Positive Behaviour Support - MSc

Program Overview

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Overview

Aimed at recent graduates and experienced practitioners, this postgraduate qualification opens up a range of career opportunities. It also provides the necessary coursework for you to apply to sit the international examination and become a certified behaviour analyst.

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Deadline for Tizard Postgraduate Taught Applications for entry in September: 18 JULY

Due to a high number of applicants we have been forced to put in place a deadline for receipt of applications for those wishing to be considered for entry to September intake.

Please therefore ensure that your

full application

(containing reference, all required documentation and evidence of English Language qualifications if relevant) is submitted online via the “Apply Now” link no later than

23:59 BST on 18 July

.

Incomplete applications, or applications received after 18 July, will be considered for next year's September cohort.

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Reasons to study Positive Behaviour Support at Kent

Study alongside some of the UK’s leading academics working in autism, learning disability and community care.

You will study the coursework required to apply to sit the international examination for certification as a behaviour analyst.

We offer a range of funding opportunities to fund your studies.

As a student or graduate, you can join the Tizard Practitioners’ Network of experts in the field.

Receive academic and professional support from leading applied behaviour analysts and intellectual and developmental disability researchers.

Benefit from our excellent links with health and social care organisations, and other relevant establishments.

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What you’ll learn

You'll benefit from academic and professional support from some of the UK's leading positive behaviour support and intellectual and developmental disability researchers. Through our research, teaching and consultancy, you'll find out more about how to effectively support and work with people with learning disabilities.

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BACB Announcement

Please note the BACB will not be administering certification exams in the UK from 2025. Please visit this page for more information about this from the UK Society for Behaviour Analysis.

ABAI Verified Course Sequence for Fifth Edition Task List

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

The latest VCS pass rates are available here. Pass rate data are not published for sequences with fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year or for sequences within their first four years of operation., meaning that the latest pass rates for the course currently relate to the 4th edition task list.

Program Outline

Course structure

Duration:

One year full-time, two years part-time

The course is taught in workshop weeks across the year, and each workshop week is either 4 or 5 days long (09:30-16:30hrs). Workshop weeks are held roughly twice per month for full time students (with students expected to work on assignments and their dissertations outside of these weeks) and once per month for first year part time students.

There are fewer workshop weeks for second year part time students but outside of these weeks students are expected to be working on their assignments and their dissertation or work based learning project. There may also be additional single sessions outside of workshop weeks. An indicative timetable can be provided on request.

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Modules

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.  Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take modules from other programmes so that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas that interest you.

Compulsory modules currently include

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TZRD9000 - Concepts, Principles & Underpinning Philosophy of Applied Behaviour Analysis (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to develop an advanced understanding of elements of the philosophy, concepts and principles underpinning applied behaviour analysis.

Indicative topics include:

Philosophical assumptions including selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony and pragmatism

Rule-governed and contingency-shaped behaviour

Radical behaviourism

Verbal behaviour and private events

Derived stimulus relations

Behaviour analysis of intellectual and developmental disability.

Find out more about TZRD9000

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TZRD9010 - Positive Behaviour Interventions (20 credits)

The curriculum will include, at an advanced level:

• Behavioural intervention for challenging behaviour

• Assessment and analysis of systemic factors in relation to behaviour described as challenging and the use of setting-wide positive

behaviour support

• Specific intervention areas in autism and IDD (e.g. language, sleep issues, feeding problems, toilet training, social skills, and vocational

skills)

• Models of consulting to family and service settings

• Staff training methodologies

• Organisational behaviour analysis and management in a human service context

Find out more about TZRD9010

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TZRD9020 - Developing and implementing interventions (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to develop advanced understanding of the design and implementation of positive strategies to improve the behavioural and psychological functioning of vulnerable populations, and their support by carers and others.

Topics will include:

Approaches to increasing the frequency of behaviour

Approaches to developing new behaviour

Using assessment information to inform intervention planning

Design of behaviour support plans, instructional strategies and appropriately prosthetic environmental arrangements

Precision teaching, direct instruction and group contingencies

Barriers to implementation

Procedural reliability

Generalisation and maintenance

Find out more about TZRD9020

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TZRD9030 - Behavioural Assessment (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to develop competencies in the assessment of both adaptive and challenging behaviour in the repertoires of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Teaching on assessment starts from an appreciation of the importance of social validity and referral dynamics. Specific assessment strategies relating to challenging behaviour (including structured descriptive assessment and experimental functional analysis) are considered. The application of similar strategies are also considered with respect to adaptive behaviour and associated instructional technologies. Further, the curriculum includes methods of preference assessment to determine appropriate reinforcers. In all topics there is attention both to the development of practical understanding and skill and to the development of a critical appreciation of the underpinning evidence base. Following consideration of these assessment strategies, attention is given to the development of formulations of the behaviour of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities that can inform the development of behaviour support plans, instructional strategies and appropriately prosthetic environmental arrangements.

Find out more about TZRD9030

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TZRD9040 - Advanced Issues in Values, Ethics and Professional Practice (20 credits)

The curriculum will include, at an advanced level:

• Ethical and legal issues

• Philosophical underpinnings of ethical practice

• The role of ideology in the development of intellectual disability services

• The development of approaches to individual planning and needs assessment, particularly the role of "person-centred planning"

• Ethical codes and guidelines – does Behaviour Analysis raise special ethical issues?

• Codes of professional practice

• Discrimination and abuse

• Adopting person-centred, values-based approaches to children and adults with complex needs.

• Evidence based practice and practice based evidence

Find out more about TZRD9040

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TZRD9050 - Concepts and Principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to develop an advanced understanding of elements and characteristics of the concepts and principles underpinning applied behaviour analysis (ABA). The module will start from an appreciation of the roots of ABA in the experimental analysis of behaviour. Operant and respondent conditioning will be considered, starting from fundamentals but proceeding to an advanced understanding of the necessary concepts and their underpinning in research. Particular attention will be given to elucidating both the conceptual basis and the applied implications of reinforcement, extinction and punishment, avoidance and escape, stimulus control and generalization, establishing operations and setting events. The interpretation of complex behaviour will be considered both with respect to the integrated application of fundamental concepts and the conceptual extensions and developments required.

Find out more about TZRD9050

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TZRD9070 - Research Methods in Applied Behaviour Analysis (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to develop competencies in the definition, observation, recording and analysis of behaviour and its controlling variables. While the module provides an introduction to research methodology more generally, the focus is primarily on those data collection methods and experimental designs used in applied behaviour analysis. Topics will include:

Observational methods of data collection

Reliability and validity of observational data

Practical approaches to checking and calculating reliability

Visual representation of data

Internal and external validity

Practical and theoretical aspects of using reversal, multiple-baseline, alternating treatments and changing criterion designs

Visual and statistical interpretation of single case data

Comparative, component and parametric analyses.

Find out more about TZRD9070

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WSHOPWRIT - Write,Right (0 credits)

Find out more about WSHOPWRIT

Optional modules may include

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TZRD8890 - Dissertation in Applied Behaviour Analysis/Positive Behaviour Support (40 credits)

During the first term of the course students will develop ideas for their dissertation and will be given the opportunity to choose an empirical or non-empirical research project proposed and supervised by members of the course team or other Tizard staff. Subject to staff agreement, students may choose to design their own project and will be allocated a project supervisor. Students may complete either an empirical or a non-empirical (e.g. policy or research review) project. Students are expected to complete a dissertation on a topic relevant to their degree title.

Students develop a proposal for their dissertation with advice from their supervisor and, where applicable, apply for ethical approval either to the Tizard Ethics Committee (Ethical Review Checklist available on web-based resources) or to another ethics committee such as those in the NHS.

Find out more about TZRD8890

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TZRD9000 - Concepts, Principles & Underpinning Philosophy of Applied Behaviour Analysis (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to develop an advanced understanding of elements of the philosophy, concepts and principles underpinning applied behaviour analysis.

Indicative topics include:

Philosophical assumptions including selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony and pragmatism

Rule-governed and contingency-shaped behaviour

Radical behaviourism

Verbal behaviour and private events

Derived stimulus relations

Behaviour analysis of intellectual and developmental disability.

Find out more about TZRD9000

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TZRD9010 - Positive Behaviour Interventions (20 credits)

The curriculum will include, at an advanced level:

• Behavioural intervention for challenging behaviour

• Assessment and analysis of systemic factors in relation to behaviour described as challenging and the use of setting-wide positive

behaviour support

• Specific intervention areas in autism and IDD (e.g. language, sleep issues, feeding problems, toilet training, social skills, and vocational

skills)

• Models of consulting to family and service settings

• Staff training methodologies

• Organisational behaviour analysis and management in a human service context

Find out more about TZRD9010

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TZRD9020 - Developing and implementing interventions (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to develop advanced understanding of the design and implementation of positive strategies to improve the behavioural and psychological functioning of vulnerable populations, and their support by carers and others.

Topics will include:

Approaches to increasing the frequency of behaviour

Approaches to developing new behaviour

Using assessment information to inform intervention planning

Design of behaviour support plans, instructional strategies and appropriately prosthetic environmental arrangements

Precision teaching, direct instruction and group contingencies

Barriers to implementation

Procedural reliability

Generalisation and maintenance

Find out more about TZRD9020

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TZRD9030 - Behavioural Assessment (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to develop competencies in the assessment of both adaptive and challenging behaviour in the repertoires of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Teaching on assessment starts from an appreciation of the importance of social validity and referral dynamics. Specific assessment strategies relating to challenging behaviour (including structured descriptive assessment and experimental functional analysis) are considered. The application of similar strategies are also considered with respect to adaptive behaviour and associated instructional technologies. Further, the curriculum includes methods of preference assessment to determine appropriate reinforcers. In all topics there is attention both to the development of practical understanding and skill and to the development of a critical appreciation of the underpinning evidence base. Following consideration of these assessment strategies, attention is given to the development of formulations of the behaviour of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities that can inform the development of behaviour support plans, instructional strategies and appropriately prosthetic environmental arrangements.

Find out more about TZRD9030

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TZRD9040 - Advanced Issues in Values, Ethics and Professional Practice (20 credits)

The curriculum will include, at an advanced level:

• Ethical and legal issues

• Philosophical underpinnings of ethical practice

• The role of ideology in the development of intellectual disability services

• The development of approaches to individual planning and needs assessment, particularly the role of "person-centred planning"

• Ethical codes and guidelines – does Behaviour Analysis raise special ethical issues?

• Codes of professional practice

• Discrimination and abuse

• Adopting person-centred, values-based approaches to children and adults with complex needs.

• Evidence based practice and practice based evidence

Find out more about TZRD9040

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TZRD9050 - Concepts and Principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to develop an advanced understanding of elements and characteristics of the concepts and principles underpinning applied behaviour analysis (ABA). The module will start from an appreciation of the roots of ABA in the experimental analysis of behaviour. Operant and respondent conditioning will be considered, starting from fundamentals but proceeding to an advanced understanding of the necessary concepts and their underpinning in research. Particular attention will be given to elucidating both the conceptual basis and the applied implications of reinforcement, extinction and punishment, avoidance and escape, stimulus control and generalization, establishing operations and setting events. The interpretation of complex behaviour will be considered both with respect to the integrated application of fundamental concepts and the conceptual extensions and developments required.

Find out more about TZRD9050

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TZRD9070 - Research Methods in Applied Behaviour Analysis (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to develop competencies in the definition, observation, recording and analysis of behaviour and its controlling variables. While the module provides an introduction to research methodology more generally, the focus is primarily on those data collection methods and experimental designs used in applied behaviour analysis. Topics will include:

Observational methods of data collection

Reliability and validity of observational data

Practical approaches to checking and calculating reliability

Visual representation of data

Internal and external validity

Practical and theoretical aspects of using reversal, multiple-baseline, alternating treatments and changing criterion designs

Visual and statistical interpretation of single case data

Comparative, component and parametric analyses.

Find out more about TZRD9070

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TZRD9080 - Work-Based Learning in Positive Behaviour Support (40 credits)

Find out more about TZRD9080

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WSHOPWRIT - Write,Right (0 credits)

Find out more about WSHOPWRIT

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Teaching

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Teaching and assessment

Teaching includes lectures, guided study using Moodle, with seminars and group exercises to enhance understanding of the underlying concepts. Knowledge of the various topics is assessed by unseen examinations. Understanding is assessed by a mixture of essays and assignments in which students have to apply the concepts covered to practical topics.

Where modules are taken by distance learning, lectures are captured using Kent Player and made available via Moodle and more Moodle-based activities are undertaken.

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Programme aims

Develop a critical understanding of concepts and principles of positive behaviour support.

Encourage values and evidence based, ethically stringent, advanced practice or research in positive behaviour support.

Provide graduates with in-depth knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities and experience of practice or conducting research in this field.

Produce graduates whose critical understanding, in-depth knowledge and advanced practice/research skills equip them to play a leading role in public services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Provide a programme of study capable of being certified as approved coursework for Board Certified Behaviour Analyst status by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

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Learning outcomes

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Knowledge and understanding

Critical understanding of concepts and principles of positive behaviour support

In-depth knowledge of values and ethical principles and how to apply these in professional practice

Advanced knowledge of methods of observing, recording and analysing behaviour

Advanced and in-depth knowledge of methods of assessing and intervening to manage challenging behaviour and support adaptive behaviour

Practical understanding of cognitive, communicative and social characteristics of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities whose behaviour is described as challenging and the impact of these characteristics on assessment of challenging behaviour

In-depth knowledge and critical appreciation of biological, social and environmental causes of challenging behaviour in intellectual/developmental disability

Advanced knowledge of methods of applying positive behaviour support practices in working with individuals whose behaviour is described as challenging

Advanced knowledge of use of positive behaviour support to understand, assess and intervene in systems/settings for people who have intellectual/developmental disabilities (e.g. schools, residential settings, families, communities, workplaces etc.)

Critical understanding of research methodology and basic statistical analysis

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Intellectual skills

In-depth review and critical discussion of literature at the forefront of the discipline

Critical analysis of data with particular reference to issues of method, reliability and validity

Interpretation of data in the light of in-depth appreciation of theoretical and methodological considerations

Presentation of critical, balanced and conceptually-informed arguments

Critical conception, design, analysis and interpretation of primary or secondary research investigations (where following the research route)

Design of interventions informed by in-depth assessment and advanced, theoretical understanding (where following the practice route)

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Subject-specific skills

Conduct primary or secondary research on a positive behaviour support topic relevant to intellectual/developmental disability (where following the research route)

Design interventions for people with intellectual/developmental disability (and their carers/families/schools etc.) that are applied, behavioural, analytic, technological, conceptually systematic, effective and generalizable (where following the practice route)

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Transferable skills

To use an advanced range of communication skills including organising information clearly, critically responding to written sources, presenting information orally.

To develop advanced numeracy skills enabling the sophisticated presentation of statistical materials and the integration of quantitative and qualitative information.

To use information technology to an advanced level to produce high quality written documents and undertake online research.

To work with others co-operatively on group tasks showing a good practical understanding of group functioning.

To be critically reflective on personal learning and organisational performance, drawing on an analysis of strengths and weaknesses to improve future practice.

To problem solve at an advanced level, identifying and defining problems, exploring alternative solutions and reaching reasoned judgements about appropriate ways forward.

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Study suppo