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’re concerned with public policy and its implementation. It also provides an excellent foundation if you’re 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.

Core modules

• Economic Analysis: Microeconomics (A or B)
• Quantitative Methods (A or B)
• Issues in Psychological Science
• Methods and Analysis in Behavioural Science
• Behavioural and Economic Science Project

Optional modules

Previously, a selection of the following options have been offered:

• Experimental Economics
• Behavioural Economics
• Psychological Modules of Choice
• Behavioural Change: Nudging and Persuasion
• Neuroeconomics
• Principles of Cognition
• Behavioural Finance

Teaching

Teaching consists of lectures and seminars and we hold laboratory-based sessions for the practical study of statistical programmes and for the design, conduct and analysis of behavioural experiments.

You can expect to spend an average of 22 hours per week learning 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 independence study time will increase as you complete your research project.

We also offer a bespoke English Language course to assist with writing styles for assessment.

Contact Hours

An average of 8-10 hours of lectures and 2-5 hours of seminars per week.

Class Sizes

Core modules range from 50 -250 students and seminars have typically around 15-20 students.

Assessment

Assessment is through formal examinations and coursework, including a mixture of essays, modelling and data analysis, class tests, exams, and presentations and a research project.

Skills from this degree

• Ability to synthesise and evaluate a theoretical and empirical literature
• Understand and apply a range of research methods and tools
• Understand basic principles of research design and strategy, including an understanding of how to formulate researchable problems and an appreciation of alternative approaches to research
• Written and oral communication skills
• 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

Minimum requirements 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 Band A
Overall score 6.5 and none below 6.0 is required

International Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.

For up-to-date information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home, EU and Overseas students please visit Warwick's Fees and Funding webpage.

Additional Course Costs

Economics students will need to buy a calculator at a cost of approximately £10. Social events and trips organised by the department are free of charge.

Graduates from these courses have gone on to work for employers including: Accenture; Deloitte; European Central Bank; European Commission; HSBC; KPMG; Nielsen and UNESCO. 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 Event
• Investment Banking Uncovered
• Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
• Mock Assessment Centre workshops
• Manage Your Digital Identity and Use LinkedIn Effectively

Live Chats

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