Core modules
Important information
We are planning to make some changes to our MSc Behavioural and Data Science course for 2024 entry. Core modules undergo approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As any changes are confirmed, they will be included in the module list on this webpage. It is therefore very important that you check this webpage for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer. Sign up for updates.Link opens in a new window
Students will study seven core modules across Psychology and Computer Science, including a Behavioural and Data Science project. These modules include:
Integrated Behavioural and Data Science
This module covers thinking, writing, evaluating, project planning, and methodological integration of behaviour and data science.
Issues in Psychological Science
This module covers core psychology and behavioural science content relevant to later modules in the degree, including memory, attention, perception, personality and individual differences, choice, and subjective well-being. It will provide you with the psychological background to enable you to understand and critically evaluate material on those later modules. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and laboratory-based sessions, you will learn about both models and data in the relevant areas of psychology. You will also learn basic MATLAB programming and model implementation.
Methods and Analysis in Behavioural Science
The purpose of the module is to introduce you to experimental design and statistical programming. Behavioural scientists need statistical analysis of experimental data and of large data sets. This module covers these topics to allow you to understand how to test hypotheses, plan experimental design and perform statistical analysis using R.
Foundations of Computing
The aim of the module is to equip you with a grounding in foundations of computing, to enable students from a wider background to confidently undertake a taught Master's programme in advanced computing topics.
Psychological Models of Choice
The main aim of this module Psychological Models of Choice is to review theories of individual choice. Core empirical results in the decision-making literature will be reviewed and their theoretical implications explored.
Data Mining
This module will help you understand the value of data mining in solving real-world problems, as well as the foundational concepts underlying data mining. You will also understand the algorithms commonly used in data mining tools to gain the ability to apply data mining tools to real-world problems.
Optional modules
You will also choose two psychology-/behavioural science-focused optional modules, and two computer/data science-focused optional modules.
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
Psychology-/behavioural science-focused optional modules:
- Behavioural Change: Nudging and Persuasion
- Neuroeconomics
- Bayesian Approaches in Behavioural Science
- Principles of Cognition
- Behavioural Ethics
Computer/data science-focused optional modules:
- Foundations of Data Analytics
- Social Informatics
- Natural Language Processing
- Urban Data – Theory and Methodology
- Interdisciplinary Approaches to Machine Learning
- Data science across disciplines
- Visualisation Foundations
The availability of option modules depends on several factors and cannot be guaranteed in advance. Therefore, the list above provides a sample of previously available options for illustrative purposes only.
