Postgraduate study through the University of Glasgow
We deliver a programme of world class, post-graduate teaching.
Our postgraduate teaching programme aims to improve quality of life and promote well-being in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The programme integrates evidence-based research and best practice to provide students with the skills to be leading practitioners supporting people with intellectual disabilities, particularly those with complex needs. The approach of the programme is practice-based, enabling students to apply their learning in practice, while still gaining a university qualification. Students will have the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge based on their current professional roles.
Postgraduate Certificate in PBS
The Postgraduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) consists of three courses taught over one year. The aim of the programme is to teach students how to develop and implement person-centred PBS plans for individuals with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour. This will include all aspects of PBS, including quality of life, environmental changes, active support, augmentative communication, and reactive strategies.
The three courses in the Postgraduate Certificate are:
- Understanding and Assessing Challenging Behaviour
- Developing and Implementing PBS Plan
- Implementing PBS Using Practice Leadership
The programme will develop understanding of approaches to the implementation of PBS, and students will learn practical skills to design, implement and monitor PBS interventions to improve quality of life and promote well-being in individuals with intellectual disabilities. All teaching is delivered online by both University of Glasgow staff and guest lecturers who are PBS expert practitioners or PBS researchers. Teaching includes pre-recorded sessions to be completed flexibly at a time to suit students, as well live group teaching sessions held regularly throughout each term. The live group sessions are participatory and include group exercises and practice-based discussions in small groups. In addition to the live group sessions, there are practical tasks to be carried out in the student’s workplace which will allow for learning to be transferred to practice.
Applicants must fulfil all of the following entry requirements:
- Minimum 2:2 honours degree, typically in nursing, psychology, social work, or other relevant social sciences, OR comparable professional qualifications.
- At least three years relevant experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- All applicants must have a current role in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
People with learning disabilities learn throughout their life.
Professor Deborah Cairns
Director of the Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory and Professor of Health and Neurodevelopmental Conditions, in the School of Health and Wellbeing, at the University of Glasgow.
Health and Care Opportunities
In this short film, people with learning disabilities tell us about their experiences of health and health care.