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Psychology and Behavioural Analytics at Lancaster University - UCAS

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2025 - 20262026 - 2027
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Course summary

Digital data now dominates every aspect of our lives. Every action we take – from smartphone use to social media activity, public surveillance and even our online purchases – leaves a digital trace. Analysing digital data tells one story, but it isn’t enough to fully understand human behaviour. To do that, you need the insights that psychology provides. The MSc Psychology and Behavioural Analytics integrates psychological insights with digital data. You will develop a specialised skill set highly sought after in today’s data-driven world and this will set you apart in the job market, opening new career opportunities. Who is this programme for? Anyone who wants to understand digital data through human psychology. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds that could include computer science, business, sociology, criminology and many more. You don’t need a psychology degree to apply. Looking ahead to employability Taught by world-leading academics, you will develop a rare combination of technical data analysis and psychological expertise, providing a broader perspective to tackle a wide range of professional challenges. We hone your practical skills to put your knowledge into action, allowing you to make meaningful contributions across rapidly evolving fields. You will also:

  • Develop key critical thinking and communication skills, allowing you to evaluate data and convey your findings to a range of audiences
  • Develop your skills with data analysis software such as R, Python, Nvivo and BORIS
  • Develop your skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods to analyse both individual experiences and large-scale trends
  • Undertake a placement-based dissertation, allowing you to apply and develop your skills to impactful, real-world projects
  • Learn how to ethically and responsibly handle digital data
What to expect Through a dynamic mix of data science and psychology-focused modules, you will gain hands-on experience with various types of digital data, for example:
  • Visual (CCTV footage, body-cam videos and social media)
  • Natural language (social media posts, blogs and online forums)
  • Mobile sensor (movement tracking, sound and usage logs)
You will build a strong foundation in key psychological concepts related to behaviour, including identity, personality and cognitive decision-making. Important topics are covered such as data limitations, bias and the principles of responsible research, ensuring that you’re equipped to navigate the complexities of real-world digital data. The final term is where everything comes together with your dissertation. Gain valuable, practical experience working on a project with either a partner organisation or within the Department of Psychology. We have dedicated support to guide you through the process, ensuring you gain relevant experience that will make you stand out to employers. Three things we would like you to know
  • Our students have investigated how CCTV recordings can provide insight into bystander behaviour
  • Our students have investigated behavioural biometrics from digital footprint data, such as mobile phone usage
  • Our staff are involved in the Policing Academic Centre of Excellence, providing links to digital data in policing practices

Entry requirements

2:2 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Psychology, Data Science, Computer Science, Sociology, Criminology, Human Geography, Politics, Law, Management and Marketing, Linguistics. Your degree needs to have covered some Research Methods and Data Analysis modules. If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application. English Language Requirements We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously. We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications. If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this 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

For information on our fees, please see www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding.
Psychology and Behavioural Analytics at Lancaster University - UCAS