Why this programme

• Gain a qualification that sets you apart. This programme is unique within the UK. There is no other university-based PBS qualification with a specific focus on applying skills in practice.
• Achieve real-world impact for people with intellectual disabilities. Learn to design, implement and evaluate interventions that demonstrably improve quality of life.
• Learn practical skills that you can apply immediately in your workplace. Our approach is practical and practice-based.  Supporting you to apply your learning in your workplace, while still gaining a university qualification.
• Supportive learning community. Interactive live group sessions offer the opportunity to meet with PBS peers from a range of settings. And to share learning experiences with students from different backgrounds.
• Ensure your expertise is current and in demand. You will gain hands-on experience in designing and delivering effective PBS interventions. This programme is well-placed to meet UK Government guidance and best practice for supporting people with intellectual disabilities and complex support needs.
• Designed for busy professionals working in health, social care or education. Study part-time online, and balance your learning with work. You will gain essential, career-boosting skills.

Video: Watch a webinar with the PBS programme lead, Dr Anne MacDonald

Career prospects

Where will this MSc take you?

Whether you want to work in the NHS, social care, education, or specialist roles, this qualification opens doors. Graduates have gone on to roles such as:

• Working for the NHS within community teams or inpatient settings or with health-based specialist PBS teams
• Working for social care providers providing community-based support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Working within schools, particularly additional support schools
• Working as independent PBS consultants

Typical job titles for graduates from this programme include:

• Senior PBS Practitioner/PBS Lead Practitioner
• PBS Specialist
• PBS Manager/PBS Coach
• CAMHS-LD PBS Lead Nurse
• Specialist Nurse in PBS
• Psychological Therapist in PBS

Hear from Kate, a Canadian PBS graduate on how this flexible programme helped her enhance her skills and made a difference in her career.

[Video: Kate]

Fees & funding

Entry requirements

2.2 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, ASN Teaching, or Social Sciences.

OR

We also accept applicants with significant relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications in lieu of academic qualifications.

Applicant must have at least three years relevant experience working with people with intellectual disabilities. All applicants must have a current role in supporting people with intellectual disabilities.

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.

Documents

As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:

• A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
• A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (optional for UK applicants)
• Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
• One reference letter on headed paper
• Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
• Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
• A copy of the photo page of your passport (Non-EU students only)

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.

You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, check Frequently Asked Questions

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form. 

If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application then you should visit the Application Troubleshooting/FAQs page.

• Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
• Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
• Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
• Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
• Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
• English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
• Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.

Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.

Application deadlines

• Applications for this online programme will be accepted up until it starts.