Master of Professional Practice in Behaviour Analysis

Masters DegreeMPPBA

Empowering People, Transforming Futures: Discover the Potential of Behaviour Analysis with our new Master of Professional Practice in Behaviour Analysis at the University of Waikato!

Applications for 2025 entry are now closed.

Applications for 2026 entry open in August 2025.

240 points

School of Psychological and Social Sciences

Trimester A (March)

Why study the Master of Professional Practice in Behaviour Analysis?

The University of Waikato has a robust legacy in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), cultivated within the School of Psychology. Over a pioneering history of 50 years, staff in the Behaviour Analysis programme have produced many scholarly contributions, collaborating with renowned figures in the field.

The MPPBA programme extends this longstanding tradition by advocating for evidence-based practice, preparing skilled ABA professionals, and upholding the university's dedication to ethical and community-centric education.

Career Opportunities

Behavioural Consultant
Special Education Teacher
Behavioural Therapist
Clinical Supervisor
ABA Programme Coordinator
Behavioural Health Specialist
Research Assistant in Behaviour Analysis
Policy Analyst or Advocate
ABA Clinical Director

240 points

School of Psychological and Social Sciences

Trimester A (March)

Degree information

Master of Professional Practice in Behaviour Analysis
MPPBA
Select a tile for more information.
Year 1
PSYCH538 Applications of Behaviour Analysis
PSYCH538 Applications of Behaviour Analysis15 points This paper focuses on the implementation of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in practice. Behavioural interventions and programmes, including common manualised interventions, will be reviewed. The objective is to identify critical components and essential practical skills, and to provide opportunity to practice these skills. Implementation barriers, ethical considerations, and the importance of evidence-based practice will also be discussed.Full paper details
PSYCH560 Applied Behaviour Analysis: Theory and Issues
PSYCH560 Applied Behaviour Analysis: Theory and Issues15 points This paper closely examines the conceptual and philosophical foundations of behaviour analysis. Commonly accepted behavioural concepts and principles are reexamined. The paper aims to help students understand current thinking in behavioural psychology, and how this intersects with other subfields of psychology. It has a strong focus on Verbal Behaviour and theories and conceptualisations of ‘learning’. The implications of this for practice as a behaviour analyst and a psychologist are discussed.Full paper details
PSYCH561 Behaviour Analysis: Concepts and Principles
PSYCH561 Behaviour Analysis: Concepts and Principles15 points This course provides an in-depth introduction to the conceptual foundations and core principles of behaviour analysis, including research and theory related to the concepts of reinforcement, extinction, stimulus control, derived stimulus relations, and motivating operations.Full paper details
PSYCH577 Single Subject Research Design
PSYCH577 Single Subject Research Design15 points This course covers research methodologies used in the field of behaviour analysis, including collection of data, experimental design, data presentation and analysis, and interpretation and reporting of research findings.Full paper details
Rec'd PSYCH586 Behaviour Analysis Practicum
Choose one of: PSYCH564, PSYCH575, PSYCH581
Choose from:
PSYCH564 Developmental Psychopathology
PSYCH575 Kaupapa Māori Psychology
PSYCH581 Psychological Assessment
Choose one of: PSYCH564, PSYCH575, PSYCH581
Choose from:
PSYCH564 Developmental Psychopathology
PSYCH575 Kaupapa Māori Psychology
PSYCH581 Psychological Assessment
Year 2
PSYCH551 Case Study Analysis in Applied Psychology ABA
PSYCH551 Case Study Analysis in Applied Psychology ABA45 points This 45-point course teaches students to critically analyse and apply theoretical knowledge of behaviour analysis to psychological practice within a science-practitioner model, aiming to develop effective and culturally sensitive practitioners.Full paper details
PSYCH552 Ethical Issues in Psychology (ABA)
PSYCH552 Ethical Issues in Psychology (ABA)15 points This 15-point course provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills concerning ethical issues in the professional practice in Psychology, specifically in applied behaviour analysis.Full paper details
PSYCH554 Advanced Behaviour Analysis Practicum
PSYCH554 Advanced Behaviour Analysis Practicum60 points This paper provides students with the opportunity to develop practical skills including conducting behavioural observations and implementing function-based interventions, within a mixture of structured workshops and community-based placements.Full paper details
This information is provisional and subject to change.
Major
Elective
PSYCH564 Developmental Psychopathology
PSYCH575 Kaupapa Māori Psychology
PSYCH581 Psychological Assessment
finding subject information...
Successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Behaviour Analysis or Education with at least a B grade average.
Applying for the MPPBA is a 2-step process and early application in MyWaikato is encouraged by September 24^th to allow time for the school selection forms to be sent out and completed by the October 1 deadline.
Entry into the Master of Professional Practice in Behaviour Analysis is competitive.
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
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Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Graduates of the Master of Professional Practice in Behaviour Analysis will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of ethical and professional practice, and the professional and legal issues specifically relevant to NZ (e.g. The Treaty of Waitangi, bi-cultural and multi- cultural issues in NZ, and the HPCA Act (2003)
- display a grounding in evidence-based practice and the scientist practitioner model of practice in psychology in their practice
- display the competencies required for behaviour analysts as a result of completing 90 hours of coursework on specific tasks as described in the BACB 5th edition task list including: selecting and implementing evidence-based behaviour change procedures and interventions, offering appropriate and effective personnel supervision and management, conducting functional behaviour assessments and analyses.

Select a tile for more information.

Year 1

PSYCH538 Applications of Behaviour Analysis

PSYCH560 Applied Behaviour Analysis: Theory and Issues

PSYCH561 Behaviour Analysis: Concepts and Principles

PSYCH577 Single Subject Research Design

Rec'd PSYCH586 Behaviour Analysis Practicum

Choose one of: PSYCH564, PSYCH575, PSYCH581

Year 2

PSYCH551 Case Study Analysis in Applied Psychology ABA

PSYCH552 Ethical Issues in Psychology (ABA)

PSYCH554 Advanced Behaviour Analysis Practicum

This information is provisional and subject to change.

Major

Elective

PSYCH564 Developmental Psychopathology
PSYCH575 Kaupapa Māori Psychology
PSYCH581 Psychological Assessment

Apply now for 2025. Applications close on 1 October of the year prior to entry.

Course Content

The Master of Professional Practice in Behaviour Analysis (MPPBA) offers an interdisciplinary curriculum covering essential aspects such as:

Internationally recognised core behavioural principles and skills
Professional ethics in New Zealand
Practical skills for psychologists and behaviour analysts
Foundation skills including preference assessments, functional analysis, and behaviour support planning

Upon completion, you will:

Demonstrate ethical and professional practice in accordance with NZ regulations
Apply evidence-based interventions grounded in the scientist-practitioner model
Possess core competencies in behaviour analysis
Be eligible to register as a full member of the Society of Behaviour Analysis Aotearoa New Zealand (SBA-ANZ)

Employment Pathways

Employment with the Ministry of Education, health sectors, private practice, and more.

Impactful roles in education, the disability sector, and the justice system sectors, meeting the growing demand for ABA expertise.

Business and Community Networks

Benefitting from an established professional network centred around the existing Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology, specialising in Behaviour Analysis, the MPPBA programme fosters collaborations with stakeholders to ensure a well-rounded and industry-relevant educational experience.

Join the MPPBA program at the University of Waikato to build a rewarding career in Psychology, specialising in Applied Behaviour Analysis. Prepare yourself for a profession dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of individuals and making a positive impact on New Zealand society.