Skip navigation
Behavioural Science at Durham University - UCAS

Course summary

Course 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. 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. 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. Why Durham University? 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. The Department of Psychology provides a world-class teaching and research environment for postgraduates who are interested in understanding more about the thoughts, feelings and motivations that lie behind actions and human behaviours and the processes that trigger them. Our academic team are leading experts in their specialisms and provide outstanding supervision for postgraduate learning and research in key areas of psychology including Developmental Science, Cognitive Neuroscience and Quantitative Social Psychology. Facilities The Department facilities are outstanding. They provide state-of-the-art support for postgraduate work in understanding mind and behaviour through high precision experimental methods and ecologically valid controlled environments. Postgraduate students have access to dedicated laboratory space equipped with opportunities for training in eye-movement recording, motion capture and psychophysics. Other specialist facilities include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and a number of laboratories. Career Opportunities Our Masters qualifications provide the essential skills and understanding to progress to research at a higher academic level or to launch a professional career. Our students enter the workplace with knowledge relevant to careers in psychology but also with the transferable skills in analysis and problem-solving that are valued by employers. Such skills are highly sought after in a range of professions and our postgraduates have progressed to roles that include consultants, advisors, human resources professionals, talent managers, business analysts, market researchers, public relations professionals, marketeers, administrators, managers, civil servants, coaches, trainers and teachers. In addition, the broad nature of the Department means that some of our postgraduates also qualify for careers in clinical and healthcare settings.

Modules

For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.

Assessment method

For the course as a whole, assessments include examinations, written assignments, practical exercises, oral presentations, and the dissertation. In addition to the help provided by your academic department, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/


How to apply

International applicants

Durham has a long and proud history of welcoming students from countries across the globe. For further details please see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/ 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. Please see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/pathway-programmes/pre-masters/

Entry requirements

We typically require a 2:1 Bachelor (Honours) degree in Psychology, Economics, Business Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Education, Politics, Philosophy, Archaeology, Human Sciences, or a related subject. International info and equivalent below text & Guidance for Home Applicants on How to Apply For International Country and Region specific qualifications please see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/regional-pages/ Please check the Requirements and Admissions section of the course database for details and exact requirements. Guidance for Home Applicants You can apply to this course by clicking the link “Apply” at the top right of the page above Course Summary. This will redirect you to Durham University Post Graduate information page where you will be able to apply via the Post Graduate Applicant Portal.


English language requirements

Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by visiting the link below under English Language requirements. You 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. For more information on pre-sessional courses please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/pre-sessional-english-language-required/

English Language requirements

https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £15000 Whole course
Northern Ireland £15000 Whole course
Scotland £15000 Whole course
Wales £15000 Whole course
Channel Islands £15000 Whole course
Republic of Ireland £15000 Whole course
EU £33250 Whole course
International £33250 Whole course

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 the whole course, completed in the 2026/2027 academic year, 1 year of full-time study, and are set according to the academic year of entry. 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. For further information regarding fees go to: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/tuition-fees-and-charges/tuition-fees---how-much-are-they/

Sponsorship information

Durham University offers a range of scholarship opportunities to academically well-qualified and highly motivated students. For further details, including deadlines for application, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/

Behavioural Science at Durham University - UCAS