Course Structure
Important information
We are planning to make changes to our Behavioural and Economic Science (Science Track) MSc degree for 2024 entry. Changes to core modules go through the University’s rigorous academic processes. As module changes are confirmed, we will update the course information page 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.
Which track should I apply for?
The two tracks of the MSc in Behavioural and Economic Science are very similar, and differ mostly in the Term 1 modules students take, depending on their undergraduate background. Both tracks offer modules on the design, conduct and analysis of behavioural experiments and the analysis of large-scale datasets, and provide the opportunity to complete an empirical research project.
Economics Track
The Economics Track is intended for those with an undergraduate degree which is explicitly in Economics. Students attend a short pre-sessional maths and statistics course before the term starts and usually take modules in Econometrics and Microeconomics in Term 1.
Science Track
The Science Track is intended for those with an undergraduate degree in Science, or another quantitative subject with few Economics-based modules. Students usually take a module in Behavioural Microeconomics in Term 1, which introduces classic microeconomics and the relationship to the new behavioural approach.
Modules
Science Track |
Economics Track |
Pre-term |
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| Introduction to Maths and Stats | |
Term 1This list is indicative of core modules students may take on the MSc in Behavioural & Economic Science, the actual core modules running in your year may vary from the below |
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| PS923 Methods and Analysis in Behavioural Science (15 CATS) |
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| IB9AM Behavioural Microeconomics (30 CATS) |
EC907 Quantitative Methods: Econometrics A (30 CATS) or EC987 Quantitative Methods: Econometrics B (30 CATS) 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 |
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EC901 Microeconomics A (30 CATS) or EC9D3 Microeconomics B (30 CATS) Each module 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 |
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Term 2Students will be able to choose either 90 CATS (Science Track) or 75 CATS (Economics Track) worth of modules from a range such as those listed below. Please note, modules may change year on year. |
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EC984 Experimental Economics |
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| EC989 Behavioural Economics (15 CATS) |
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| IB9AN Principles of Cognition (15 CATS) |
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IB9ZC Behavioural Ethics |
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| PS918 Psychological Models of Choice (15 CATS) |
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| PS919 Behavioural Change: Nudging & Persuasion (15 CATS) |
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PS927 Neuroeconomics |
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IB9Y2 Behavioural Finance |
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Term 3This module is core for all students. |
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| PS916 Behavioural & Economic Science Project (45 CATS) |
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Teaching and Assessment
You will be taught by leading academics in the field of Psychology, Economics and Business.
Teaching consists of lectures and seminars and we hold additional workshops for practical study. You will have an average of eight–ten hours of lectures and two–four hours of seminars per week.
We also offer a bespoke English Language course to assist with writing styles for assessment.
Assessment is a mixture of essays, modelling and data analysis, class tests, exams, and presentations.