D6015 Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis

The course is structured in three parts: Part A. Orientation to education, Part B. Professional studies in ABA, and Part C. Professional inquiry.  Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part A and Part C.

Part A. Orientation to education

These studies will introduce you to contemporary issues in the study of education. They are intended for students who come into the course without previous qualifications in education or work experience in education-related fields. You will engage with academic traditions and scholarly practices in the field of education at the postgraduate level, become acquainted with a broad range of debates across education contexts and develop an understanding of the complexities in the field.

Part B. Professional studies in ABA

These units have theoretical and practical relevance to professionals in a range of contexts, including early intervention, general education, inclusive and special education, and specialised behaviour support. Through these units you will gain knowledge and expertise in the following areas:

• philosophy and science of learning
• concepts and principles of behaviour analysis and their application with diverse populations
• identification and assessment of behaviours
• function-based behavioural treatment
• evidence-based teaching practices for behaviour analysts
• experimental design for research in behaviour analysis
• data collection, analysis, and data-based decision-making
• performance management and supervision
• professional ethics for behaviour analysts.

Part C. Professional inquiry

These studies provide you with the opportunity to undertake a program of coursework study tailored to your own interests.

Master's entry points

Depending on prior qualifications you may receive entry level credit (a form of block credit) which determines your point of entry to the course:

• If you are admitted at entry level 1 you will complete 96 credit points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C
• If you are admitted at entry level 2 you will complete 72 credit points, comprising Part B and Part C
• If you are admitted at entry level 3 you will complete 48 credit points, comprising Part B.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

Course progression map

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

The course is structured in three parts: Part A. Orientation to education (24 points), Part B. Professional studies in ABA (48 points) and Part C. Professional inquiry (24 points).

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Orientation to education (24 points)

You must complete:

• EDF5610 Interacting with research in education contexts (12 points)
• EDF5611 Investigating education issues in global contexts (12 points)

Part B. Professional studies in ABA (48 points)

You must complete:

• EDF5679 Behaviour assessment and treatment
• EDF5683 Philosophical foundations of behaviour analysis
• EDF5684 Concepts and principles of learning
• EDF5685 Professional ethics for behaviour analysts
• EDF5686 Measurement, data analysis and experimental design
• EDF5687 Evidence-based instructional design
• EDF5688 Performance management and supervision
• EDF5689 Diverse applications of behaviour analysis (prior to 2026)
• EDF5794 Experimental analysis of learning and behaviour (replaces EDF5689 from 2026 onward)

Part C. Professional inquiry (24 points)

You will complete Option 1 or Option 2 below. 

Option 1 – Complementary studies

You must complete:

• EDF5778 Research project in inclusive education and applied behaviour analysis (12 points)
• up to 12 points of approved level 5 units from select Faculty of Education graduate coursework programs.

Option 2 - Pathway to graduate research

A pathway to graduate research (e.g. master by research, PhD) is available if you:

• have been admitted at level 1 or level 2*; and
• have achieved a weighted average mark of at least 75% in the units of this course.

Please note:

• this pathway is not available at the point of course entry;
• if undertaking the graduate research pathway, you must enrol in:
  • EDF5613 Research approaches in education (12 points)
  • EDF5614 Research project in education (12 points);
• your eligibility to undertake this pathway will be checked prior to the commencement of EDF5613; and
• if you are commencing at entry level 1 or 2, you must take the required two units in Part C of your studies.

*Due to professional recognition requirements, the research pathway is not available if you have been admitted at level 3. If you have been admitted at level 3 and are interested in a research pathway you are encouraged to consider the Graduate Certificate of Educational Research.