MSc Behavioural Economics

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Nottingham

Program Overview

The MSc Behavioural Economics at Nottingham blends economic theory with psychology to help students understand how people really make decisions — in markets, policy, and everyday life. It’s perfect for those aiming to work in government, finance, consulting, or research, and offers rigorous training in behavioural modelling, experimental design, and data analysis.

Curriculum Structure

Semester 1: Foundations of Behavioural and Experimental Economics
Students begin with Behavioural Economic Theory, where they explore how cognitive biases, heuristics, and social preferences challenge traditional models. Alongside this, Experimental Methods in Economics introduces lab and field experiment design, preparing students to test behavioural hypotheses with real data. Microeconomic Theory rounds out the semester with a strong analytical foundation.

Semester 2: Applied Behavioural Analysis and Research Skills
In the second semester, students deepen their expertise through Applied Behavioural Economics, which connects theory to real-world applications in finance, health, and policy. Econometrics equips students with statistical tools to analyse behavioural data, while Development Policy Analysis or other electives allow for thematic specialisation. Students also begin preparing for their dissertation, selecting a topic and supervisor.

Summer Term: Dissertation and Independent Research
The final phase is a 60-credit Behavioural Economics Dissertation, where students conduct original research — often involving experiments or data analysis — under expert supervision. This is a chance to showcase your skills and explore a topic that aligns with your career goals, whether in public policy, consumer behaviour, or financial decision-making.

Focus Areas

Behavioural economic theory, experimental design, econometrics, applied policy analysis.

Learning Outcomes

Students graduate with the ability to model and analyse human decision-making, design behavioural experiments, and apply insights to solve real-world economic and policy challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program is part of the Nottingham School of Economics, a global leader in behavioural and experimental economics, and aligns with professional research standards in government, finance, and consultancy.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Nottingham ranks in the top 100 globally (QS World University Rankings 2025) and is a founding member of the Russell Group. The School of Economics is internationally recognised for its research in behavioural economics, with graduates working at institutions like the Bank of England, OECD, and Deloitte.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in Nottingham’s MSc Behavioural Economics gain hands-on experience in designing experiments, analysing behavioural data, and applying insights to real-world challenges. The program is taught by leading researchers from the Centre for Decision Research and Experimental Economics (CeDEx), giving students direct access to cutting-edge labs, software, and collaborative projects. Whether you're running your own behavioural study or interpreting complex datasets, you'll be working with the same tools used by professional economists and policy analysts.

Here’s how the program brings theory into practice:

CeDEx Experimental Labs: Purpose-built facilities for behavioural and experimental economics, where students can design and run live experiments with human participants.
Specialised Software: Training in tools like z-Tree (for economic experiments), SPSS, and Stata for data analysis and modelling.
Group-based research projects: Collaborative assignments that simulate real-world policy and market analysis, often involving experimental design and behavioural modelling.
Access to Hallward Library: Home to extensive economics and psychology collections, plus quiet postgraduate study zones.
School of Economics Research Seminars: Opportunities to engage with visiting academics, industry experts, and policy professionals through weekly seminars and workshops.
Affiliation with CeDEx and NIBS (Network for Integrated Behavioural Science): Students benefit from interdisciplinary research networks and may contribute to ongoing projects in behavioural finance, health economics, or public policy.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Nottingham’s MSc Behavioural Economics are highly sought after in roles that require analytical thinking, behavioural insight, and data-driven decision-making. Typical career paths include behavioural policy advisor, economic consultant, consumer insight analyst, and experimental researcher. Many alumni work in government, finance, health, and tech sectors, applying behavioural tools to solve real-world problems.

Here’s how Nottingham supports your career journey:

Careers and Employability Service offers tailored support for economics postgraduates, including mock interviews, employer networking events, and access to the Nottingham Advantage Award — a unique employability scheme that enhances your CV.
Graduate Outcomes Survey shows that 96.5% of Nottingham postgraduates are in employment or further study within 15 months, with competitive salaries across sectors.
Strong industry links through the Centre for Decision Research and Experimental Economics (CeDEx) and the Network for Integrated Behavioural Science (NIBS), connecting students to research projects with partners like HM Treasury, NHS, and behavioural consultancies.
Long-term value of training in experimental design, econometrics, and behavioural modelling ensures graduates are equipped for both private and public sector roles.
Alumni destinations include Bank of England, Deloitte, OECD, and leading behavioural research labs — many in roles that blend economics with psychology and policy.

Further Academic Progression:
This MSc is an ideal stepping stone to PhD study in behavioural economics, experimental economics, or public policy. Nottingham’s School of Economics offers doctoral opportunities through CeDEx and NIBS, and graduates are well-positioned for funded research programs in the UK and abroad.