Behavioural and Economic Science (Economics) (MSc) (2022 Entry)
This course emphasises both theoretical foundations and real-world application in core and advanced areas of behavioural economics, and the cognitive science of judgement and decision making. It is for you if you intend to work in a business environment (e.g. consumer-led industries and the financial sector), and if you are concerned with public policy and its implementation.
It also provides an excellent foundation if you are intending to undertake further postgraduate research. A 20,000-word written project report provides an opportunity to explore your own interests across these fields of study.
The Economics variant of the course is designed for students with a first degree in Economics. A Science track variant of the course is offered by the Department of Psychology and is available if you have a first degree in Science.
You will be automatically enrolled on a pre-sessional Mathematics and Statistics programme to equip you with the relevant methodological skills you need to succeed on the course.
Skills from this degree
- Gain a theoretical understanding of key models and results in behavioural economics and economic psychology
- Ability to design, conduct and analyse behavioural experiments
- Implement models of choice
- Access and analyse large-scale datasets
- Initiate economic enquiry and test economic models
- Numeracy and quantitative skills: use of mathematics and diagrams, understanding data, statistical analysis
- Use of IT including word processing and spreadsheet packages; specialist econometric, statistical, and other software; the internet
- Written and oral communication skills
2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) specialising mainly in economics. This means you should have achieved a good standard in undergraduate courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics/economic statistics at an intermediate level.
We also expect a good standard achieved in mathematics taken at undergraduate level.
English Language requirements header
- Band A
- Overall score 6.5 and none below 6.0 is required.
International requirements header
Additional requirements header
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
The following basic structure applies to MSc Behavioural and Economic Science (Economics Track):
An online Pre-sessional Mathematics and Statistics course for the first two weeks. You will need a computer with good internet access to allow for this period of online study.
- Microeconomics A
or
- Microeconomics B
These Term One modules will develop your understanding of advanced microeconomic analysis, with a more applied version (A) or a more technical/theoretically orientated version (B). As a guide, we expect students opting for the B version to have obtained the equivalent of a First class mark (70%) in their undergraduate studies, though we will consider a request to take a B variant even if that prerequisite is not met.
- Quantitative Methods: Econometrics A
or
- Quantitative Methods: Econometrics B
Both modules are taught in Term One. Econometrics A covers fundamental econometrics research skills and Econometrics B will supplement the development of these key and fundamental professional skills by looking at more advanced topics.
- Issues in Psychological Science
- Methods and Analysis in Behavioural Science
- Behavioural and Economic Science Project
- Five optional modules
Students need to have previously completed undergraduate courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics/economic statistics at an intermediate level. The MSc Behavioural and Economic Science (Economics Track) is a quantitative degree and students will need to be competent in several areas of mathematics. All students attend a short pre-sessional mathematics and statistics course before the term starts.
Core and optional core modules
- Microeconomics A or Microeconomics B
- Quantitative Methods: Econometrics A or Quantitative Methods: Econometrics B
- Issues in Psychological Science
- Methods and Analysis in Behavioural Science
- Behavioural and Economic Science Project
Read more about the core and optional core modules on our Economics web pages.
Optional module header
- Experimental Economics
- Behavioural Economics
- Psychological Modules of Choice
- Behavioural Change: Nudging and Persuasion
- Neuroeconomics
- Bayesian Approaches to Behavioural Science
- Principles of Cognition
- Behavioural Ethics
- Behavioural Finance
You will have a combination of lectures, small group support and feedback classes, and practical classes or workshops. You will also learn through independent study, which will include reading journals and books, completing problem sets and assessments, revising for exams and undertaking research. In the summer term and summer vacation your independent study time will increase as you complete your research project.
We offer a bespoke English Language course to assist with writing styles for assessment.
Class size header
Core modules range from 50-175 students and classes have typically around 15-20 students.
Contact hours header
An average of 8-10 hours of lectures and 3 hours of classes per week.
Assessment header
Assessment is through formal examinations and coursework, including a mixture of worksheets, essays, research reports, modelling and data analysis, class tests, exams, presentations and a research project.
Reading lists
Most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web page.
Your timetable
Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.