Core modules
The course allows you to gain strong knowledge in each of the disciplines while also enabling you to specialise according to your interests and strengths.
The first year comprises of core foundation modules in each subject, which will support you with the foundation of the disciplines. You may also choose to take additional optional modules to further explore areas of interest. In Economics, Mathematical and Statistical modules are available at either an intermediate or advanced level, to suit students’ existing knowledge.
In the second year you can choose between four pathways (Tripartite EPP, Philosophy and Psychology, Economics with Philosophy or Behavioural Economics) to guide your remaining choices.
Depending on your pathway, you will be able to graduate with either a BA or BSc.
In your second and third years, you will take a combination of modules from the departments to complement your pathway, combining a number of core modules with your own optional module choices. In third year, all students study the interdisciplinary EPP module, bringing together the subjects and focussing on topics at the intersection of the disciplines.
You may also choose to apply for an intercalated year, spent either studying abroad or on a work placement. This extends the duration of your degree to four years and will be reflected in your degree qualification.
Important information
We are planning to make some exciting changes to our Economics, Psychology and Philosophy (EPP) (BA/BSc) for 2026 entry. We continually review our curricula to reflect developments in the relevant disciplines to deliver the best educational experience. The core and optional modules will undergo approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As modules are approved, we will update the course information 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 to receive updates.
Year One
You'll develop an understanding of fundamental and intermediate concepts in micro- and macroeconomic analysis, equipping you with a range of appropriate analytical skills, including descriptive, graphical and mathematical methods. This will develop your ability to analyse economic trends, institutions and policies and the capacity to apply analytical techniques to real-world problems.
Information correct as of 2024-25 year of entry
This module introduces you to the history of psychology and core topics in developmental and cognitive psychology. You'll be able to discuss some of the classic studies, critically appreciate the main concepts and take a historical perspective on psychology as a science.
This module will introduce the biological and methodological basis of current approaches to sensing, responding, and learning. The module has two sections. The first section presents a basic introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system. The second section presents an understanding of how organisms detect and respond to stimulation and how learning and goal-directed action are rooted in the brain.
You'll study a wide-ranging introduction to philosophy, including ancient, continental, moral and political philosophy, followed by epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of mind and aesthetics, and logic. You'll learn to engage critically with different viewpoints and critically analyse and evaluate arguments central to philosophy.
Quantitative Techniques
This module combines two modules: Mathematical Techniques and Statistical Techniques. You may study these topics at either an intermediate or advanced level, depending on your existing Maths qualifications.
You will cover topics ranging from algebra and calculus to distributions and hypothesis testing, which will provide you with key skills and knowledge that will then be applied in many other modules.
In addition, you will be introduced to some advanced statistical software packages, which will help you learn about a range of techniques to analyse data and different ways in which you can present data.
The module provides an introduction to mathematical techniques appropriate for joint honour degrees with Economics. You will gain understanding of key concepts in univariate and multivariate calculus, optimization, and linear algebra, and how they are applied within economics. You will also develop appropriate maths-related technical computing skills.
Information correct as of 2024-25 year of entry
Students will be given the opportunity to develop the requisite quantitative skills for a rigorous study of contemporary economics, including univariate and multivariate calculus, constrained optimization and matrix algebra. The module incorporates both the essential mathematical methods as well as illustrative economic applications. You will also develop appropriate maths-related technical computing skills.
Information correct as of 2024-25 year of entry
This module will provide you with an introduction to statistical ideas in economic and social studies, probability theory and techniques of statistical inference. By the end of the module you'll be able to demonstrate an awareness of statistical ideas and a foundation in statistics.
Information correct as of 2024-25 year of entry
This module will provide you with the requisite quantitative background for a thorough and rigorous study of economic analysis, econometric methods and applied economics subjects acting as a secure foundation for your further study on the course. You'll develop knowledge of statistical methods and statistical modelling and generate an awareness of data and of data handling.
Information correct as of 2024-25 year of entry
Year Two (optional cores taken depending on pathway)
Economics
In this module, you'll develop a deeper understanding of some of the key economic concepts introduced in your first year but will also be introduced to new concepts in both micro- and macroeconomic analysis. These include material drawn from general equilibrium, welfare economics, game theory, risk and uncertainty within microeconomics and the three-equation macro model, open economy macroeconomics and the labour market within macroeconomics. It will introduce you to the analysis of public policy issues such as market failure, insurance, monetary unions and fiscal policy, and will give you a range of tools to analyse economic problems. Your analysis will be underpinned by a rigorous theoretical understanding acquired on the course.
You'll learn important skills of both academic and vocational value, an essential part of the intellectual training of an economist and social scientist, and also useful for your future career. These skills include awareness of the empirical approach to economics and social science; reviewing and extending fundamental statistical concepts; methods of data collection and analysis; regression analysis, its extensions and applications; and use of statistical packages such as STATA. You will then be able to apply this knowledge to a research project of your own.
You'll be equipped with important skills of both academic and vocational value, being an essential part of the intellectual training of an economist and also useful for your future career. This includes an awareness of the empirical approach to economics; experience in analysis and use of empirical data; understanding the nature of uncertainty and methods of dealing with it; and using econometric software packages (Stata and R) as tools of quantitative and statistical analysis. With the required necessary skills and knowledge to critically appraise work in applied economics, you'll have a good grasp of the dangers, pitfalls and problems encountered in applied modelling. You will then be able to apply this knowledge to a research project.
Microeconomics enables students to develop a deeper understanding of microeconomic concepts introduced in first-year analysis. It introduces students to new concepts and develops their understanding of more complex micro concepts, such as general equilibrium analysis and game theory. Topics covered may include consumer theory, choice under uncertainty, market failures, and competition and firm behaviour.
Psychology
In this module, you'll investigate cognitive processes that underlie language, decision making and problem solving, in the context of investigating the evolution, biological mechanisms, and cognitive processes of language and communication. You'll master key findings and methods in psycholinguistics and cognitive science, and be able to critically evaluate theories of language and cognition.
If you are curious about the psychology of perceiving, planning and acting, and the role of perception in controlling and guiding movement, this module is for you. You'll deepen your understanding of perception through the study of neuropsychological deficits, and understand how the study of neuropsychological impairments has helped to develop theories for intact perception, planning and action. You'll evaluate the classic theories of selective attention, and understand how perception and action are linked. We will also examine how visual and somatosensory systems are involved in governing and planning movement, and learn how complex movements are generated by simple mechanisms in the body.
Philosophy
Philosophical investigation is indispensable for fully understanding many discoveries in the behavioural sciences, and for identifying new areas of investigation. Key questions include: Are any cognitive processes modular? Is a distinction such as that between implicit and explicit knowledge needed in explaining cognitive development? Are there distinct roles for intention and motor representation in explaining the purposiveness of action? What is categorical perception and how is it related to phenomenology? Are there multiple systems for tracking others’ actions, beliefs and other mental states? Can emotions or other mental phenomena be known by means of perceiving them? When two or more agents act together, in virtue of what can their actions have a collective goal? What is it for agents to act together cooperatively, or to be committed to do so?
Warwick Business School
This module explores the origins and basis of human sociality and cooperation using an interdisciplinary approach that includes theories and empirical findings from psychology, economics, sociology, biology and anthropology. It addresses evolutionary mechanisms, psychological mechanisms (from a developmental and comparative perspective) and societal mechanisms underlying human social and cooperative interactions. It will address a variety of topics and questions such as: How does prosocial behaviour develop in life (ontogeny)? What are the evolutionary roots of human cooperation and morality? What is the role of social norms in societies? How can our knowledge about human sociality improve decisions in business and public policy?
Year Three
This module is for EPP students only and introduces students to questions spanning the disciplines of economics, psychology and philosophy and aims to set the three disciplines in interdisciplinary dialogue with each other. Students will explore issues related to group thinking, the nature of reasoning that characterises group interactions, and the ways in which group thinking can lead to failures of reasoning.
This module aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding of economic decision making by emphasising how psychological and experimental findings (from the field and laboratory) have shaped contemporary economic models. In particular, you will learn about recent theoretical developments modelling consumer behaviour, especially in relation to preferences and judgements in situations involving risk, uncertainty and time. The module will also broaden your knowledge of the way models and theories are empirically or experimentally tested.
Optional modules
Across Years Two and Three you may choose optional modules either from within the EPP departments or from departments across the University, including Warwick Business School. In your Final Year you can choose to research and write a dissertation or Economics research project.
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
