Karl Purcell

MSc Behavioural Science

United Kingdom

Karl Purcell

After completing a Business Studies degree, Karl took on a teaching assistant role in economics. It was during this time that he discovered behavioural science and came across the Masters course at the University of Stirling. Karl tell us his story.

The best decision I’ve ever made

I saw a blog post promoting the course, and it perfectly captured how behavioural science can offer a deeper understanding of human decision making. I applied and it was the best decision I’ve ever made!”

The MSc Behavioural Science equipped me with practical tools I now uses daily. I learned how to design reliable field experiments and apply behavioural frameworks to real-world challenges. Those skills have shaped every role I’ve had since.

Behavioural Science brough to life by the lecturers

What made the Masters truly exceptional was the way our lecturers brought behavioural science to life. They constantly challenged us to engage deeply and showed us how behavioural science can be applied to improve real-world outcomes for good.

After graduating, I worked as an Economist with the Irish Government Economic Evaluation Service (IGEES), where I helped launch Ireland’s first behavioural randomised control trail (RCT). Later I led the Behavioural Economics Unit at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. I now works as a Senior Behavioural Scientist at Irrational Labs in the USA, where I help to design products that improve health, wealth, and happiness.

Stirling’s MSc Behavioural Science was one of the most intellectually stimulating periods of my life. And hey, I met my wife on campus, so overall a pretty sweet deal!