Alison Howard-Macey

MSc Behavioural Science

United Kingdom

Alison Howard-Macey

Before joining the MSc in Behavioural Science at the University of Stirling, Alison worked in the devolved tax policy team at the Scottish Government. Keen to strengthen her skills in evidence-based policymaking, she found the Masters degree to be the perfect next step.

Stirling’s MSc Behavioural Science offered a rare combination of academic depth and real-world application. Studying part-time allowed me to continue working while integrating behavioural insights into my day-to-day policy work.

After graduating, I led the Wellbeing and Prevention Unit at the Scottish Government, delivering COVID-19 mental health policies. I was then seconded to the Cabinet Office as a Behavioural Scientist during the pandemic, before joining HMRC’s Behavioural Science team.

Currently, I work in the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) as a Senior Policy Advisor, tackling public policy challenges in areas like inequality and employment.

A behavioural science course that gives you the theory and practical skills

The MSc equipped me with the critical thinking and practical tools I needed to embed behavioural insights into policymaking. It was instrumental in opening doors to behavioural science roles both within government and beyond.

A highlight of the course was my thesis, which explored whether moralised nudges could reduce pandemic hoarding intentions. It felt empowering to apply behavioural science to a problem so closely tied to public concerns and government challenges. It was the part of the course where everything came together for me.

Gained a strong network of peers

I value the community I found through the MSc. It introduced me to a supportive network of brilliant, talented people that I’ve continued to learn from. I’d wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to apply behavioural science in policy or practice.

It's a flexible, applied course that helps you turn behavioural science into practical, real-world change.