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Behavioural Data Science MSc

About this course

In virtually all sectors of the modern economy, understanding behaviour is critical. From healthcare and education to the services sector, businesses and organisations recognise the value of harnessing vast quantities of data to provide insights into how people behave. Combined with an understanding of psychological theory, this can generate insights that help explain complex patterns of human behaviour that lead to informed decision making that can drive progress and innovation.

Our innovative MSc Behavioural Data Science course focuses on bringing together state-of-the-art data science techniques with advanced psychological theory. You will leave with a unique ability to extract meaningful, theory-based insights from complex human data, as well as a diverse portfolio of work to demonstrate these skills to future employers.

  • Stand out from your peers

    Whether you want to get into data science roles that explore human behaviour, or already work in a related role, this course can help you differentiate yourself.

  • Get the context

    This course covers both the data science, and the psychology; from programming, machine learning, and data modelling, to understanding behaviour, cognition, and neuroscience.

  • Set days in university each week

    With 3 set days in university each week (2 for part-time students), balance your studies around your other commitments such as part-time work.

  • Benefit from excellent support

    from our academic team to enhance your learning.

Top
150
In the world for Psychology in QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
(out of 1,049 evaluated institutions)

What you’ll study

This course covers a broad range of topics and skills related to social and behavioural data and its analysis, both from an academic scientific point of view and from the point of view of a professional data scientist. Many of these topics and skills—machine learning and artificial intelligence; proficiency with a range of quantitative tools and programming languages; big data analysis; data visualisation; management of complex, unstructured data sets; reproducible data analysis; and others—are currently in high demand in both academic scientific research exploring human behaviour and in data science roles that explore behavioural data.

For those wishing to explore a more general data science course that does not focus purely on behavioural data, please see the MSc Data Science course.

Computational Statistics for Behavioural Data Science

This module aims to introduce you to advanced statistical modelling techniques used in data science, in both academic and non-academic contexts. You will be provided an advanced theoretical introduction to major types of statistical models, to statistical inference, and to statistical model evaluation and comparison. You'll also gain practical experience of state-of-the-art computational tools for performing these techniques.

Psychology of Cyberspace and Online Behaviours

This module will introduce students to the psychological aspects of cyberspaces - both in the form of the Internet and of other digital technology environments - and models of behaviours mediated by ICTs and other online technologies. The aim is to develop a critical awareness of the uses of contemporary technology, viewed from the perspective of psychology and neighbouring disciplines (such as Human-Computer-Interaction, Communication Studies, Criminology), and to provide a theoretical psychological background to understand how and why people behave the way they do in these spaces.

Python for Behavioural Data Science and Statistics

This module provides a general introduction to programming with Python, as well as a comprehensive introduction to using Python for data science and machine learning. You'll gain both theoretical understanding and practical experience of advanced techniques such as supervised and unsupervised machine learning, and deep learning using artificial neural networks.

Visualisation of Behavioural Data and Data Dashboards

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to data visualisation and interactive data dashboards using state-of-the-art and industry-standard tools. You are introduced to the theoretical principles of effective data visualisation for behavioural data, and gain extensive practical experience visualising a range of data types using a variety of plotting techniques. The module also provides a comprehensive introduction to producing publication-quality visualisations for scientific and other research reports, and covers how to produce these in a dynamic and reproducible manner.

Data Analysis for Cognitive Neuroscience

This module will introduce students to a variety of methods in cognitive neuroscience, with a focus on the analysis of physiological data to provide insights into human behaviour and cognition.  You'll be introduced to a range of approaches in cognitive neuroscience, and consider the unique challenges associated with analysing the data these approaches produce.

Testing Psychological Theories Using Structural Equation Modelling

The aims of this module are to introduce you to the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of structural equation modelling (SEM) and to equip you with the skills, and understanding, to appropriately construct, analyse, and interpret theoretical path analytic Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and SEM models.

Professional Skills for Behavioural Data Science

This module will prepare you to apply behavioural data science knowledge and skills in a professional or research context. Through a series of interactive lectures/workshops, you will develop key employability skills including self-directed learning, communication, and project management.

Behavioural Data Science Research Project

This module will enable students to develop and demonstrate the skills necessary to plan, conduct, and report on an independent behavioural data science research project. You'll use existing literature to guide the development of one or more research questions, and select a suitable data source and appropriate software and tools to analyse the data and address the research question.

We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.

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How you're taught

This course starts in September. The course is completed in one year of full-time study (your final piece of coursework is submitted in late August), or two years part-time. The teaching terms run from late September to Christmas and then from January to Easter. Part-time students attend for two of the three days only.

Study and support

The course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars, and independent study. Your learning will be supported by high-quality, interactive online materials via the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Throughout the course you will develop a portfolio of work that can be used to showcase your behavioural data science skills to prospective employers.

The blend of data science and psychology is reflected in the course team: you will be taught by academics with a wide range of experience working with human behavioural data, as well as specific expertise across multiple areas of psychology and who have run data science courses for national and international organisations.

Alongside formal lessons, all students receive personal tutoring using a small group tutorial system. A tutorial group will be held on a bi-weekly basis, where you'll be given the opportunity to reflect on practice and experiences on the course, and to provide a place for interaction and exchange with your fellow students. You will also be assigned a research project supervisor, who can provide further support and development.

In-sessional English language support

In-sessional English language support classes are available to all international (non-EU) students studying on degree courses at NTU. There is no extra charge for these classes.

How you're assessed

The main assessment methods to be used on the MSc Behavioural Data Science are:

  • Reports
  • Essays
  • Portfolios
  • Presentations
  • Exams
  • Full research project

The type and timing of assessments has been examined holistically across the course to ensure diversity and evenness of workload.

Formative feedback occurs throughout the course as students complete, and receive immediate feedback on, tasks in interactive workshops. Where theoretical content is heavier, regular online quizzes are provided to enable students to check their understanding.

Staff Profiles

Mark Andrews - Associate Professor

School of Social Sciences

Mark Andrews

Careers and employability

Your future career in behavioural data science

Data science as a discipline is now found in many large organisations across private businesses, the health and medical sectors, in government, and in the IT (especially web-based) services sector, and as such represents one of the key jobs of the future.

It is a growing field as society produces not only more data about how people behave, but also data that are more widely and easily accessible, alongside increasingly advanced tools for gaining insights. In this context it is important that data scientists working on human data are able to not simply gain insights about trends in data, but use psychological knowledge to understand these.

If you are already qualified or work in the fields of computer science or engineering, this Masters course can help you stand out from your peers. If you're already working in data science, this course is ideal to continue your professional development by expanding your behavioural and statistical expertise.

Outside of industry, data science skills in academia are also increasingly in demand, and this MSc would also provide the skills required to move into highly skilled research roles or commence a PhD.

Employability team

Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course. Find out more about the service.

Campus and facilities

As a postgraduate Psychology student, you’ll mainly be studying in the Chaucer, Taylor and Newton buildings, at the centre of our vibrant City Campus. As well as a range of classrooms and lecture theatres, you’ll benefit from our dedicated Psychology learning environments.

We have specialist research laboratories including eye-trackers, motion capture labs, virtual reality and driving simulation suites, a mock prison cell, and an £80,000 EEG system. These facilities support your learning alongside staff research in the exciting areas of human cognition, behavioural neuroscience, human interaction and communication, and human development.

NTU’s City Campus has everything you’ll need to stay busy between lectures. As well as the Boots Library and its beautiful roof garden, there’s our stylish Students’ Union building and two-storey, 100-station gym; a whole host of cafés, bars, restaurants and food outlets for every taste; our much-loved Global Lounge; performance and rehearsal spaces for musicians; and much, much more!

Take a few steps off campus and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. It’s stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure. Enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.

Entry requirements

UK students

Applying with prior qualifications

You'll need an undergraduate degree (minimum 2.2) in Psychology (or a related subject) or other recognised equivalent qualification. Related subject areas include subjects from social science, science, humanities and business.

Applying with non-standard entry qualifications/experience

Applicants without such qualifications will be considered on an individual basis but will be required to demonstrate how their experiences and knowledge would enable them to study this course at Masters level in their personal statement.

International students

Academic entry requirements: You'll need an undergraduate degree (minimum 2.2) in Psychology (or a related subject) or other recognised equivalent qualification. Related subject areas include subjects from social science, science, humanities and business. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications and/or relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis. You will be required to demonstrate how your experiences and knowledge would enable you to study this course at Masters-level in your Personal Statement.

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.
  • Full-time - £8,750
  • Part-time - £4,375

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Postgraduate loans

There is a government postgraduate loan scheme for Masters degrees. The loan contributes towards costs of study, and students can put it towards tuition fees, maintenance costs or other costs at their discretion. Find out more about postgraduate loans.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.
  • Full-time - £17,850
  • Part-time - £8,925

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships for international students up to 50% off your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money, the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment of £6,000 when you've accepted your offer to study at NTU. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, before the start date of your course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about advance payments, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Most modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) - meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, you can email our Student Money Team or phone us on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

How to apply

All applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

All applications welcome

We welcome applications from prospective students with a range of qualifications and experience, and all are assessed on an individual basis. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria can still be considered providing they have relevant experience to compliment any qualifications. All applicants will need to apply through our NTU Applicant Portal.

If you're applying without prior qualifications, you'll need to submit comprehensive details of your achievements with evidence to substantiate your claim (any documentation can be uploaded to the My Documents section of the Applicant Portal). This type of application will be considered with respect to the University’s provision for ‘accreditation for prior experiential learning’. Decisions regarding the accreditation of prior learning are a matter of academic judgement.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) formally known as a Criminal Record Bureau check

Many students choose to collect research data in the UK as part of their projects. You may be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check depending on your project topic.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Open days

The School of Social Sciences holds open events throughout the year. Come along and learn more about our courses, speak to programme leaders and find out about studying with the School.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or support, you can call our Admissions Team on +44 (0)115 848 4200, or contact us at Ask NTU.

Good luck with your application!

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) formally known as a Criminal Record Bureau check

Many students from overseas choose to collect research data in the UK as part of their projects. DBS checks only cover students from the UK, so unless you have been resident in the UK for five years or more, we will need a criminal record check from your home country if you plan to work with vulnerable populations. Checks from overseas can sometimes be referred to by a variety of names such as a Police Check or a Good Behaviour Record. To find out what it is called in your home country and how to apply for one, please visit the government website.

If you are an overseas student and are planning to collect data for your research project from vulnerable populations in your home country, you are advised to apply for a home police check to support your research. You will need to demonstrate in your ethics form that you have met all the requirements of your home country to work with vulnerable populations.

If you are unable to obtain a home Police Check and still wish to work with vulnerable populations in your home country, discuss this with your Course Leader in the first instance. It will need to be made clear in your written correspondence with any participants / organisations that the University has been unable to engage with any disclosure and barring service checks prior to you undertaking your research.

Once you have obtained your police check, a copy of the documentation (in English) should be passed to the relevant course administrator in the School of Social Sciences Office.