Behaviour Change MSc - 2024/5

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The School of Psychology is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This programme is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:

EMPLOYABILITY. The modules and assessments equip students with: (1) the knowledge and ability to identify behaviour change problems embedded within real-world challenges at local, national and global levels; (2) the skills necessary to conduct research (e.g., literature review, study design and methodology, data analysis); (3) the skills necessary to practise behavioural science principles in real-world settings, such as formulating behaviour change problems and systematically generating solutions to them; (4) the ability to effectively communicate about behaviour change research and practice in written and oral forms; and (5) the knowledge, ability and confidence required to apply frameworks, concepts, methods strategies and insights drawn from a range of behavioural sciences to tackle real-world challenges. The programme also trains students in how to apply critical thinking, problem-solving, analysis and communication skills in different contexts, including the communication of behavioural science insights to non-specialist audiences (e.g., public engagement talks, interventions) and specialist behaviour change audiences, including scientists and practitioners (e.g., essays, literature reviews, group presentations). The range of different tasks and assessments fosters the ability to work well both independently and as part of a broader team, while developing excellent professional skills (e.g., leadership, time management). The new Research and Practice Project module offers students the option to implement the scientist-practitioner model in real-world settings, such as local organisations. This not only gives students an indication of employers¿ typical requirements of trained behaviour change scientists and practitioners, but also allows students to acquire a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate to potential employers what our graduates are able to contribute.

DIGITAL CAPABILITIES. In recognition of the importance of digital technology in understanding, shaping, and helping to change behaviour, promotion of digital capability is embedded into the programme. Students are supported to develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand and apply digital technologies to change behaviour in real-world settings, and the world-leading specialists that will teach on the programme include staff affiliated with the AI Institute. Digital literacy is promoted through exploration of issues such as human-computer interaction, big data, digital addiction, and online vs offline human behaviour. Students gain hands-on experience, across modules, of using digital technology to undertake research, by using software packages to aid the conduct of literature reviews, quantitative and qualitative analyses. Teaching activities also support students in the use of software that facilitates in-class group activities, meetings, presentations and analysis. Students are taught by specialists from across the University, including the AI Institute.

GLOBAL AND CULTURAL CAPABILITIES:
The programme offers students the opportunity to develop knowledge and sensitivity towards the needs of a variety of stakeholders from a range of backgrounds and perspectives. Students are encouraged to recognise the assumptions of the Western-based theories and methods that pervade in behavioural science, and to identify and challenge the cultural specificity of dominant perspectives on behaviour change. When formulating behaviour change problems and developing solutions, students are prompted to consider the cultural contexts in which such problems and solutions are implemented, interpreted and responded to.

SUSTAINABILITY: The programme is designed to allow students to understand and critically engage with behaviour change issues that map directly on to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., Good Health and Wellbeing, Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production). We work closely with local partners, including the University¿s Institute for Sustainability, to ensure students are given opportunities to undertake novel research or practice in real-world settings, addressing sustainability challenges, as part of their year-long research/practice project. Sustainability-related issues, examples and solutions tied to behaviour change are discussed in each module, including topics and activities relating to the promotion of health, well-being, responsible consumption and climate action.

RESOURCEFULNESS AND RESILIENCE: Students are encouraged to actively participate in programme activities and discussions, and to learn from each other, and from real-world behaviour change stakeholders, in a friendly and safe environment. This provides them with the opportunity to exchange ideas, work collaboratively, and reflect on their ideas/opinions. These activities allow students to build confidence, communication, and professionalism. By sharing their experiences, expertise and perspectives on key challenges, students are encouraged to reflect on their attitudes, values and perspectives, and those of partners and other stakeholders. This provides students with the ability and space to respond positively to opportunities for exchange, learning, and personal development. Guided support allows students to refine and apply their knowledge, skills and experiences to new challenges that they encounter on each module.