are:

• ｣11,943 (total cost for MSc).
• ｣7,962 (total cost for PgDip).
• ｣3,981 (total cost for PgCert).
• ｣1,327 per 20 credits.

Entry Requirements

• A 2.2 Honours degree (or non-UK equivalent) in Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, ASN Teaching, or Social Sciences.
• Significant relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications may be accepted in lieu of academic qualifications.
• At least three years of relevant experience working with people with intellectual disabilities.
• A current role in supporting people with intellectual disabilities.

English Language Requirements

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level, which can be met through various tests, including:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic, with a score of 6.5 overall and no subtest less than 6.0.
• TOEFL, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE), and other specified English language tests, each with their own required scores.

Alternatives to English Language qualification include a degree from a majority-English speaking country, as defined by the UKVI, with specific conditions regarding the duration and location of study.

How to Apply

Applications for this online programme are accepted until it starts. To apply, submit an online application, including:

• A copy of your official degree certificate(s).
• A copy of your official academic transcript(s).
• Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s).
• One reference letter on headed paper.
• Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English).
• Any additional documents required for this programme.

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process, and you may save and return to your application to update information or upload supporting documents.