The MSc in Behavioural Data Science at Nottingham Trent University offers state-of-the-art training combining programming, statistical modelling and psychological theory to analyse human behavioural data. It suits students with backgrounds in psychology, computer science, statistics or related fields who want to apply data-science tools to real-world behavioural challenges across sectors such as health, education, digital design and research.
Curriculum structure:
As a one-year full-time programme, you begin by studying modules such as Computational Statistics for Behavioural Data Science, Python for Behavioural Data Science and Statistics, and Psychology of Cyberspace and Online Behaviours. These provide you with programming and statistical foundations alongside insight into digital behaviour and online interactions. You then progress to modules like Data Analysis for Cognitive Neuroscience, Visualisation of Behavioural Data and Data Dashboards, and Testing Psychological Theories Using Structural Equation Modelling, where you deepen your analytical expertise, learn to visualise complex human-data patterns, and test behaviour-theory using advanced modelling. The year culminates in the Behavioural Data Science Research Project, in which you design, undertake and report an independent empirical investigation of behavioural data, thereby integrating your programming, analysis and psychological theory into a substantive piece of work.
Focus areas:
“programming & statistical modelling; human behaviour & psychological theory; online & cyber-behaviour; data visualisation & dashboards; structural equation modelling; independent research project”
Learning outcomes:
“develop advanced competence in programming (Python) and statistical modelling applied to behavioural data; understand and interpret human behaviour through psychological theory; design, conduct and report an independent empirical investigation of behavioural data; communicate data-driven behavioural insights effectively to industry and research audiences”
Professional alignment (accreditation):
Although not explicitly accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for chartered psychologist status, this programme aligns with professional standards in psychology and data science and prepares graduates for roles in behavioural analytics, digital consultancy, user-experience research, cyber-behaviour analysis and further doctoral study.
Reputation (employability rankings):
Nottingham Trent University’s Psychology subject is ranked among the Top 150 globally in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Subject Rankings 2025 for Psychology.
Students develop practical data science skills through hands-on projects using NTU's specialist computing and psychology facilities. They utilise the School of Social Sciences' data analytics resources and have access to psychology research laboratories. This practical training is delivered through:
Data Analytics Software: Training in Python, R, and SQL for behavioural data analysis
Computing Facilities: Access to specialist data science workstations and computing labs
Research Project: A substantial data science project applying behavioural analytics
Psychology Laboratories: Use of eye-tracking and other behavioural data collection tools
Applied Projects: Hands-on experience with real-world behavioural datasets and analytics challenges
Graduates of Nottingham Trent University's MSc Behavioural Data Science acquire advanced expertise in analyzing complex human data, combining psychological theory with data science techniques. Typical roles include data analyst, behavioural scientist, research consultant, and data visualization specialist. This program prepares graduates for in-demand careers across sectors like healthcare, finance, and technology by merging behavioural insight with computational skills.
Key details include:
University career support includes expert research supervision, professional skills workshops, and industry networking opportunities
High employment outcomes with graduates working in academia, health services, government, and private sector; typical salaries range £25,000–£35,000
Industry partnerships span technology firms, healthcare providers, and government agencies, facilitating collaborative projects and placements
The course offers long-term value by blending rigorous psychological research methods with advanced computational analytics
Graduates produce a diverse portfolio demonstrating capability with statistical software, programming languages, and applied behavioural data science
Further Academic Progression: Graduates may continue with PhD research or specialized professional roles applying behavioural data science in interdisciplinary contexts.



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