Positive Behaviour Support - BSc (Hons)
I am finishing feeling more confident in my role, more knowledgeable and immensely proud of myself.
I currently work within a clinical psychology team supporting adults with a learning disability and those with additional or complex needs. I support our service users and staff to find positive and non-restrictive ways of working with challenging behaviours. I went to the Tizard Centre originally to do a Diploma in Positive Behaviour Support. I learnt so much and had such a positive experience that I decided to return to do a BSc. The company I work for follows a Positive Behaviour Support framework and I wanted to enhance my knowledge and skills to be able to tailor the care to meet individual needs and improve quality of life.
I am studying my final module, three weeks to go! To be honest this has been my hardest year yet, which was to be expected. Following year two, I took a two-year break so knew it would be hard to get back into studying. It has all gone by so quickly, but I have learnt a huge amount.
All my lecturers are knowledgeable, approachable and have different areas of expertise. I have had the same tutor for my second and final-year studies and the support he has given me has been incredible. Every hurdle I have faced he has been right behind me giving words of encouragement. Feedback on assignments has always been useful and his knowledge and experience have been invaluable.
I enjoyed all of the modules in year two as they were all practice based and were focused around two young men that I support. I loved seeing how the functional assessment developed and how it improved their quality of life. The module I enjoyed most in year three covered functional analysis. I was able to complete a functional analysis with someone I support, which has helped the staff team hugely in how best to communicate with him. Seeing what I have learnt put into action is the most rewarding aspect of this course.
As a distance learning student, I only met fellow students on the workshop week and on zoom chats. However, we set up a WhatsApp group which is useful when anyone has a question. We all support each other and want each other to do well. I have learnt a lot from them through their different perspectives and experiences.
I found Moodle really daunting at first, as someone who isn’t the best with computers, but once I got to know it, I used it for everything! You have access to library searches or other online search databases. Any issues I have had have been dealt with quickly by my tutor or IT support.
Not going to lie, it’s been tough! But I have an understanding workplace that allows me to do university work as and when I need to. It can feel like a personal battle doing too much of one and not enough of the other at times but as the months went on I found a good balance. In my work, I am constantly reminded of why I wanted to do this course and the benefit it will provide for our service users.
Be prepared to work hard. It can be very intense, but it will be worth it. I am finishing feeling more confident in my role, more knowledgeable and immensely proud of myself. Listen to your tutor and lecturers – they are the ones that guide you. Read everything on Moodle and then read some more and even more! Try to attend all zoom sessions and chat forums; it’s all there to help you. You can feel a bit lost sometimes, but there are great ways of linking up with people. Enjoy the learning experience, give it everything you’ve got and keep smiling!
