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Positive Behaviour Support (Taught)

  • 3 Study options
  • Postgraduate
2 Campuses
More about University of Glasgow

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2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

Our pioneering MSc in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) will give you the skills to improve the quality of life for people with complex support needs. Learn to design, implement and evaluate PBS strategies in real-world settings. Advance your career in health, social care or education. All while studying online.

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.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
All teaching on this programme is delivered online through our dynamic virtual learning environment. Content is delivered by the University of Glasgow team with guest lectures from experts in PBS research and practice.

You'll benefit from:

  • Pre-recorded lectures, webinars and short videos from PBS experts

  • Interactive live group sessions facilitated by our Programme Lead

  • Carefully curated readings and resources

  • Practical tasks directly relevant to your workplace

  • Regular feedback and guidance from the course team

  • Peer discussion and knowledge sharing, via group exercises, practice-based discussions, and case study work in small groups

Workplace mentorship is recommended to help you apply your learning effectively. For PgCert and PgDip students, this is encouraged; for MSc students, workplace supervision is required in third year to support the Practice Portfolio. For further information about this, please contact the Programme Lead anne.macdonald.2@glasgow.ac.uk

Year 1 (PgCert)
Understanding & Assessing Challenging Behaviour
Developing & Implementing Positive Behaviour Support Plans
Implementing Positive Behaviour Support Using Practice Leadership
Year 2 (PgDip)
Complex Care Needs & Positive Behaviour Support
Advanced Positive Behaviour Support Strategies
Implementing Positive Behaviour Support in Systems
Year 3 (MSc)
Positive Behaviour Support Practice

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • University of Glasgow

Study options

  • PgCert • Blended learning (part-time) • 12 Months
  • MS • Distance learning (part-time) • 36 Months
  • PgDip • Distance learning (part-time) • 24 Months

Start dates

  • 09/2026

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Discover what it's like to study Positive Behaviour Support at University of Glasgow: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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  • Aryan

    University of Glasgow
    Common Law [LLB]
    Hi there! I'm a third-year Common Law student at the University of Glasgow, originally from New Delhi, India. It's been quite a journey from the bustling streets of my hometown to the historic campus here in Scotland! When I'm not immersed in my legal studies, I enjoy spending my free time playing football or movies. These activities provide a perfect escape from the rigors of studying case law and help me relax after intense academic sessions. My passion for law has only grown stronger since I started my degree. I'm particularly fascinated by international law and how it shapes our global society. Choosing the University of Glasgow was one of the best decisions I've made. The university's stellar reputation in the legal field was a major draw, but what really sealed the deal was the unique opportunity to study Scots law alongside English law in the Common Law degree. Plus, the chance to experience life in a vibrant city like Glasgow was too good to pass up! If you're considering Glasgow, feel free to ask me anything about life as an international student, the Common Law program, or just how to balance studies with a good football match. I'm here to help!

  • Amber

    University of Glasgow
    Anatomy [BSc/MSci]
    Hi, I'm Amber and I'm an international student from Hong Kong. I'm passionate about human anatomy and am looking to pursue a career in pathology. As one of the few UK universities that offers this subject, UofG has been great and provides a lot of flexibility in the Life Science courses. If you want to know more about any of the above, reach out and I will get back to you asap! ☺️

  • Ayra

    University of Glasgow
    Medicine [MBChB]
    I'm from Pakistan but moved to the UK during secondary school. I love trying new things and the great outdoors! Not too sure what speciality of Medicine I want to go into but something fast-paced and exciting (I like a challenge). I'm very involved in uni life; I do lot of volunteering, am very involved with various society and other social aspects. Feel free to ask any questions! :)

  • Ben

    University of Glasgow
    Physics / Theoretical Physics [BSc/MSci]
    I’m a first-generation university student, studying theoretical physics. At school, I became curious as to how we can understand the universe using concepts and equations; so studying physics felt like the thing I should do. I’m still not sure exactly what I want to do after university - there’s a wide range of research opportunities if I want to stay in physics, but lots of very different careers I could maybe see myself going into instead.

  • Amelia

    University of Glasgow
    Biomedical Engineering [BEng/MEng]
    Currently doing a BEng of Biomedical Engineering and have been enjoying it so far! I'm interested in going into academia / research and development, with a focus on areas like tissue engineering and cell mechanics.

  • Ashley

    University of Glasgow
    Pharmacology [BSc/MSci]
    I'm a student from Malaysia currently studying at the University of Glasgow. I love exploring new places, learning new things and I'm always looking to grow through new experiences.

  • Bavishya

    University of Glasgow
    Microbiology [BSc/MSci]
    Hey! I'm Bavishya and i'm a final year Microbiology Student at UofG! I'm Indian by origin however have been raised in Singapore. So i'm definitely aware of what its like moving and living abroad :). This is my third year in Glasgow and I have had a wonderful time here so far!. So if you ever want to ask any questions about university courses, student life, accommodation or just about anything related to life as a student in Glasgow uni.. fear not and do message me :)

  • Amy

    University of Glasgow
    Education With Primary Teaching Qualification [MEduc]
    Study: I am currently studying for a master's in Education with Primary Teaching Qualification. Student life: I enjoy spending my free time trying new food places around Glasgow and volunteering for various societies. Other: I love to travel and have been on a variety of travel placements that have been supported by the university, such as working at camps in America and Canada, going on a pilgrimage to Palestine, and studying a semester abroad in Austria.

  • Arwa

    University of Glasgow
    Pharmacology [BSc/MSci]
    My long-term career plans? Well, let’s just say I’m aiming for somewhere between a lab genius discovering the next big breakthrough and a science communicator who makes pharmacology sound cooler than it is (and trust me, it’s pretty cool). I am passionate about science and how it can change lives in such meaningful ways and my end goal is to make medicine a bit more accessible than it is today. Outside of academics, you’ll probably find me on the basketball court or volunteering—I love working with kids and finding ways to make learning fun for them (yes, teaching can be fun!). I also juggle a few roles like being a Class Rep and basketball convener so I’m pretty familiar with what it takes to balance the chaos of uni life. Spoiler: it’s a lot of caffeine and a lot of to-do lists.

  • Alina

    University of Glasgow
    Marine & Freshwater Biology [BSc/MSci]
    I am a second year marine biology student. I am also the GU SRC first year rep. I was on a different course before starting marine bio. I was studying Design and technology Education here at Glasgow uni.

  • Amenah

    University of Glasgow
    Common Law [LLB]
    Currently a second year common law student. After completing my studies I am hoping to find career in either corporate or commercial law down south. Studies can be a bit of stress sometimes, but I try to balance my studies with my social life, and definitely make sure to do the things I love. My experience of UofG has been so far great, and I am sure it will be fun further on with my studies. If you have any question regarding studies, or anything else I am happy to answer any queries. 🙂✨

  • Anna

    University of Glasgow
    Portuguese [MA]
    Hi! I'm Anna, I'm 23 years old, I'm Scottish and I study Portuguese and Spanish at the University of Glasgow! Currently I am on my Year Abroad in Sintra, Portugal, at a school participating in a traineeship, which is very exciting🤩. In the future, I would like to learn more languages such as Russian and Arabic and work in translation and interpretation, maybe even as a news reporter! However, I also adore music and even write my own, so of course the dream has always been to tour around the world! But we'll see where life takes us🫣... I am also gluten and dairy intolerant (possibly allergies😱!) so I have had to learn to cook and bake to satisfy my dietary requirements and under a budget! As well as find the best places to eat to suit my needs to...
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