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Behavioural and Economic Science (Economics Track) (MSc) (2024 Entry)

Economics students at the University of Warwick

Explore our Behavioural and Economic Science (Economics Track) taught Master's degree.

Our MSc in Behavioural and Economic Science (Economics Track) is designed for students with an Economics degree. Warwick's Department of Economics, ranked 1st in the UK (The Good University Guide 2023) and 22nd in the World (The QS World University Subject Rankings 2023), offers you a programme examining theoretical and real-world applications of decision science and behavioural economics.


Course overview

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 variantLink opens in a new window of the course is offered by the Department of PsychologyLink opens in a new window 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 deeper understanding of how and why people make the choices they do.
  • Understand how influencing such choices is important across a variety of domains, from public policy (e.g. encouraging people to save for pensions), through to industry (e.g. how to place a new product in the market), and individual behaviour (e.g. why people drink and eat too much).
  • Develop a theoretical understanding of key models and results in behavioural economics and judgement and decision making.
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

View a full list of frequently asked questions from the Department of Economics.Link opens in a new window


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:1 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

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

  • Band A
  • Overall score 6.5 and none below 6.0 is required.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Core modules

Important information

We are planning to make some changes to our MSc Behavioural and Economic Science (Economics Track) course for 2024 entry. Core modules undergo approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As any changes are confirmed, they will be included in the module list on this webpage. It is therefore very important that you check this webpage for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer. Sign up for updates.Link opens in a new window

The following basic structure applies to MSc Behavioural and Economic Science (Economics Track):

Microeconomics A or Microeconomics B

These 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

This module covers core psychology and behavioural science content relevant to later modules in the degree, including memory, attention, perception, personality and individual differences, choice, and subjective well-being. It will provide you with the psychological background to enable you to understand and critically evaluate material on those later modules.

Methods and Analysis in Behavioural Science

The purpose of the module is to introduce you to experimental design and statistical programming. Behavioural scientists need statistical analysis of experimental data and of large data sets. This module covers these topics to allow you to understand how to test hypotheses, plan experimental design and perform statistical analysis using R.

Behavioural and Economic Science Project

You will have the opportunity to investigate and carry out novel research in the area of economic psychology and experimental economics.


Optional modules

Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:

  • 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 choose four optional modules to complete.

Read more about the modules on our Economics web pages.Link opens in a new window

Teaching

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.

Class sizes

Your lecture size will naturally vary, especially for the optional modules, but also for core lectures.

Some of the larger modules may have 50-200 students in them. You will then typically have weekly support and feedback classes with around 15-20 students.

Typical contact hours

An average of 8-10 hours of lectures and 3 hours of classes per week.

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.

Pre-Sessional Mathematics and Statistics

The MSc Behavioural and Economic Science (Economics Track) is a quantitative degree and students will need to be competent in several areas of mathematics. You are required to attend a pre-sessional course, Introductory Mathematics and Statistics, which will be taught in the two weeks before the University’s main term begins.

The course is designed to ensure that your maths and statistical knowledge and skills are at the standard required for you to succeed on the rest of the MSc course and it consists of both lectures and a small learning group. Further information can be found on our Introductory Maths and Statistics web pageLink opens in a new window.


Assessment

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.

Your career in Economics

Graduates from our Master’s courses have gone on to work for employers including:

  • Bank of America
  • Bank of China
  • China Merchants Bank
  • Citibank
  • Deloitte
  • EY
  • European Central Bank
  • Frontier Economics
  • HM Treasury
  • HSBC
  • IMF
  • KPMG
  • World Trade Organisation

They have pursued roles such as:

  • Economists
  • Analysts
  • Consultants
  • Researchers
  • Business and financial project management professionals
  • Chartered and certified accountants
  • Actuaries
  • Statisticians
  • Quality assurance and regulatory professionals

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

  • Careers in Economics Webinar Series with speakers from our Economics Alumni community
  • Careers in Economics Fair with key employers held annually in November
  • Investment Banking Uncovered
  • Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
  • Mock Assessment Centre workshops
  • Manage Your Digital Identity and Use LinkedIn Effectively

Economics at Warwick

We are committed to rigorous training of the next generation of economists in the tools and techniques of the discipline, producing cutting-edge research that has wide and deep impact on society and the economy, and creating strong collaborations. Our work has established Warwick Economics as one of the leading centres of economic research internationally.

We hold regular live chats for prospective students and offer holders. Please see the live chat schedule for Economics.

Visit the Economics website to find out more


Our Postgraduate courses

Academic Resources Portal

The Department of Economics have put together a portal of academic resources recommended by faculty members for anyone who may be considering studying economics at postgraduate level.

Economics Academic Resources Portal

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your taught course fees  


Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support. 

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed. 

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.


Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Economics Scholarships

There are a number of scholarships available for students looking to undertake study a Taught Masters in Economics at the University of Warwick. Below are the scholarships relevant for students looking to study within the Department of Economics.

Economics Excellence Scholarship

The Department of Economics will award one Master’s scholarship (of 100% of tuition fees) to an outstanding applicant who has firmly accepted their offer by the 20th May 2024 on one of our one-year taught MSc courses.

Economics Regional Scholarship

The Department of Economics will award two Master’s scholarships (of 50% of tuition fees) to students who are nationals of, and domiciled in any country located in Africa or South America, who have firmly accepted their offer by the 20th May 2024, on one of our one-year taught MSc courses.

Alumni Discount Scheme

If you are a Graduate of the University of Warwick and are of home or overseas fee status, you will be able to access a 10% tuition fee discount on this course.

Warwick Taught Master's Scholarship

The University of Warwick offers a number of Warwick Taught Masters Scholarships, which are available to eligible Home/EU students from under-represented groups who wish to start a postgraduate taught master's course.

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

How to apply

Applications to our Economics Master’s programmes typically open in October and close in June.

Find out more about our application deadlines including when we will make offers.Link opens in a new window

How to apply for a postgraduate taught course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Warwick Hosted EventsLink opens in a new window

Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.

Postgraduate Fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Live chats

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.