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Introduction to the Behaviour Change study programme

The Master’s specialisation in Behaviour Change focuses on the connection between the science and practice of social influence and behaviour change. In this Master’s specialisation, students are trained to analyse behaviour change problems from a psychological perspective, and to develop interventions and persuasion strategies to tackle these problems.

The Master’s programme Behaviour Change teaches you to reflect on dif­ferent ways to change behaviour such as by changing intentions or habits, by activating norms or values, by teaching people competences, or by adapting the environment. You learn to develop appropriate interventions and behaviour change strategies, and to test and improve their effectiveness. The behaviour change topics that are discussed are diverse. Examples include motivating people to adopt environmentally friendly behaviours, helping people with efforts to change their lifestyle, increasing diversity and reducing prejudice, and increasing active citizenship.

After this Master’s programme you are a practice-oriented researcher who can independently investigate behaviour-change questions, develop interven­tions to address behaviour change problems, and give advice on how to address behaviour change problems. To help you prepare for your professional career, the study programme focuses on the following aspects:

  • Advanced and up-to-date scientific knowledge about determinants of behaviour and how behaviour can be changed.
  • The ability to integrate different theories and relate them to each other
  • A clear method for mapping practical problems, designing interventions and testing them for effectiveness.
  • Personal development in order to work effectively (together) in practice and leave the programme as a starting professional.

During the internship you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to solve an actual behaviour change problem in the professional field. To help you find an internship, the programme has a wide range of contacts (mostly Dutch at the moment) and alliance partnerships within the professional field.

In the labour market, your prospects as a graduate psychologist in the field of behaviour change are good and quite diverse, ranging from jobs at commercial companies to jobs at government agencies or charities.

What does this degree programme offer?

  • High-quality and up-to-date knowledge and skills in the domain of behaviour change and social influence
  • Collaboration and established contact with the practical field
  • A challenging, cohesive course package with a clear direction
  • An open organizational structure for input and reciprocal evaluation
  • A well-functioning support system in the programme and at the Radboud University

What do we expect from our students?

  • Interest in psychological theories about behaviour change
  • An analytical and research-oriented mind-set
  • A proactive, entrepreneurial, and cooperative spirit: not absorbing what you are taught, but actively participating and contributing to the development of your fellow students
  • Communication skills for engaging with the practical field
  • A full time commitment to the programme, consisting of a good work ethic. All meetings take place on campus and are required to complete the programme

Learning outcomes
The Master's specialisation in Behaviour Change aims to instill students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to carry out optimal research and to implement interventions in the practical field of behavioural change as a starting professional. This knowledge and these skills are acquired through direct interaction with the field, with a key focus on an academic mindset. See the EER for more detailed information on the learning outcomes of this Master’s specialisation.