Durham University
Behavioural Science MSc (PG)
Durham University

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Overall student satisfaction
79 /100
15 total respondents
The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Anthropology

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Anthropology at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £26500 £27000 £33000
25-75 percentile range £22000 - £32500 £21000 - £32000 £23000 - £45500


Salary of all UK Graduates of Anthropology

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £25000 £22450 £26876
25-75 percentile range £21000 - £28000 £16925 - £28392 £20314 - £34845

Course Description

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.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Behavioural Science MSc (PG) at Durham University

35% Sales occupations
15% Teaching Professionals
10% Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation
10% Business and public service associate professionals
10% Elementary occupations
10% Artistic, literary and media occupations
10% Administrative occupations
10% Welfare and housing associate professionals

Grading & Study Time

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.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • All other courses
    • 4.5
    • Foundation
    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees

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.

For further information see the course listing.
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Behavioural Science, MSc (PG), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language 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.

Costs

Tuition Fees Behavioural Science MSc (PG)

England UK £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
Ireland £29900 year 1

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).

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of Durham University in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Durham University in related subject specific rankings.

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #10 
    • #13 
    Psychology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #9 
    • #13 
    Psychology
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #11 
    • #79 
    Psychology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #9 
    • #101 
    Psychology
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #19 
    • #126 
    Psychology
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #30 
    • #314 
    Psychology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]

See all 38 university rankings of Durham University

About Durham University

Founded in 1832, Durham University (DU) is located in the cathedral city of Durham, North East England. DU takes pride in having numerous subject fields ranked among the best in the world according to QS, as well as having an exceptionally large course catalogue without compromising the quality that students can expect. Apart from the impressive academic opportunities on offer, students can also participate in numerous sports, music, and art-based extracurricular activities on-site.

List of 211 Bachelor and Master Courses from Durham University - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Durham University

undergraduates:
17140
postgraduates:
4365
Total:
21505
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Where is this programme taught

Durham University
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