MSc Behavioural Science

Gain an understanding of the factors that impact behaviour.

This MSc course is aimed at UK and international students who are seeking access to cutting-edge behavioural science research, advanced training in quantitative methods, and instruction in the application of behavioural science principles to everyday problems faced within the public, private, and third sectors.

The MSc has been designed to provide you with an understanding of factors that impact behaviour, including the role of ‘nudging’ in behaviour change, and the research and analytical skills to enable an analysis of business problems from a behavioural perspective. It will provide you with a wide range of knowledge (both of a theoretical and a practical nature) and transferable skills including various professional ways of disseminating knowledge.

This course will prove valuable for those intending to enter the public, private, or third sector, including business, charities and government, local authorities and international organisations, by providing you with the tools to apply behavioural principles to problem-solving and decision-making in these domains. It will provide behavioural insights to help individuals build confidence, influence others, think and cooperate inter-culturally, set and achieve goals, negotiate mindfully, and teamwork effectively.

Core modules

• Advanced Topics in Behavioural Science (30 credits)
• Critical Research Practice (30 credits)
• Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences (15 credits)
• Advanced Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences (15 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits).

Examples of optional modules*

30 credits from a choice of:

• Power and Influence (15 credits)
• Diversity and Inclusion in Practice (15 credits)
• Behavioural Insights for Public Policy (15 credits).

*Not all optional modules will necessarily be available in any one year

Course Structure

Teaching is generally organised into a number of 10 week course units involving 2 to 3 hours of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical classes per week. Each 10 week unit is assessed by means of summative assessments.

The summative assessment counts towards the final degree. For the course as a whole, this assessment is divided between examinations, written assignments, oral presentations, and dissertation.