Triangle

Course overview

Our Behavioural Economics MSc combines the study of advanced economics topics together with a focus on the human and social issues influencing the decisions made by consumers, borrowers and investors. It combines insights from economics and psychology to understand how people make decisions.

This course is informed by the world-leading research of the Centre for Decision Research and Experimental Economics (CeDEx). Behavioural science research is increasingly used by public and private sector organisations to improve organisational performance and enhance human and environmental welfare. You will learn about the experimental methods used by our researchers and have the opportunity to design and conduct a pilot experiment.

In the second semester of your programme you will tailored to your career aspirations and interests, including “Experimental Methods in Economics” and “Behavioural Economic Theory”. You will also focus in depth on behavioural economics when you work on your dissertation, for which we offer one-to-one supervision from a member of the CeDEx research group.

With an advanced economics degree from the University of Nottingham, you will graduate with all the knowledge, practical skills and confidence you need to stand out to employers and progress as a professional economist or academic researcher.

Our graduates have successfully secured positions at top organisations such as Barclays, Bloomberg, Deloitte, Economist Intelligence Unit, Goldman Sachs, IBM, PwC, and Thomson Reuters. 

Why choose this course?

2nd in the world

in the field of cognitive and behavioural economics

Attend workshops

run by CeDEx, which feature speakers from across the world

One-to-one supervision

by a faculty member for your dissertation

Earn two degrees

with the opportunity to transfer to our dual degree, spending a second year in Germany

Gain real experience

by applying for internships and placements through our faculty placements programme

Top 100 worldwide

for economics

Course content

The course is made up of 120 credits of core and optional taught modules, plus a 60-credit dissertation on a subject of your choice.

Semester one

In semester one, you will take modules in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, econometric theory and economic data analysis. In the first two weeks we also provide a refresher course on mathematics and statistics.

Semester two

In semester two, you will take two further required modules in behavioural economic theory and experimental methods in economics, and choose two optional modules. You will also start work on your dissertation by taking a module in economic research methodology.

Dissertation

After completing your semester two modules, you will undertake an in-depth dissertation, with one-to-one support from an expert academic supervisor. This will demonstrate familiarity with a particular area of behavioural economics.

Modules

Core modules

Behavioural Economic Theory

The module explores the psychological underpinnings of economic behaviour and of recent theories in behavioural economics. Topics covered include:

  • Introduction to behavioural economics
  • Choice and risk
  • Reference-dependence and loss aversion
  • Choice and time
  • Social preferences I: inequality aversion
  • Social preferences II: reciprocity and psychological games
  • Models of strategic thinking
Experimental Methods in Economics

This module covers the following:

  • Foundation in the research method of modern laboratory experimentation
  • Economics as an experimental subject
  • Rationale for experiments, applications and practicalities, considered in the context of specific experiments and programmes of experiments
Microeconomic Theory

This module covers:

  • modern techniques of microeconomic theory
  • foundations and applications of game theory
  • information economics
Macroeconomic Theory

This module will cover analytical and theoretical issues in macroeconomics including:

  • modelling aggregate variables under adaptive and rational expectations
  • modelling with imperfect competition
  • constructing overlapping generations models
  • price inertia
Econometric Theory

This module teaches the core techniques of econometric theory, including:

  • detailed analysis of the multiple linear regression model
  • large sample theory
  • asymptotic testing procedures
  • non-linear techniques
  • mis-specification testing
Economic Data Analysis

This module provides you with 'hands on' training in the use, presentation and interpretation of economic data, including time series, cross-section and panel data. It comprises of:

  • an introduction to basic principles of economic data analysis
  • descriptive statistics
  • hypothesis testing
  • simple and multiple regression
  • introduction to panel data
  • introduction to dynamic modelling
  • time series models

The module will include a series of practical classes using econometrics software packages.

Economic Research Methodology

This module covers the following:

  • A review of perspectives on the principles and philosophical foundations of economic enquiry
  • The construction and evaluation of theories and research programmes
  • The role of models and concepts of rationality in economics
  • Alternative empirical methods
  • Professional practice
MSc Dissertation: Economics

A period of research and study designed to allow you to demonstrate familiarity with a particular area of economic theory or policy, or of applied economics or econometrics, and the ability to apply a specific analytical and/or empirical technique.

Optional modules

Two from:

Advanced Microeconomic Theory

This module examines central theoretical aspects from modern microeconomic theory, paying particular emphasis on game theory, imperfect competition and incomplete information.

Advanced Macroeconomic Methods

This module covers the theory for the solution and estimation of dynamic stochastic models that are widely used in all fields of macroeconomics. The module is structured in a way such that you will be exposed both to theory and the practical implementation of the methods taught.

It covers topics from approximation methods for stochastic non-linear macroeconomic models, such as linear and higher-order Taylor approximation as well as dynamic programming techniques. It also exposes students to the empirical evaluation of these models ranging from calibration to classical and Bayesian estimation methods.

The module applies the techniques to contemporary general equilibrium macroeconomic models designed for positive and policy analysis such as the New Keynesian model but also models that are designed to explain partial equilibrium behaviour such as consumer saving and industry investment.

Applied Behavioural Economics

The module will cover a selection of topics in applied behavioural economics where a substantial literature has already developed.

Possible areas include behavioural approaches to: labour economics, public economics, financial economics, development economics.

Applied Microeconometrics

The module considers modern econometric techniques for modelling microeconomic data. It covers four broad econometric techniques:

  • Robust standard errors and applications
  • Discrete choices model
  • Microeconometric policy evaluation methods for observational studies
  • Instrumental variables and GMM estimation
Big Data Economics

This module will focus on advanced Big Data methods and their applications in various economics problems. Topics of the module include:

  • nonlinear models
  • tree-based models
  • support vector machines
  • unsupervised learning and applications in international trade
  • household finance
  • macro forecasting
  • labor economics
  • text analysis
Development Microeconomics

This module employs tools of microeconomic analysis to address topics central to development issues in low-income countries. One part concentrates on issues concerning household behaviour covering intrahousehold allocation, production, risk, migration and rural markets (especially credit), while the second part focuses on poverty and income distribution, covering measurement, income dynamics, and poverty reduction strategies.

Development Policy Analysis

Examples of types of policy issues addressed include:

  • randomised controlled trials to evaluate policy interventions
  • trade policy reform
  • welfare impact of economic partnership agreements
  • growth and innovation
  • dealing with public debt
Economics of Corporate Finance

This module offers an introduction to the economics of corporate finance. It is designed to provide you with the basic theoretical background in this area that is necessary for any applied work. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of simple models and their applications.

The module covers a variety of topics with substantial time devoted for covering issues directly related to the financial needs of firms, such as capital structure, credit rationing and corporate governance.

The module also examines the role of financial intermediaries analysing bank failures and, consequently, the scope for banking regulations. The last part of the module looks closely at the relationship between the financial sector and the real economy thus offering the background for any applied work related to the link between financial development and economic fluctuations.

Economics of Household Finance

This module covers the central issues in the economics of household finance. Increasingly economists are interested in the decisions of consumers as well as the decisions of firms.

Household finance is the study of the behaviour of individuals and households in financial markets including those for secured (for example, mortgage) and unsecured (for example, credit card) lending and related economic models of consumption smoothing, liquidity constraints and household behaviour.

The module begins with the central topic of consumption smoothing, focusing on the role of credit markets and income risk in household behaviour. Later topics include financial literacy, self-control, mortgage market design, stock market participation and the regulation of consumer credit markets.

The module content includes come theoretical material but is mostly applied, with a focus on how large-scale individual level proprietary and survey datasets can be used to understand household financial behaviour.

Financial and Macroeconometrics

The module extends the coverage of advanced econometric modelling techniques and considers their application through the study of selected topics in finance and macroeconomics, developing familiarity and critical awareness of empirical research in these areas.

It covers techniques for the analysis of stationary ARMA processes, Vector Autoregressions (VARs), linear regression models, linear systems of simultaneous equations, cointegration, long-run structural VARs, forecasting, and models of changing volatility. The selected topics include the econometric analysis of business cycle fluctuations, wage, price and (un)employment determination, portfolio choice and stock market returns.

International Macroeconomics

This module covers the following:

  • International linkages in economics as a result of exchange rate movements, capital movements and spillovers
  • Factors which determine the level of the exchange rate and trade effects
  • International effects of monetary and fiscal policies
International Trade Theory

This module provides an overview of the theory of international trade, the theory of trade policy and each of their applications, utilising the techniques of general equilibrium theory and the theories of perfectly competitive and imperfectly competitive markets as appropriate. Recent developments in these areas will be emphasised.

Monetary Theory and Practice

This module covers monetary aspects of advanced macroeconomics and is suitable for students of mainstream economics, finance and international economics. It focuses on the theory and practice of central banking, monetary policy and control.

It covers concepts such as time inconsistency, the problem of inflation bias with solutions, credibility, transparency and accountability of monetary institutions, inflation targeting and price stability, the choice of instruments for monetary policy and their control, and finally monetary transmission. It combines some theory with evidence and practice.

Time Series Econometrics

The module covers fundamental properties of time series and various classes of stochastic processes. Issues in estimation and forecasting of time series models; concepts of contemporary interest to time series econometricians are also covered.

Trade Analysis and Policy

This module covers empirical models of international trade and several topics in trade policy. It discusses firms’ decision to export; the evaluation of export promotion policies; the link between globalisation and labour markets; the gravity model of international trade; free trade agreements; multinational firms; the political economy of trade policy.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Thursday 11 July 2024.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Computer labs
  • Supervision

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Presentation
  • Dissertation
  • Written exam
  • Group project

Modules are assessed by a combination of exams and coursework at the end of the relevant semester.

Contact time and study hours

Each module in semester one will have on average three contact hours per week, made up of a mixture of lectures, tutorials and lab classes. For each contact hour, we expect an additional three hours of self-study, reading, completing homework, assignments and studying for exams.

Each module in semester two will have two contact hours per week, and we expect you to spend slightly more time in self-study as you start to work on your dissertation. During June, July and August, you will work on your dissertation, supported by a minimum of three one-to-one supervision meetings with your supervisor.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Undergraduate degree2:1 (or international equivalent) in a discipline with significant economics content, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics and econometrics modules

Applying

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply

Fees

Qualification MSc
Home / UK £15,800
International £28,200

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles which could cost up to £60.

Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

This course is particularly relevant if you wish to pursue behavioural or experimental economics research at PhD level, or a career in a wide range of fields, including finance.

It provides a logical and rigorous perspective on human behaviour which is valued by a wide range of employers around the world, in banking, business, consulting, government and academia.

Our graduates now work in academia, government and the private sector, at organisations such as Barclays, Bloomberg, Deloitte, Economist Intelligence Unit, Goldman Sachs, IBM, PwC, and Thomson Reuters.

Career progression

100% of postgraduates from the School of Economics secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £36,000.*

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time, postgraduate, home graduates within the UK.

This course does not include an integrated placement option. However, you can apply for internships and placements through the Postgraduate Placements Nottingham (PPN) scheme and the Faculty of Social Sciences placements scheme, giving you the opportunity to develop key skills and experience in the workplace.

Dual degree options

The school has professional links with the University of Konstanz and the University of Tübingen in Germany. If you complete the taught component of this course, you can transfer onto our dual degree and spend a second year in Konstanz or Tübingen (dependent upon any travel restrictions). This is a great opportunity to travel abroad and study at a highly ranked university in beautiful parts of Germany.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates
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Nada Abdelghany, MSc Behavioural Economics

Speaking from the Centre for Decision Research and Experimental Economics, Nada shares her experience of studying MSc Behavioural Economics.

Related courses

This content was last updated on Thursday 11 July 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.