Behavioural science is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field that blends psychology, economics, data science, and decision theory to understand and influence human behaviour.
With applications in policy, public health, marketing, UX, consulting, government, and technology, graduate degrees in behavioural science are highly sought after by students worldwide.
Top 10 Behavioural Science Graduate Programs in 2026
This guide presents the top 10 postgraduate programs in behavioural science globally for 2026, including direct application links to help you apply without delay.
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MSc Behavioural Science – London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK
Overview: A world‑leading master’s programme that equips students with theoretical and practical expertise to understand, predict, and influence human behaviour. The curriculum includes behavioural research methods, decision science, statistics, and applied practice.
Apply: https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/degree-programmes-2024/msc-behavioural-science
Location: London, United Kingdom
Why study here: LSE is globally recognised for social sciences and behavioural research. Graduates are highly competitive in policy, consulting, and industry roles.
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MSc Behavioural Science – University of Glasgow, UK
Overview: A multidisciplinary programme offered jointly by the School of Psychology & Neuroscience and the Adam Smith Business School, blending psychology, economics, business, and neuroscience.
Apply: https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/behavioural-science/
Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom
Why study here: Strong focus on interdisciplinary research and industry partnerships, with multiple application rounds and global student diversity.
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MSc Behavioural and Data Science – University of Warwick, UK
Overview: Combines behavioural science foundations with rigorous training in data analytics, statistics, and computational methods.
Apply: https://warwick.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses-2026/msc-behavioural-data-science/
Location: Coventry, United Kingdom
Why study here: Ideal for students seeking strength in data‑driven behavioural research, analytics, and quantitative decision science.
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MSc Behavioural Science – University of Stirling, UK
Overview: This programme provides core training in behavioural theory, research design, data analysis (including R), and real‑world experiments linked to industry and policy challenges.
Apply: https://www.stir.ac.uk/courses/pg-taught/behavioural-science/
Location: Stirling, United Kingdom
Why study here: Teaches practical research skills and offers access to a vibrant behavioural science research community.
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MSc Behavioural Science – Durham University, UK
Overview: Focuses on advanced behavioural research, quantitative methods, and applications to real societal problems in public, private, and third sectors.
Apply: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/courses/behavioural-science-c8k409/
Location: Durham, United Kingdom
Why study here: Ideal for students seeking strong research foundations with broad career options.
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MSc Behavioural Science – University of Kent, UK
Overview: Focuses on social influences, decision‑making, and quantitative behavioural research methods to analyze human behaviour.
Apply: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/75/behavioural-science
Location: Canterbury, United Kingdom
Why study here: Offers robust research training and opportunities to apply behavioural insights in various contexts.
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MSc Behavioural Economics – University of Nottingham, UK
Overview: A specialist programme focusing on the economic aspects of human behaviour, blending behavioural economics with decision science research.
Apply: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/course/taught/behavioural-economics-msc
Location: Nottingham, United Kingdom
Why study here: Excellent programme for students targeting careers in economic research, consulting, and strategic decision roles.
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Executive MSc Behavioural Science – London School of Economics (LSE), UK
Overview: Designed for working professionals, this modular programme blends behavioural science theory with real‑world applications, offering flexibility and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
Apply: https://www.lse.ac.uk/pbs/emsc
Location: London, United Kingdom
Why study here: Offers behavioural science credentials while accommodating full‑time work, with strong LSE academic credibility.
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Research Master’s & Behavioural Social Sciences – Netherlands (Various Universities)
Overview: Several Dutch institutions — such as University of Groningen, Radboud University, Leiden University, and Tilburg University — offer research‑oriented master’s degrees in behavioural sciences, economic psychology, and social cognition. These prepare students for academic, policy, and multidisciplinary research careers.
Apply:
- Tilburg: https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/education
- Leiden: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/masters
Location: Netherlands
Why study here: European research focus and strong integration with social science labs and academia.
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Behavioural Science & Decision Programmes – USA & Global Universities
Overview: Many top U.S. universities (e.g., University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy) and other global institutions offer graduate degrees integrating behavioural science, decision sciences, policy research, and data analytics. These may include behavioural programmes within public policy, marketing, economics, or psychology departments.
Apply:
- University of Chicago Harris: https://harris.uchicago.edu/
Why study here: Ideal for students seeking career pathways in global policy, behavioural research institutes, and international organisations.
How to Choose the Best Graduate Program in Behavioural Science
When selecting a programme, consider:
- Curriculum Focus: Some degrees emphasise economics and data science, while others focus on psychology and policy.
- Research Opportunities: Look for access to labs, research seminars, and hands‑on projects that align with your career goals.
- Career Goals: Choose programmes that support roles in consulting, public policy, health, data analytics or academia.
- Funding & Scholarships: Explore scholarships, assistants, or funded research positions offered by the university.
- Admissions Requirements: Note English proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL), academic prerequisites, and required academic references.
FAQs – Behavioural Science Graduate Programs (2026)
What is a behavioural science graduate program?
A behavioural science graduate program explores human behaviour, decision‑making, and social interaction using psychology, economics, sociology, and data science methods. It prepares students for careers in research, policy, consulting, UX, public health, and business.
Are these programs suitable for international students?
Yes. Most top behavioural science programs welcome international applications. Check specific admission and English language requirements on the official university pages.
Do I need a psychology background?
Not always. Many programs accept students with diverse academic backgrounds (e.g., economics, data science, business), though some may require statistics or research methods experience.
Are there scholarships available for these programs?
Many universities offer scholarships, stipends, and research assistantships. Always review funding pages on the official programme sites.
Are behavioural science jobs in demand?
Yes. Graduates often find roles in consulting, policy design, behavioural research teams, technology companies, public health sectors, and financial services.
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