Course summary

Studying behavioural science at Durham will give you the skills you need to build resilience in your organisation and enhance your future prospects. You will have the research and analytical skills needed to analyse any social issue or business challenge from a behavioural perspective. Delivered mainly online, the degree provides a flexible study option for you, enabling you to look after other commitments such as working while studying. The course enables you to take what you learn and apply it straight into your workplace. Aimed at ambitious individuals with at least two years of relevant post-graduation work experience in roles that demonstrate responsibility, such as supervising or managing staff or projects, the course also gives you the opportunity to network with other professionals. The modern workplace requires constant behaviour change and adaption. A deeper understanding of behavioural science can enable you, your team and your organisation to flourish. The Executive MSc in Behavioural Science will provide the behavioural insights to help individuals build confidence, influence others, think and cooperate interculturally, set and achieve goals, negotiate mindfully, and teamwork effectively. Course structure You will complete all four compulsory modules, totalling 135 credits. You then select and complete three of the four optional modules, each worth 15 credits. Core modules (compulsory): Contemporary Challenges in Behavioural Science explores various research areas, helping you learn techniques that promote behaviour change. It begins with an introduction to behavioural science, its history, and its current applications. Topics covered include group and team behaviour, marketing and consumer behaviour, decision-making, change management, coaching, communication strategies, addressing misinformation, employee and customer engagement, sustainability, public health, and ethical practices. The core psychological processes and methods covered can also be applied to help you understand subjects in all the optional modules. Research Methods for Behavioural Science will enable you to become an expert in research methods – developing an impactful skill that can help your organisation become more independent and self-sufficient in its research needs. Topics include integrity and ethics, and how to communicate your research to general audiences. The Behavioural Science Dissertation makes up 33.3% of your assessment. In your dissertation, you can focus on something that is of particular importance to you and your organisation, directly applying your knowledge and skills to a real business need. You will go through three stages.

• Developing a research question, preparing a research proposal and time plan, and preparing an ethics application.

• Recruiting your sample, design of study and preparation of method and materials.

• Data collection, analysis and interpretation of data and writing up your thesis.