Program Overview

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MSc Behaviour Change

Key Facts

• Course Code: C801
• Qualification: MSc
• Course duration: 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time)
• Contact time: Approximately 10-14 hours a week in the first two semesters, then mutually agreed contact time with assigned supervisor

Typical Entry Requirements

• Entry Requirements: 2:1 Bachelors (Honours) degree, or equivalent, in any subject discipline, to include demonstrable evidence of prior study of behaviour change
• English Language Requirements: IELTS 7.0 with minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent
• Other Requirements: Applicants are encouraged to submit an up-to-date CV as part of their application

Course Overview

The MSc Behaviour Change at Aberystwyth University takes a novel multi-disciplinary approach to equip you with the skills necessary to forge a successful career in this evolving and stimulating field. As you confront the complex issues faced at national and global level in areas such as politics, crime, the environment, food security, health and education, you will explore creative solutions to a series of collective action problems and learn how to apply behaviour change principles to real-world challenges in key sectors.

This degree will imbue you with the knowledge and expertise required to inform organisations, influence policy-makers and implement strategic change in behaviours to have a positive effect which will benefit businesses, governments, communities and societies at large.

As part of your training you will design innovative, evidence-based solutions to the tangible behaviour change challenges faced by our external collaborators and professional partners, enabling you to see first-hand the impact of your recommendations in practical contexts.

On completion of the course you will emerge with essential employability skills as highlighted in the World Economic Forum’s top 15 desirable skills and develop crucial proficiencies in problem-solving, communication and teamwork which are in high demand amongst employers.

Modules

Core

• Behaviour Change in a Changing Environment (EAM4420, 20 credits)
• Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis (PGM0810, 10 credits)
• Quantitative Data Collection and Analysis (for social scientists) (PGM1010, 10 credits)
• The Psychology of Behaviour Change (PSM0320, 20 credits)
• Transdisciplinary Dialogue (PSM0520, 20 credits)
• Psychology PGT Dissertation (Behaviour Change) (PSM0660, 60 credits)

Options

• Futures for International Relations Theory (IPM1720, 20 credits)
• Global Marketing (ABM7220, 20 credits)
• Global Supply Chain Management (ABM3520, 20 credits)
• Implementation Science (PSM0120, 20 credits)
• Indigenous Politics (IPM0620, 20 credits)
• International Business Environment (ABM3220, 20 credits)
• International Politics (IPM1920, 20 credits)
• People and Organizations (ABM5320, 20 credits)
• Project Management Tools and Techniques (ABM2920, 20 credits)
• Warfare in the 21st Century (IPM8220, 20 credits)

Careers

According to the QS 2019 Global Skills Gap Report, the current most important employability skills are problem-solving, communication, and teamwork; the top three skills gaps are in problem-solving, resilience, and communication; and employers are the least satisfied with their employees’ negotiating skills, leadership, and commercial awareness. Similarly, The Future of Jobs Report 2020 (World Economic Forum) lists analytical thinking and innovation, active learning and learning strategies, complex problem-solving, critical thinking and analysis, and creativity, originality and initiative in its Top 15 skills for 2025. Finally, a Pearson report, 'The Future of Skills: Employment in 2030', lists judgement and decision-making, fluency of ideas, active learning, systems evaluation, complex problem solving, management of personnel resources, and active learning amongst its top-ranking skills of the future. With its rigorous transdisciplinary approach, focus on skill development as well as knowledge advancement, and engagement with external collaborators in its design and delivery, our MSc Behaviour Change clearly places an emphasis on all of these employability skills.

Graduates of MSc Behaviour Change would be suited to roles in the health sector, business and management, local and national government, NGOs, lobbying, environmental planning and consultancy, and in any context in which it would be helpful, ethical, and desired to facilitate behaviour change.

Teaching & Learning

Core modules that you may study on this course include:

• The Psychology of Behaviour Change
• Transdisciplinary Dialogue
• Research with People
• Risk, Resilience and Behaviour in a Changing Environment

You will also choose two modules from contributing departments (subject to availability) according to your own interests, which may include:

• Implementation Science (Psychology)
• Global Climate Change: Debates and Impacts (Geography)
• People and Organisations (Business)
• Global Challenges and the Future of International Relations Theory (International Politics)
• Managing Environmental Change in Practice (Geography)
• Marketing Management Strategy (Business)

Modes of teaching:

You will be taught by expert academic staff across lectures, tutorials and seminars.

During the first two semesters (September to May), you will normally have 3-4 hours of direct contact time with your tutor per module, with an expectation of substantial guided and independent study time outside of the classroom. There will also be additional sessions working towards developing your dissertation. During semester 3 you will receive support from your assigned dissertation supervisor; contact time will be by mutual agreement.

Methods of assessment:

You will be assessed through essays, report-writing and presentations (oral and poster), including mini conferences.