Digital data now dominates every aspect of our lives. Every action we take – from smartphone use to social media activity, public surveillance, and even our online purchases – leaves a digital trace. This data is already being used across industries such as business, healthcare, government, and politics. But simply having access to digital data isn't enough to fully understand human behaviour. To do that, you need the insights that psychology provides.
Our MSc offers you the opportunity to master the unique integration of psychological insights with digital data. By combining these two powerful areas of knowledge, you will gain a competitive edge in any career involving behavioural analysis or advanced research. This specialised skill set is highly sought after in today’s data-driven world, and will prepare you for success in various fields, whether in industry roles or further academic pursuits at the PhD level.
Who is this programme for?
The programme is designed for individuals from diverse backgrounds who want to develop knowledge of digital data understood through human psychology. You don’t need a psychology degree to study this program. It is designed for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including computer science, data science, business, sociology, criminology, and many other disciplines.
Looking ahead to employability
Over the course of your studies, you will develop an in-demand, rare combination of technical data analysis and psychological expertise, empowering you to understand and predict human behaviour in a digital, data-rich world. This will set you apart in the job market and open up new career opportunities.
You will also:
- Develop key critical thinking and communication skills, allowing you to evaluate data and convey your findings to a range of audiences.
- Develop your skills with data analysis software such as R, Python, Nvivo, and BORIS.
- Undertake a placement-based dissertation, allowing you to apply and develop your skills to impactful, real-world projects.
Upon graduation, you will not only possess an advanced understanding of human behaviour in the context of digital data, but you will also have the practical skills and experience to put this knowledge into action, allowing you to make meaningful contributions across a range of rapidly evolving fields.
What to expect
Through a dynamic mix of data science and psychology-focused modules, you will gain hands-on experience with various types of digital data, including visual data (e.g., CCTV footage, body-cam videos, and social media), natural language data (e.g., social media posts, blogs, and online forums), and mobile sensor data (e.g., movement tracking, sound, and usage logs). All of our modules are delivered by internationally recognised experts in their fields, so you can be confident that the insights you gain are at the forefront of the discipline.
Our program also ensures that you develop both qualitative and quantitative research methods. This dual approach will equip you to analyse both individual experiences and large-scale trends, giving you the tools to tackle a wide range of research and professional challenges. You will discover how qualitative analysis of digital data can be just as valuable as analysing large datasets, broadening your understanding and perspective.
In addition to sharpening your analytical skills, you will build a strong foundation in core psychological concepts related to behaviour, including identity, personality, and cognitive decision-making. We emphasise practical applications, with a focus on how to ethically and responsibly handle digital data. You will engage with key issues such as data limitations, bias, and the principles of responsible research, ensuring that you’re equipped to navigate the complexities of real-world digital data.
In your final term, you will get the opportunity to apply everything you have learnt in a dissertation project, either within an organisation through a placement with one of our partner companies, or through independent research within our Department. This hands-on experience is invaluable for your professional development and will give you a significant advantage when seeking employment. Our dedicated support will guide you through the placement process, ensuring you gain relevant experience that will make you stand out to employers.
