Behavioural Science

Entry requirements

2:1 in Psychology, Economics, Business or related subject (or equivalent).

Months of entry

October

Course content

The MSc in Behavioural Science offers innovative training in the principles of this growing field of psychology, equipping you with the knowledge and skills in behavioural science techniques to address everyday challenges created by human behaviours and make a positive difference in the private, public, and third sector.

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.

The one-year full-time course consists of both core and optional modules taught through lectures, practical classes and workshops. You will also complete a dissertation project. The course 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.

You will benefit hugely from the energy and passion of the Department’s academic team. We are committed to creating a learning environment that has equality, diversity and inclusion at its core. Consequently, we believe the best psychological science is derived from capturing the diverse talents of those who study and teach.

Altogether, the course is focused on supplying you with broad theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience of cutting-edge research in behavioural science before embarking on a career in the private, public or third sector.

Course structure

Core modules:

Critical Research Practice is fundamental to learning and provides the knowledge and skills required to design, conduct and communicate research in psychology, ensuring it is conducted ethically. This module also teaches the analytical skills needed to evaluate research findings.

Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences teaches the core statistical methods that are commonly used across psychology and the behavioural sciences, as well as developing your confidence in identifying and applying appropriate statistical techniques. This module will also develop your ability for statistical programming.

Advanced Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences likewise provides an understanding of a set of advanced statistical methods that are used across psychology and the behavioural sciences and will enable you to identify and apply appropriate statistical techniques.

Advanced Topics in Behavioural Science provides an in-depth understanding of a range of topics in the field of behavioural science and knowledge about the history, background and development of research within the field of behavioural science. This module also provides a forum for the critical examination of seminal theoretical models and empirical studies, along with methodologies and techniques used for the study of behavioural science phenomena.

The Dissertation enables you to design, implement, analyse and finally discuss an empirical project relevant to your field of study, giving you the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge you have acquired and to gain experience of collaborating with other researchers and undertaking research and project management. The Department provides excellent support and opportunities for conducting a significant piece of independent research.

Examples of optional modules:

• Diversity and Inclusion in Practice
• Power and Influence

Behavioural Insights for Public Policy

Information for international students

If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway course at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Fees and funding

For further information see the course listing.