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.
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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. -
With 3 set days in university each week (2 for part-time students), balance your studies around other commitments such as part-time work. -
Benefit from excellent support from our academic team to enhance your learning.
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(out of 995 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.
Take a look at our Psychology Labs
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.
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 keep occupied between studying. As well as the Boots Library and its beautiful roof garden, there’s our superb Students’ Union building that includes a two-storey, 100-station gym; a whole host of cafés, bars, restaurants and food outlets catering to every taste; our much-loved Global Lounge; performance and rehearsal spaces for musicians; and much, much more!
If that’s not enough, just take a few steps off campus, and you’ll find yourself in the beating heart of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities. Enjoy lush green spaces and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink, and social scene by night.
Entry requirements
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 subjects include Media Studies, Media Culture, Communication Studies, Journalism, Psychology, Health Sciences, Psychopathology, Mental Health, Information Technology, Security, Sociology, and Research Methods.
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.
Other requirements
Your application form requires a written statement in which you should outline reasons for wishing to undertake the MSc Behavioural Data Science. We will be looking to ensure that you have a sound rationale for joining the course based on:
- a realistic appreciation of the practicalities of modern data science, and
- an understanding of the specific focus of this course (i.e., the application of psychological theory to complex quantitative data).
Importantly, we will be checking for evidence of interest in, and aptitude for, quantitative data analysis and/or computer programming. Appropriate theoretical knowledge or experience working with complex quantitative data (human or otherwise) will be considered advantageous.
If you are unsure of your status and / or would like an informal discussion with the course leader, please contact us.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
What are we looking for?
- You'll need an undergraduate degree (minimum 2.2) in Psychology (or a related subject) or other recognised equivalent qualification. Related subjects include Media Studies, Media Culture, Communication Studies, Journalism, Psychology, Health Sciences, Psychopathology, Mental Health, Information Technology, Security, Sociology, and Research Methods.
- 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.
Other requirements
Your application form requires a written statement in which you should outline reasons for wishing to undertake the MSc Behavioural Data Science. We will be looking to ensure that you have a sound rationale for joining the course based on:
- a realistic appreciation of the practicalities of modern data science, and
- an understanding of the specific focus of this course (i.e., the application of psychological theory to complex quantitative data).
Importantly, we will be checking for evidence of interest in, and aptitude for, quantitative data analysis and/or computer programming. Appropriate theoretical knowledge or experience working with complex quantitative data (human or otherwise) will be considered advantageous.
If you are unsure of your status and / or would like an informal discussion with the course leader, please contact us.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Fees for September 2025
| Study route | Home (UK students) |
|---|---|
| MSc Full-time | £8,750 |
| MSc Part-time | £4,375 for Year One |
*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.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
There are numerous sources of funding available for postgraduate students, both from external sources such as the Government and funding bodies, and from the University.
There are two main costs involved with postgraduate study: the cost of your tuition fees which is paid directly to the University, and living expenses such as accommodation, travel and food.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies, We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our postgraduate fees and funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Fees for September 2025
| Study route | International / EU students |
|---|---|
| MSc Full-time | £17,850 |
| MSc Part-time | £8,925 for Year One |
*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.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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.
