Behavioural and Economic Science (Economics) (MSc) (2022 Entry)
About this taught graduate course
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 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
General entry requirements
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
You can find out more about our English language requirements. 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 page.
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Core modules
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 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
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.
We offer a bespoke English Language course to assist with writing styles for assessment.
Class sizes
Core modules range from 50-175 students and classes have typically around 15-20 students.
Typical contact hours
An average of 8-10 hours of lectures and 3 hours of classes per week.
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.
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.
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
- 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
Economics at Warwick
We're an inclusive, diverse community committed to the highest quality research which informs our teaching on our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Many of our experts are leaders in their field.
We hold regular live chats for prospective students and offer holders. Please see the live chat schedule for Economics.
Find out more about us on our website.
Our Postgraduate courses
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.
Taught course fees Research 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, however we are awaiting guidance from the UK government regarding fee status for EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members living in the UK for academic year 2021/22 onwards. We are not able to confirm the fee status for these students until the relevant eligibility criteria have been confirmed. Once we have received further information from the UK government, we will provide you with an update on your fee status and let you know if any additional information is required. 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
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.
Taught course applications
Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.
Research course applications
Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.
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.
Postgraduate Open Day
Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.Postgraduate fairs
Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.
Live chats
Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.
Departmental events
Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.
Connect with us
Want to hear more about postgraduate study at Warwick? Register your interest and find out more.