Nottingham Trent University is offering postgraduate students the chance to learn the psychology behind online gaming, gambling and dating.

The Masters in Cyberpsychology will run as part of the university’s School of Social Sciences. It is in response to the growing importance of the role of digital technologies in modern life.

Students on the full-time course will learn about social networking, cybercrime, artificial intelligence and online relationships and sexuality to help them develop an understanding of how people respond to and operate within cyberspace.

Course leader Dr Monica Whitty said: “The knowledge and skills obtained would be invaluable in a wide range of careers and activities.

"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.”

People wishing to apply for the course must have completed a degree in psychology, cognitive science, computer science, game design, IT or related areas.