Behavioural Economics MSc 2027 entry

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2027

Behavioural Economics MSc

Full-time: 12 months
Part-time: Not available
Start date: September 2027
UK fees: 拢17,400
International fees: 拢31,700
Entry requirements: 2:1

Course overview

Our Behavioural Economics MSc combines the study of advanced economics topics together with a focus on the human and social issues influencing the decisions made by consumers, borrowers and investors. It combines insights from economics and psychology to understand how people make decisions.

This course is informed by the world-leading research of the Centre for Decision Research and Experimental Economics (CeDEx). Behavioural science research is increasingly used by public and private sector organisations to improve organisational performance and enhance human and environmental welfare. You will learn about the experimental methods used by our researchers and have the opportunity to design and conduct a pilot experiment.

You will also focus in depth on behavioural economics when you work on your dissertation, for which we offer one-to-one supervision from a member of the CeDEx research group.

With an advanced economics degree from the 糖心原创, you will graduate with all the knowledge, practical skills and confidence you need to stand out to employers and progress as a professional economist or academic researcher.

Our graduates have successfully secured positions at top organisations such as Barclays, Bloomberg, Deloitte, Economist Intelligence Unit, Goldman Sachs, IBM, PwC, and Thomson Reuters.

Why choose this course?

2nd in the world

in the field of cognitive and behavioural economics

Top 10 in the UK

for economics

Attend workshops

run by CeDEx, which feature speakers from across the world

One-to-one supervision

by a faculty member for your dissertation

Earn two degrees

with the opportunity to transfer to our dual degree, spending a second year in Germany

Build experience

Build industry experience - Boost your real-world skills with our faculty placements programme

World top 100

for economics and econometrics

Course content

The course is made up of 120 credits of core and optional taught modules, plus a 60-credit dissertation on a subject of your choice.

Semester one

In semester one, you will take modules in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, econometric theory and economic data analysis. In the first two weeks we also provide a refresher course on mathematics and statistics.

Semester two

In semester two, you will take two further required modules in behavioural economic theory and experimental methods in economics, and choose two optional modules. You will also start work on your dissertation by taking a module in economic research methodology.

Dissertation

After completing your semester two modules, you will undertake an in-depth dissertation, with one-to-one support from an expert academic supervisor. This will demonstrate familiarity with a particular area of behavioural economics.

Modules

Course structure

Core modules

Microeconomic Theory

This module covers:

modern techniques of microeconomic theory
foundations and applications of game theory
information economics

Econometric Theory

This module teaches the core techniques of econometric theory, including:

detailed analysis of the multiple linear regression model
large sample theory
asymptotic testing procedures
non-linear techniques
mis-specification testing

Economic Data Analysis

This module provides you with 'hands on' training in the use, presentation and interpretation of economic data, including time series, cross-section and panel data. It comprises of:

an introduction to basic principles of economic data analysis
descriptive statistics
hypothesis testing
simple and multiple regression
introduction to panel data
introduction to dynamic modelling
time series models

The module will include a series of practical classes using econometrics software packages.

Behavioural Economic Theory

The module explores the psychological underpinnings of economic behaviour and of recent theories in behavioural economics. Topics covered include:

Introduction to behavioural economics
Choice and risk
Reference-dependence and loss aversion
Choice and time
Social preferences I: inequality aversion
Social preferences II: reciprocity and psychological games
Models of strategic thinking

Experimental Methods in Economics

This module covers the following:

Foundation in the research method of modern laboratory experimentation
Economics as an experimental subject
Rationale for experiments, applications and practicalities, considered in the context of specific experiments and programmes of experiments

MSc Dissertation: Economics

A period of research and study designed to allow you to demonstrate familiarity with a particular area of economic theory or policy, or of applied economics or econometrics, and the ability to apply a specific analytical and/or empirical technique.

Optional modules

Two from:

Topics in Financial Economics

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

Lectures
Tutorials
Computer labs
Supervision

How you will be assessed

Coursework
Presentation
Dissertation
Written exam
Group project

Modules are assessed by a combination of exams and coursework at the end of the relevant semester.

Contact time and study hours

Each module will have on average three contact hours per week, made up of a mixture of lectures, tutorials and computer classes.

As well as scheduled teaching, you'll carry out extensive self-directed study such as reading, researching, analysis and notetaking, preparing assessments and collaborating with fellow students. 鈥痀our independent study is enabled by access to facilities and resources including the University libraries, study spaces and Moodle, and access to academic staff.

As a guide, 20 credits (a typical module) is approximately 200 hours of work (combined teaching and self-directed study).

During June, July and August, you will work on your dissertation, supported by one-to-one supervision meetings with your supervisor.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2027 entry.

Undergraduate degree2:1 (or international equivalent) in a discipline with significant economics content, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics and econometrics modules. We also require some sort of economics mathematics content. Generally, this is found in modules such as calculus, linear algebra, economics mathematics, or quantitative economics.

International and EU equivalentsWe accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.

For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.

IELTS6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

English language requirementsAs well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our聽Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The 糖心原创 does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university鈥檚 if you need advice about your visa options.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.

Applying

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply

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Where you will learn

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, the sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Fees

Qualification	MSc
Home / UK	£17,400
International	£31,700

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles, which could cost up to £60.

Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or r茅sum茅, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the 糖心原创 include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

This course is particularly relevant if you wish to pursue behavioural or experimental economics research at PhD level, or a career in a wide range of fields, including finance.

It provides a logical and rigorous perspective on human behaviour which is valued by a wide range of employers around the world, in banking, business, consulting, government and academia.

Our graduates now work in academia, government and the private sector, at organisations such as Barclays, Bloomberg, Deloitte, Economist Intelligence Unit, Goldman Sachs, IBM, PwC, and Thomson Reuters.

Career progression

97.4% of postgraduates from the School of Economics secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average starting salary was £34,975.*

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23.

This course does not include an integrated placement option. However, you can apply for internships and placements through the Postgraduate Placements Nottingham (PPN) scheme and the Faculty of Social Sciences placements scheme, giving you the opportunity to develop key skills and experience in the workplace.

The school has professional links with the University of Tübingen in Germany. If you complete the taught component of this course, you can transfer onto our dual degree and spend a second year in Tübingen (dependent upon any travel restrictions). This is a great opportunity to travel abroad and study at a highly ranked university in a beautiful part of Germany.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates