Positive Approaches to Challenging Behaviour (MSc-Diploma)
ObjectivesThis programme is aimed at staff working in services for people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour, staff who provide direct assessment and treatment or who advise others how to do so. It can also be useful to staff of housing services, community nurses, special school nurses, psychology graduates, social workers and teachers who are seeking a better understanding of challenging behaviour and positive treatment approaches.
On completing Part 1, students will have fulfilled the coursework sequence requirement for the Board Certified Associate Behaviour Analyst (BCABA) certification exam, administered by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Students with an undergraduate degree will be eligible to sit the BCABA certification. Holding an undergraduate degree is an additional, independent requirement for eligibility by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board.
Entry requirementsEntry Requirements:
Candidates will normally possess a UK higher education degree, usually at upper second class Honours or above. At the discretion of School, non-graduates whose lack of formal academic qualifications is compensated for by relevant work experience or a professional qualification may also be admitted provided that the candidate has held, for a minimum period of two years, a position of responsibility in a service for people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour.*
All candidates must currently be working in, or responsible for, services supporting people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour.
Academic titlePositive Approaches to Challenging Behaviour (MSc/Diploma)
Course descriptionCourse Description:
This is a part-time course. For the Diploma (Part 1) students attend 14 3-day modules and complete a number of practically-based and academic assignments over a 16-month period. Modules are held at monthly intervals excluding April. The course commences in September each year and finishes in the December of the following year. Individual supervision meetings are scheduled for every other module.
Knowledge and understanding is assessed summatively through tutor-assessed written assignments, some based on practical projects at the students’ places of work. Teaching is also supported by an assessed reading assignment. Intellectual and study skills are promoted via lectures, group discussions, tutorials, and group work. Application of these skills is developed through presentations, practical assignments and practical exercises.
Students who pass Part 1 may continue on to Part 2 to obtain an MSc by attending 4 further 3-day modules in research methodology and conducting a research study in the area of Challenging Behaviour under the supervision of researchers from the Welsh Centre for Learning Disabilities. It is expected that the research will be conducted within the students' employing agencies, and prior approval will be sought for this.
Module information:
Part 1 (Diploma) Course Content
* Module 1 - Introduction and Nature of Challenging Behaviour
* Module 2 - Applied Behaviour Analysis: Overview
* Module 3 - Behavioural Assessment and Positive Behaviour Support
* Modules 4 & 5 - Behavioural Assessment
* Module 6 - Changing Behaviour: Ecology
* Module 7 - Changing Behaviour: Developing New Skills
* Module 8 - Changing Behaviour: Developing New Skills
* Module 9 - Changing Behaviour: Motivation and Consequences
* Module 10 - Refinements and Programme Implementation
* Module 11 - Other Treatment Approaches
* Module 12 - Working with Children and Families
* Module 13 & 14 - Working with Carers & Services
Part 2 (Master's) Course Content
* Module 15 - Introduction to Research, Ethics and Data
* Module 16 - Research Design
* Module 17 - Measurement
* Module 18 - Statistics
* Dissertation (15,000 words)
Special features:
* Practical orientation with a focus on effective procedures underpinned by research
* Targeted at an area vital to the success of community care policy
* Gives underpinning knowledge and practical competence for related NVQ assessment
*
Students with an undergraduate degree who also have passed the Postgraduate Diploma are deemed to have fulfilled the course work required in order to sit the certification exam of the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB)