University offers masters degree in Cyberpsychology

Emma Hughes | Aug 14, 2008 3:24 PM

Shrinking the web

Nottingham Trent University revealed this week the cyberpsychology degree which will be the very first of its kind in the UK.

This unique qualification will be open to postgraduates in October and will look into the psychology behind online gaming, gambling and even dating.

Other aspects of the course will include social networking, cyber crime, artificial intelligence, and education and health issues.

Applicants will be aiming to get into the psyche of internet users in order to understand how they operate in cyberspace.

Dr Monica Whitty, who's running the course, said that: "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."

Far from being just a piece of paper, Whitty reckons that the coursework will be invaluable to a range of potential employers, including anyone with an online presence or people wanting to develop company or government policies regarding internet usage.

"It will 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 said.

Professor Mark Griffiths who is also a member of the team agrees, "cyberpsychology has seen a massive growth in research over the last decade and there is clearly a demand by both students and employers."