Can you tell us why you chose to study ABA (Intellectual and Development Disability) for your MSc degree?
Behavioural therapy, specifically ABA, is a constantly evolving and challenging field that has always kept me on my toes. I felt I naturally excelled at it, so pursuing a master’s degree was my natural solution.
What attracted you to study ABA at the University of Kent?
The university seemed prosperous and well-organized, and I was impressed by the opportunity to study under the guidance of the Tizard Centre. It was important to me to see the significant impact the Tizard Centre has had on behaviour analysis. I also wanted easy access to my family in London while studying my preferred program, so the University of Kent had the best location for me.
What areas of work could you go into as a result of your further study?
I have the opportunity to work with the police force and assist them when working with individuals with disabilities. After completing this program and passing future certification exams, I can be certified as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst with the BACB or as a Behaviour Analyst with the UK-SBA. I can also work in any field that utilizes ABA therapy methods beyond just working with individuals with disabilities.
How did this course impact your future career?
It allows me to take the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam to become a BCBA and gain a supervisory role rather than remain in an assistant position. It also gives me an outside perspective of the field to share with and even teach my Canadian colleagues.
Which areas of study did you find particularly inspiring?
At first, I was hesitant about writing the dissertation. Now, I appreciate how everything I have learned over the past year, including the writing skills I have gained, has prepared me for this paper. I particularly enjoyed learning about PBS and ABA, as they can be separate fields in many parts of the world. Learning about them and applying my own understanding and perspective has inspired me to help clients in a more holistic way.
What sort of support is there for postgraduate students?
Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) has various teams that focus on different types and severity of support needed, which I loved. I also appreciate having access to a mental health nurse and general services nurse at the nursing station. Additionally, the people I met in the gym, including the supportive gym staff, made my experience at this university much friendlier and positive. Moreover, my program tutors were very empathetic to my situation, and that made it a lot easier for me to talk about the issues that I had.
What advice would you give to students considering a degree in ABA? Would you recommend the course at Kent?
Be prepared to work extremely hard. It’s a very challenging degree, but you will grow a lot as a person and in knowledge. This is one of those programs where I highly recommend completing all the necessary work for each module before starting the next one, as it is quite easy to fall behind in your notes. As for general advice, I’d say remember to give yourself credit for all the hard work you’ve done, even for the small victories. Remember to. Not every study technique works for everyone, so find the one that works for you and stick to it. All in all, I would certainly recommend this program to those interested in this field.
What impressed you most about our academic staff?
I genuinely appreciate how tirelessly they work daily in their roles, especially for us students. I am also impressed with how they have their own papers published and relevant to the field’s current research. I especially like hearing how they themselves started in the field to become the educated individuals they are today.
Looking back, did your course live up to your expectations? What were some of the highlights of the course for you?
The course was much more challenging than I anticipated due to the numerous assignments, extensive content, and the amount of time required to study. It was all completed within a relatively short timeframe, adding to the pressure. The program exceeded my expectations by providing a deeper understanding of behaviour analysis and teaching me more about PBS and ABA.
Serving as the student representative was a rewarding experience, as I enjoyed advocating for my fellow students and participating in staff meetings. Sharing knowledge with the staff and contributing positively to the program was a significant highlight. Furthermore, meeting people from diverse countries, cultures, and backgrounds and hearing about their experiences and journeys in the ABA field was truly amazing.