The MSc in Cyberpsychology, run from the university’s School of Social Sciences, is being launched in response to the growing importance of the role of digital technologies in modern life.

The postgraduate course, which begins in October, will also look at social networking, cybercrime, artificial intelligence and education and health issues.

The university said it aimed to develop an understanding of how people respond to and operate within cyberspace, which would prove valuable to both employers who use digital technologies, and those who mediate its use.
 
The course is being led by Dr Monica Whitty, who has previously researched online relationships, trust and identity.

Professor Mark Griffiths, who is known for his work in online gambling behaviour and the psychology of computer gaming, is also part of the team delivering the course.

“As well as being academically challenging, with the possibility of students going on to do a PhD, the course has been designed with the needs of industry firmly in mind”, said Whitty.

“The knowledge and skills obtained would be invaluable in a wide range of careers and activities.”

She said employers with an online presence who specialise in digital technology or are interested in developing company or government policies regarding the internet, should all benefit from knowledge in cyberpsychology.

“It would also be ideal for the self-employed who want to use ICT in their business, or those attempting to integrate it into employment or education,” she added.
 
Professor Griffiths said said that cyberpsychology has seen a massive growth in research over the last decade.

“It’s great that Nottingham Trent University is the first to offer such a degree, and hopefully this new course will help to build on our excellent reputation in this area,” he said.