Master’s in Behavioral Science for Health and Sustainability
Learn to influence behaviors that shape health and sustainability
From promoting healthy lifestyles to encouraging sustainable behaviors, this Master's prepares you to design science-based solutions that create real-world impact.
Practical application of behavioral science:
- Real-world projects with organisations;
- Strong interdisciplinary component;
- Preparation for strategic roles.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER
Many of today's greatest challenges cannot be solved through technology or knowledge alone, they require behavior change.
- Why is it difficult to adopt healthy lifestyles?
- Why do public policies not always achieve their intended outcomes?
- What drives people to change or to resist change?
Behavioral science provides answers to these questions.
It is increasingly used to:
- Improve public policies;
- Increase the effectiveness of health programmes;
- Promote sustainable behaviors.
WHAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DO
Throughout the Master's, you will learn to:
- Analyse behavior using scientific models;
- Design interventions that promote meaningful behavior change;
- Test and evaluate the effectiveness of programmes and policies;
- Apply quantitative and qualitative methods;
- Translate evidence into practical solutions;
- Work in complex and multidisciplinary environments.
WHAT MAKES THIS PROGRAMME DIFFERENT
Why choose this Master's?
- An emerging and highly valued field: behavioral science is at the forefront of public policy and innovation;
- Applied learning: develop real-world solutions in collaboration with organisations;
- Real-world project: work on a practical challenge with direct impact;
- Interdisciplinary approach: combining health, sustainability, public policy and technology;
- Flexible format: a blend of face-to-face and online teaching.
APPLIED PROJECT
Applied project with organisations.
During the second semester, you will develop a real-world behavioral science project in collaboration with public, private or third-sector organisations.
You will apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme to solve a real challenge—not simply study theory.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
With this Master's, you may pursue careers in:
- Behavior change intervention design;
- Health promotion programmes;
- Evidence-informed public policy;
- Strategic communication in health and sustainability;
- Consultancy for public and private organisations;
- Innovation projects in health systems;
- Applied research.
EXPERIENCE + NETWORK
Throughout the programme, you will work with:
- Public and private organisations;
- Real-world projects in health and sustainability;
- National and international experts.
This provides you with:
- Practical experience;
- A valuable professional network;
- Enhanced employability.
WHO IS IT FOR
This Master's is designed for:
- Professionals who wish to work in behavior change;
- Those working in health, public policy, communication or sustainability;
- Individuals seeking more strategic and impact-oriented roles.
Typical backgrounds include Health, Psychology, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Communication, Management, Data Science, among others.
Entry requirements: professional experience and proficiency in English.
Ready to apply behavioral science to change behaviors and create real-world impact?
Apply for the Master's in Behavioral Science Applied to Health and Sustainability.
| Course units | ECTS |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Behavioural Science | 2 |
| Theories and Models in Behavioural Science | 2 |
| Design of Behavioural Change Interventions in Health and Sustainability | 4 |
| Implementation and Evaluation of Behavioural Change Interventions in Health and Sustainability | 2 |
| Behavioural Science, Digital Systems and Artificial Intelligence: Expanding Frontiers | 4 |
| Emerging Topics and Methodologies in Behavioural Science | 4 |
| Optional Course Unit I | 4 |
| Optional Course Unit II | 4 |
| Course units | ECTS |
|---|---|
| Project Work | 30 |
Coordinators
- Course duration
- 1 year
- Format
- Hybrid
- Language
- Portuguese
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (PROGRAMME DETAILS)
Optional Course Units
Students choose two optional course units and may select from several NOVA NSPH offerings, such as:
- Health Communication,
- Entrepreneurship & Health,
- Implementation Science: What’s in it For Me?,
- Environmental Health,
- Global Health.
These options allow students to tailor their learning pathway to their professional interests.
In the second semester, students develop an applied Project Work, often in collaboration with external organisations, where they apply behavioural science knowledge to address real challenges in health or sustainability.
SCHEDULE
In the 1st semester, classes take place on Mondays in person and on Thursdays online, between 16:30 and 20:10.
In the 2nd semester, seminars and tutorial sessions for the Project Work course take place on Mondays on alternating weeks (in person and online) from 16:30 to 18:10 or 18:30 to 20:10.
Consult
1st PHASE
- Application period: March 9 to June 26, 2026
- Publication of provisional list of successful applicants: July 3, 2026
- Hearing of interested parties: July 6 to 17, 2026
- Publication of final list of successful applicants: July 20, 2026
- Registration and enrollment period: July 20 to 23, 2026
2nd PHASE
- Application period: June 29 to August 20, 2026
- Publication of provisional list of successful applicants: August 25, 2026
- Hearing of interested parties: August 26 to September 8 2026
- Publication of final list of successful applicants: September 9, 2026
- Registration and enrollment period: September 9 to 11, 2026
Applications for this course are currently closed.
Requirements
- Holders of a Bachelor's degree or legally equivalent qualification in Health Sciences, Social and Behavioral, Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Computational Sciences, Business Sciences, or other fields related to the Master's programme;
- Holders of a foreign higher education degree awarded following a first-cycle programme organised in accordance with the principles of the Bologna Process by a State adhering to that Process, in one of the fields referred to above;
- Holders of a foreign higher education degree in one of the fields referred to above that is recognised by the Scientific Council of NOVA NSPH as meeting the objectives of a Bachelor's degree;
- Applicants with an academic, scientific or professional curriculum recognised by the Scientific Council of NOVA NSPH as demonstrating the capacity to undertake this study programme;
- A minimum of five years' relevant professional experience, duly documented;
- Proficiency in the English language.
Any questions?
Contact us for more information