Program Overview

MSc Behavioural Science

The MSc Behavioural Science programme at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is designed to equip students with practical skills to drive positive behavioural change. This programme goes beyond theory, examining how individuals and teams make decisions in real-world scenarios, drawing on insights from psychology, economics, and the wider social sciences.

Introduction

From climate change to financial market fluctuations, many of today's most pressing issues are rooted in human behaviour. The programme will delve into the latest methodologies and statistical approaches to behavioural science and examine the impact of different social and environmental contexts on behaviour. The wide-ranging curriculum includes core courses on the fundamentals of behavioural science and research methods, including experimental and quasi-experimental approaches. Optional courses cover topics such as health, consumer behaviour, and happiness.

Programme Structure

• The programme is offered on a full-time basis over 12 months or part-time over 24 months.
• It is available to home and overseas students.
• The academic year starts on 28 September 2026.
• The location of the programme is Houghton Street, London.

Entry Requirements

• Upper second class honours (2:1) or equivalent.
• English language requirements: Higher.
• Competition for places at LSE is strong, and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer of a place.

Programme Content

• Year 1: Students take three compulsory courses to the value of two units and choose two options from a selection of behavioural science courses. They also write a dissertation, which counts as one unit.
• Courses include:
  • Foundations in Behavioural Science
  • Experimental Design and Methods for Behavioural Science
  • Quantitative Applications for Behavioural Science
  • Dissertation
  • Two half-unit courses from a range of options within the department

Why Study with Us

• The Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science is a growing community of researchers, academics, and students who explore the human mind and behaviour in a societal context.
• The department is home to an interdisciplinary faculty team conducting wide-ranging research.
• Research spans social psychology, behavioural economics, political psychology, organisational culture, consumer behaviour, public engagement, community development, global health, happiness, and well-being.

Your Application

• Applications are considered on a rolling basis.
• There is no fixed deadline, but applicants must submit their application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline to be considered for funding opportunities.
• Supporting documents include:
  • Academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
  • Statement of academic purpose
  • Two academic references
  • CV

Fees and Funding

• Home student fee: £28,900 (2026/27)
• Overseas student fee: £30,400 (2026/27)
• Fee reduction: Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.
• Scholarships and other funding: LSE offers some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme.

Learning and Assessment

• Contact hours and independent study: Students can expect 20-30 contact hours in total for half-unit courses and 40-60 contact hours in total for full-unit courses.
• Teaching methods: Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors, and professors.
• Academic support: Students are allocated a Dissertation Supervisor and an academic mentor.

Graduate Destinations

• This MSc will prepare students to seek and/or advance their career in behavioural science in multiple sectors, including the public and private sectors, non-governmental organisations, and academia.
• Median salary of graduate taught students 15 months after graduating: £35,000
• Top 5 sectors students work in:
  • Education, Teaching and Research
  • Consultancy
  • Information, Digital Technology and Data
  • Advertising, Marketing, PR, Media, Entertainment, Publishing and Journalism
  • Financial and Professional Services

Related Programmes

• Executive MSc Behavioural Science
• MSc Societal and Environmental Psychology
• MPhil/PhD Psychological and Behavioural Science
• MSc Organisational and Social Psychology
• MSc Marketing
• Master of Public Administration
• MRes/PhD in Management - Organisational Behaviour

About LSE

• The London School of Economics and Political Science is a world-leading centre for social sciences.
• LSE is ranked first in London for psychology (Complete University Guide 2026) and first in the UK for psychology (Good University Guide 2026).
• The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programmes, as well as executive education and online courses.