Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

Designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the theories and practices that underpins Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) this MSc is aimed at those seeking an advanced qualification in PBS. This master's degree is designed to support practitioners develop an effective, compassionate, and values-led practice. During their studies, students will consider how Positive Behaviour Support can empower people to make positive changes in their lives.

PBS is a growing field in the UK with excellent employment opportunities education, and health, and social services. Professionals are overseen by the UK Society for Behaviour Analysis ( UK-SBA.) The UK-SBA’s register of professionals is accredited under the Professional Standards Authority’s Accredited Register programme. We endorse and adhere to the UK-SBA practice values and Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct.

Becoming Certified The MSc in Positive Behaviour Support at Bangor University provides the postgraduate coursework necessary for students to apply to become certified in the United Kingdom with the UK-SBA. Candidates for the UKBA(cert) will also be required to complete the UK-SBA Supervision and Competence Standards. Qualification This programme leads to a Masters degree.

Students can exit the programme after achieving either a PG Certificate (60 credits) or PG Diploma (120 credits) if they don’t wish to undertake the full MSc. Delivery The course is taught as blended, distance learning. The course can only be taken part-time and is intended for practitioners who are working while studying.

Students can complete much of their studies in their own time, however students must attend mandatory online seminars for half a day, once a month from October to June. The full MSc includes six modules, and a dissertation taught over 2 years. Students take one module at a time.

Each module will include pre-recorded lectures that students can access in their own time alongside readings and independent work. At Bangor University, we believe that live seminars are necessary for practitioners to develop an ethical and values-led practice of PBS.

Placements

Some students on the MSc Positive Behaviour Support will already be in paid employment. We are very happy to meet with students and facilitate introductions to employers around the UK. We do not arrange placements for students on the MSc PBS.

Students who work under the supervision of a UKBA(cert) may apply to complete a practicum rather than a research dissertation. Students who enrol on the practicum will receive supervision based on the UKBA(cert) Competence Framework. Students on the practicum will have the opportunity to complete Clinical Case Studies in lieu of a research project to fulfil their dissertation requirements.

To be eligible to enrol in practicum, students must be Practising Members of the UK-SBA.