Prospective Students

Applied Behaviour Analysis and Challenging Behaviour (PgCert)

Course Aims:

This course aims to produce managers, senior staff and front-line staff of social care and educational settings who are analytical about their work, bringing to their work and responsibilities in services for people with learning disabilities a theoretical and applied appreciation of learning disabilities, human development and societal functioning and an up-to-date knowledge of best practice. The program outcomes have been informed by current best practice and up-to-date, evidence-based knowledge of the field.

The Postgraduate Certificate stage of this programme has been approved at BCABA level by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board

Course Description:

This is an online, distance-learning programme, and is the first of three progressive levels - see the PgDip/MSc in Positive Approaches to Challenging Behaviour for information on the second and third stages of the course, leading to an MSc.

The estimated average weekly study time is 10-12 hours during each module for this part-time programme.

Modules:

• Introduction and Nature of Challenging Behaviour (15 credits)
• Applied Behaviour Analysis Overview and Introduction to Ethics (15 credits)
• Behavioural Assessment (15 credits)
• Proactive Intervention Strategies (15 credits)

Assessment:

Assessment for the PgCert will be through a combination of coursework assignments set within each module and a series of tests under examination conditions, covering Modules 2-4. The class tests will be set on a single day in the spring, after completion of all four Modules. Students will be required to take the tests in person at Cardiff University.

Special features:

The program is highly specialized and has very little competition within the UK, or beyond, outside the USA.

Entry Requirements:

Candidates should hold a Bachelors' level degree; the degree subject is not restricted to a related area. Alternatively, eligibility will be determined on an individual basis of assessment of relevant professional experience*. Certificate candidates do not need to be employed currently in a relevant field but should be able demonstrate sufficient professional experience within the past two years.

Applicants for Free Standing Modules

There are no current employment restrictions on eligibility for applicants who wish to take the modules above as free standing modules. Subject to course sequence approval by the BACB, candidates intending take free-standing modules as contributions toward their educational requirements for eligibility for BCABA or BCBA examination should note * below

*Although acceptable professional experience may be determined for eligibility to register for the Certificate, Diploma and MSc awards through Cardiff University and is acceptable under Cardiff University regulations, candidates intending to apply for the BCABA/BCBA certification examinations should note the following:

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board require that:

• All candidates for the BCABA certification examination must hold at least a Bachelor's level degree
• All candidates for the BCBA certification examination must hold at least a Master's level degree

English Language Requirements

The University requires postgraduate students whose first language is not English to have one of the following:

• An overall score of 6.5 in the British Council IETLS, with a minimum score of 6.5 in the written module;
• An overall score of 580 in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a grade of 237 in the computer-based test (CBT)
• An overall score of 90 or above in the TOEFL internet-based test (iBT)
• A GCE or GCSE in English Language at Grade C or above.

Please note: Students should have taken either the TOEFL or the IETLS no more than three years before the proposed date of entry to the University. For more information, please visit www.cardiff.ac.uk/elt

Next intake: September 2012

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