10Feb
PostgraduateCourse summary
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.
Modules
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.
Assessment method
Teaching is delivered through a number of 20- and 10-week modules, each involving 2-3 hours per week of contact time in the form of lectures, workshops and practical classes. Lectures provide key theoretical information on general topics such as self-regulation, behavioural biases and heuristics, social influence, as well as behavioural science research techniques. Workshops and practical classes provide a platform for student-led discussions which aim to develop critical thinking, communications and writing skills. The knowledge produced in lectures is explored in greater depth in workshops and practical sessions. The MSc dissertation, on a subject of your choice, provides an opportunity to apply theoretical principles, research skills and statistical techniques through the completion of a novel research project. For the course as a whole, assessments include examinations, written assignments, practical exercises, oral presentations, and the dissertation.
How to apply
International applicants
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 programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
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
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £13600 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £13600 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £13600 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £13600 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £13600 | Year 1 |
| EU | £29900 | Year 1 |
| International | £29900 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £29900 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
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).
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE