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Studies & Degrees in Human Behaviour in Social Contexts

Human behaviour in social contexts is an interdisciplinary area of the behavioural and social sciences. It asks why people think, feel and act as they do, and how families, schools, workplaces and societies shape that behaviour. It is not a single profession with a fixed degree title. Universities teach it under names such as behavioural and social sciences, human and organizational development, psychology, sociology or social work.

What the programmes share is the combination of theory about people and groups with training in research methods and statistics. The research master's in Behavioural and Social Sciences at the University of Groningen is a clear example. It brings together five disciplines: psychology, sociology, pedagogy, educational sciences, and psychometrics and statistics. Students choose one of three themes:

  • Mental health, from the perspective of neuropsychology and clinical psychology
  • Individual development in social context, across the lifespan
  • Understanding societal change, on topics such as social inequality, climate adaptation and diversity

Qualifications and levels

  • Bachelor's degree. In the United States the subject is mostly studied through an undergraduate major. At Vanderbilt University, the B.S. in Human and Organizational Development prepares students to find solutions to human problems in organizations and communities, with an emphasis on writing, oral presentation and analytic skills. The university describes it as its largest undergraduate major. National University in San Diego groups its programmes in psychology, sociology, history and interdisciplinary studies in a Department of Social & Psychological Sciences. Avila University in Kansas City has a School of Psychology and a School of Social Sciences with a Bachelor of Social Work.
  • Research master's degree. The Groningen programme leads to an MSc in Behavioural and Social Sciences (research). It lasts 24 months, has 120 ECTS credits, is taught in English and starts in September. All students take compulsory courses such as Advanced Statistics, do a research traineeship of 10 credits and write a master's thesis of 30 credits.
  • Doctorate. A research master's is designed as preparation for a PhD. According to the University of Groningen, 59% of the programme's alumni continue into a PhD position.

Titles in this area can be misleading, because similar content sits under different names. If you want to work as a psychologist or social worker, check whether the degree gives access to that profession in the country where you plan to work. Ask each school what recognition its qualification has.

Admission to the research master's

The University of Groningen asks for a university bachelor's degree in a social science, for example psychology, sociology, pedagogics or educational sciences. Applicants may be invited to an interview with the Admission Board. The English requirement is high: IELTS Academic with an overall score of 7, and 7 in speaking and writing, or an equivalent test.

For the start on 1 September 2027, the deadline is 1 May 2027 for Dutch and EU/EEA students and 1 April 2027 for students from outside the EU/EEA. The tuition fee for the 2026-27 academic year is €2,694 for EU/EEA students and €22,200 for non-EU/EEA students.

Where to study it

SpainExchange lists 5 active schools under this subject: 4 in the United States and 1 in the Netherlands. The schools are Vanderbilt University in Nashville, National University in San Diego, Avila University in Kansas City, Amarillo College in Texas, a two-year community college, and the University of Groningen. All of them teach in English.

When comparing programmes, look at the weight of statistics and research methods, the disciplines you can combine, whether a traineeship or placement is included, and whether the degree is a route to a doctorate or to a professional licence.

Careers

Graduates work in research, policy, education, human resources, consultancy and mental health services. The University of Groningen gives consultant, researcher at a research company, policy advisor, scientific advisor, lecturer and data analyst as job examples for its graduates.

Official United States statistics are published per occupation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

  • Sociologists typically need at least a master's degree. There were 2,700 jobs in 2025, and employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035.
  • Psychologists typically need a master's or doctoral degree in psychology. In most states, practising psychology or using the title of psychologist requires a licence. There were 209,400 jobs in 2025, and employment is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035.

Frequently asked questions

Is human behaviour in social contexts the same as psychology?

No. Psychology is one of the disciplines involved. Programmes in this area also draw on sociology, educational sciences and statistics, and they look at behaviour in groups, organisations and society.

Do I need statistics for this subject?

Yes. Research methods and statistics are a core part. In the Groningen research master's, Advanced Statistics is a compulsory course for all students.

Can I study this subject in English in Europe?

Yes. The research master's in Behavioural and Social Sciences at the University of Groningen is taught in English. It requires IELTS Academic 7 overall, with 7 in speaking and writing, or an equivalent test.

Does a degree in this area allow me to work as a psychologist?

Not by itself. The title of psychologist is regulated in many places; in most US states it requires a licence, according to the BLS. Ask the school and the regulator of the country where you want to work.