The Research Master's programme in Behavioural Science is a two-year international programme for social scientists who want to discover the how and why behind human behaviour. Contribute to a better understanding of human behaviour, whether that is normal or dysfunctional, and learn how to influence behaviour.

At Radboud, you will get hands-on research experience on a variety of topics, and learn the methods necessary to succeed in your field of research. We also promote a multidisciplinary approach, which means that you can research the topics that you are passionate about.

You will also have access to state-of-the-art equipment and labs on our campus, including the Virtual Reality Lab, Observational Lab, and our eye-tracking systems. Students can also access the resources of the internationally renowned Behavioural Science Institute, and equipment from the Donders Institute for Neuroimaging.

Behavioural Science (Research): Something for you?

• You will participate in group-oriented education and be part of a small, select group of highly motivated national and international students.
• Students can do the internship for their major research project abroad.
• A majority of our graduates gain PhD and other research positions.
• This study programme is rated top programme for three consecutive years according to the students (source: Elsevier 2019) and this Master's programme was recently awarded the quality label ‘Top Programme' in the Keuzegids Masters 2019 (Guide to Master's programmes).

Our goal is to train you to become an excellent behavioural scientist through courses in statistics, methods, skills, theoretical thinking, and research experience. You also have the flexibility to compose your own track by choosing theme courses, selective method courses, elective courses, and the subject matter of your projects. We encourage you to create your own path in the field of behavioural science!  

Statistics & research methods courses:

• The programme includes three compulsory statistics courses. The first statistics course, advanced statistics in R, introduces the software package R, which is widely used in research and is free. Statistical training continues with courses in mixed effect models and structural equation modeling.
• Students can choose one selective method course: Programming Skills (Python) or Intervention Science. Our Programming Skills course teaches you basic programming in Python for scientific experiments and data-processing. The Intervention Science course teaches how to test interventions in field settings and overcome challenges to boost research quality. 

Professional and personal development courses:

Our programme offers courses that equip you with essential skills for conducting research, such as understanding ethics, academic publishing, writing grant proposals, and giving feedback.

You'll also receive training in writing and presentation skills. From year one we offer meetings in which you can work on work ethics, prepare for life after graduation, and in which you can participate in national and international academic events to gain experience in behavioural science.