Behavioural Decision Science

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally have an upper-second class degree or above, or equivalent in social science, business, or science. Applicants with a lower-second class degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline that have suitable professional/research experience, and/or other relevant qualifications will be considered.

In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate mathematical competence equivalent to grade C or above at GCSE level.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Behavioural decision science applies psychological insights into human behaviour to explain how, when, and why people make decisions.

This course, based in the Psychology Department, explores theory and research in behavioural decision science, and examines the application of psychology, behavioural science, and behavioural economics to policy, intervention, and behaviour change in areas such as health, finance, sustainability, and consumer behaviour.

You will gain psychological research methods skills, and critically examine theory and research in four areas of behavioural decision science: Cognitive Psychology, Judgement and Decision Making, Social Psychology, and Decision Neuroscience.

A placement module will build on your workplace or research skills and develop new skills that employers seek. The Behavioural Decision Science MSc prepares you for a variety of private and public sector jobs that require a core understanding of human behaviour and decision-making.

Reasons to choose Kingston University:

• Specialist facilities include eye-tracking equipment, a behavioural lab, online research tools and software, an observation suite, and neuropsychological test apparatus.
• Regular lectures are delivered by highly-regarded researchers in the fields of decision-making, thinking and risk.
• You may complete a work or research placement project, directly applying the knowledge you gain.

What you will study:

You will study recent developments in theories of behavioural science, cognitive psychology, decision-making, and behaviour change, as well as the impact of experience, expertise, social influence, biases, and heuristics, on judgements and choice. The course will introduce you to applications of judgement and decision-making research in areas such as: consumer behaviour; politics; sports; finance; economics; marketing; and health. Your studies will give you a firm basis in both the theory and practice of cognitive psychology, decision-making, and behaviour change. You will also explore current research topics relevant to individual and group decision-making, applications of decision neuroscience, and the psychology of health, environment, and policy-making.

Information for international students

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all other elements. Read our full guidance about English language requirements, which includes other qualifications that can be considered. See www.kingston.ac.uk/international/studying-at-kingston/language-requirements/ for further details.

Fees and funding

For information on funding, please visit: www.kingston.ac.uk/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/