PgDip Behaviour Analysis Supervised Practice

01 Sep 2020 - 31 Aug 2027

Course Leader Emily Groves
Course Team Richard May, Aimee Giles
Awarding Body University of South Wales
Teaching Institutions University of South Wales
Modes of Study Full Time

Document Version

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2020
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

QAA Benchmarks

N/A

Educational Aim

The course aims to:
1. Foster a sophisticated critical understanding of the way that behaviour analytic principles and methods are applied in practice settings.

2. Provide opportunities for students to meet supervised practice competencies consistent with the requirements of the Behaviour Analysis Certification Board.

3. Develop students’ skills in behavioural assessment, intervention and evaluation across a range of settings and challenges.

Learning Outcomes

A1 Advanced understanding of the way that behaviour analytic assessment and intervention strategies can be used to help individuals acquire behaviour and to replace challenging behaviour. 
A2 Critical awareness of the research methods and techniques used in the analysis and modification of behaviour.
A3 Sophisticated awareness of the ethical issues associated with behaviour analytic interventions
B1 Shows a high level of critical and scientific reasoning and demonstrates an advanced understanding of the relationship between theory, evidence and practice.
B2 Is confident in making critical judgements about the nature of evidence and argument and understand how these apply to assessment and intervention.
B3 Demonstrates a high level of competence and originality in the development of appropriate assessment, intervention and evaluation strategies in a range of settings and across populations.
C1 Shows a high level of ability and confidence in communicating using written, oral and visual means to a range of different audiences, including academic and practitioner groups.
C2 Shows advanced understanding of the ethical and practical issues associated with working with different groups and can apply these to their own practice.
C3 Demonstrates confidence and competence in the scientific evaluation of the efficacy of different interventions.

Course Structure

Level 7 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
PL4D115 MOD009427 Supervised Practice in Behaviour Analysis Running 40 specified
PL4D116 MOD009428 Behaviour Analysis in Practice Running 40 specified
PL4D117 MOD009429 Advanced Experience in Behaviour Analysis Running 40 specified

Teaching and Assessment


Learning and Teaching Methods

Placement-based work experience, individual and group supervision, workshops.

Employer Engagement

The course is placement based, which includes engagement with potential employers, external agencies, and the on-campus clinic.


Means of Assessment

Placement performance (monitored via weekly, written feedback), reflection, oral presentation, placement log.


Learning Support

Students will have twice weekly supervision by university supervisors. Supervisors will also act as the student's academic tutor and will be the first point of contact for academic issues.

Other support includes:

- Course leader

- Module leaders

- Course handbook & course organization on Blackboard

- Module handbooks, assignment briefs, placement handbooks

- Treforest Campus Advice Centre - providing general advice and student support and advice on extenuating circumstances

- Subject Information Librarian

University student support services including:

- Study Skills Service

- Well-Being Service

- Careers & Employability Service

- Disability & Dyslexia Service

Course Exit Points

Award Criteria Final
Postgraduate Diploma 120 credits of which at least 90 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 Final

Progression Route

Students will be eligible to take the exam organised by the BCBA to become fully qualified as BCBAs, to pursue employment, or to pursue further postgraduate study.


Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

Completion of at least 60 credits of postgraduate work in behaviour analysis; interview.

NB: Students will normally have completed an MSc or PgDip in Behaviour Analysis prior to commencing the course. Exceptionally students on the MSc Behaviour Analysis & Therapy course at USW will be permitted to commence their studies on the PgDip prior to completion of their MSc studies providing they can demonstrate they have made sufficient progress on their course to commence placement activity. This will normally involve successful completion of all assessments in the first term of study.


Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/


Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A


Methods Of Quality Standards

N/A


Quality Of Standards Indicators

N/A