BSc (Hons) Psychological and Behavioural Science

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Durham University

Program Overview

The BSc Psychological and Behavioural Science at Durham University focuses on understanding why people behave the way they do and how behavioural insights can be used to influence real-world decisions. The programme is ideal for students interested in psychology with an applied edge, covering decision-making, behaviour change, and the science behind human judgement in business, policy, and society.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, you build a strong foundation in psychological science and research skills. Modules such as Classic Papers: A Tutorial Introduction to Psychological Science and Introduction to Psychological Research introduce key psychological theories, experimental design, and data analysis. This year focuses on understanding how psychologists study behaviour and how scientific evidence is used to explain decision-making.

Year 2

The second year develops your understanding of behavioural science and its applications. You explore decision-making, cognitive biases, and real-world behaviour through modules such as Behavioural Science for Marketers, alongside further training in research methods and psychological theory. This stage emphasises how behavioural insights can be applied in areas such as marketing, policy, and organisational behaviour.

Year 3

In the final year, you specialise in advanced behavioural science and behaviour change. Modules such as Behaviour Change: Foundations, Advances and Applications and Neural Circuits Underlying Behaviour and Disease allow you to explore applied psychology and neuroscience. You also complete an independent research project, applying behavioural science principles to real-world problems.

Focus Areas

Behavioural science, decision-making and judgement, behaviour change, cognitive bias, social cognition, consumer behaviour, psychological research methods, applied behavioural science

Learning Outcomes

Develop understanding of human decision-making, apply behavioural science to real-world challenges, design behaviour change interventions, analyse psychological data, critically evaluate research, and communicate behavioural insights effectively

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society, providing Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership and supporting progression into professional psychology training.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Durham University is a Russell Group university with strong rankings in psychology and growing expertise in behavioural science. Graduates benefit from research-led teaching and develop skills valued in business, policy, consulting, and psychology-related careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On the BSc Psychological and Behavioural Science at Durham University, you build practical skills by designing experiments, analysing behavioural data, and applying psychological insights to real-world decision-making. The programme is taught in a research-led environment where you work with specialist laboratories and professional equipment used in behavioural science. Throughout the degree, you take part in hands-on projects and independent research, helping you understand how behavioural science is applied in business, policy, and society:

  • Access to dedicated psychology teaching and research laboratories used for behavioural science experiments

  • 3T functional MRI facilities with integrated eye-tracking and pupillometry for studying decision-making and perception

  • EEG laboratories (wet and dry systems) for recording brain activity during behavioural experiments

  • Virtual reality suites and motion capture environments for behavioural testing

  • Eye-tracking systems for analysing attention, judgement, and decision-making behaviour

  • Psychophysiology suites using Biopac and Mindware systems to measure physiological responses

  • Behavioural neuroscience equipment including brain stimulation tools for experimental research

  • Controlled experimental testing spaces including sound-controlled rooms and simulated environments

  • Independent behavioural science dissertation using department laboratories and research support

  • Opportunities to participate in ongoing research projects and collaborative group-based studies

  • Support from specialist technical staff for experiment design and data collection

  • Access to university libraries, digital datasets, and behavioural science research resources.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BSc Psychological and Behavioural Science at Durham University gain strong analytical and behavioural insight skills that employers value across many sectors. Many move into roles such as marketing analyst, behavioural insights consultant, research assistant, or human resources officer, while others pursue professional psychology pathways. The programme combines behavioural science expertise with psychology accreditation, helping you move confidently into employment or further study:

  • Support from Durham’s Careers, Employability and Enterprise team, including one-to-one guidance, CV reviews, interview preparation, and employer networking events

  • Psychology-specific employability support such as careers workshops, skills sessions, and academic advisor guidance

  • British Psychological Society accreditation (with a 2:1 or First), providing Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership and a pathway into professional psychology training

  • Graduates progressing into careers across business, marketing, policy, research, consulting, human resources, and psychology-related roles

  • Strong graduate outcomes with many Durham graduates entering employment or further study within months of graduation

  • Salary progression opportunities, particularly in consulting, behavioural insights, data analysis, and business-related roles

  • Opportunities to connect with employers through careers fairs, alumni networks, and recruitment events

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this programme, you can continue into postgraduate study in behavioural science, psychology, or related fields. Many graduates pursue master’s degrees in behavioural science, cognitive neuroscience, or decision science, while others move into professional training in clinical, educational, or occupational psychology. The degree also provides a strong foundation for research degrees such as MSc by Research, MPhil, or PhD.

Program Key Stats

GBP9,790
GBP 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


Eligibility Criteria

AAA
3.7
35
85

NA
NA
6.5
80

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Marketing analyst
  • behavioural insights consultant
  • human resources officer
  • clinical psychologist
  • research assistant
  • speech and language therapist
  • teacher
  • data analyst
  • management consultant
  • policy advisor
  • advertising executive
  • civil service officer
  • user experience researcher
  • business analyst

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