Behavioural Science

Entry requirements

We typically require a 2:1 Bachelor (Honours) degree in Psychology, Economics, Business Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Education, Politics, Philosophy, Archaeology, Human Sciences, Geography or a related subject.

Candidates would usually demonstrate knowledge of statistics and/or research methods. This requirement can be met in different ways: (a) via statistics-related or research methods modules in your primary degree; OR (b) other evidence of relevant training or experience in statistics and research methods.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The MSc in Behavioural Science is aimed at 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.

This course will provide students with the 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 students with a wide range of knowledge (both of a theoretical and a practical nature) and transferable skills including various professional ways of disseminating knowledge.

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

The taught course modules include both generic and subject level components, providing an introduction to broad issues and methodological approaches in behavioural science. Research methods and statistical training are core components of the course providing candidates with the necessary skills to pursue data-related careers.

One third of the course is also devoted to the dissertation which is supervised by a behavioural science expert. Example projects in the past have included assessing the impact of Net Zero policies on behaviour change; the development and evaluation of workplace diversity initiatives; and devising tools to encourage behaviour change.

Year 1 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

covers a range of topics in the field of behavioural science including its history, background and development of research. The module offers the opportunity for a critical examination of seminal theoretical models and empirical studies, along with methodologies and techniques used for the study of behavioural science phenomena.

Dissertation

The Dissertation enables you to design, implement, analyse and write-up an empirical project relevant to your field of study. It allows you to apply the theoretical knowledge you have acquired and gain experience in project management and collaboration with other researchers. The Department provides excellent support and opportunities for conducting a significant piece of independent research.

In recent years, optional modules have included:

• Power and Influence
• Behavioural Insights for Public Policy
• Diversity and Inclusion in Practice
• Development Economics
• Experimental Economics

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.