Behavioural Science

The MSc Behavioural Science is delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars, practical sessions, workshops and lab placements.

Lectures and seminars provide key theoretical information on general topics such as social cognition, behavioural bias and social influence, and in-depth knowledge of a range of methods and techniques used in behavioural science research (focusing on their strengths and weaknesses). This core knowledge is then enriched by workshops, practical sessions and lab placements.

While seminars and workshops allow student-led discussions with the aim of developing your critical thinking, your oral communications and your writing skills, practical sessions provide you with in-depth and hands-on knowledge of selected research methods and techniques. Importantly, practical classes also include the application of a range of widely-used statistical tests and a critical understanding of research design, project management and data presentation. All skills that are highly applicable to a career as a behavioural scientist in a range of domains.

Finally, the dissertation module will give you the opportunity to apply the knowledge of theoretical principles, research skills and statistical techniques during the complete lifecycle of a research project. You will undertake a detailed study resulting in a significant piece of independent research that is focused on addressing problems or issues that require a behaviour change perspective in the private, public or third sector.

Outside timetabled contact hours, you are also expected to undertake your own independent study to prepare for your classes and broaden your subject knowledge.

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.

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

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.

English language requirements

Full Time Fees

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

Career destinations for graduates include consultant, advisor, human resources professional, talent manager, business analyst, market researcher, public relations professional, marketeer, administrator, manager, civil servant, coach, trainer or teacher. However, the broad nature of the curriculum ensures that graduates also qualify for career destinations in clinical and healthcare settings.

The Department of Psychology provides a world-class teaching and research environment for postgraduate students in biological, cognitive, social, developmental psychology and neuroscience.

We offer both postgraduate taught courses and postgraduate research degrees. Our Masters courses provide you with core skills – ideal if you want to continue on to complete a PhD, take on a research position or enter the workplace.

To find out more see our department pages.

Rankings

• We are proud to hold an Athena SWAN silver award, underlining our commitment to equality and diversity.
• World Top 100 in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2022
• Top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2023

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see the Psychology Department pages

Facilities

Staff and students benefit from access to a wide range of cutting-edge facilities and laboratories which allow us to understand the mind and behaviour through both high precision experimental methods, and ecologically valid controlled environments.

More information on our facilities and equipment.

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