Behavioural and Experimental Economics MSc

Overview

You will learn how psychological foundations of behaviour are integrated in recent economic theory. These foundations shape policy making in areas such as health and environment.

You will gain understanding of experimental methods in economics through classroom experiments.

You can tailor your degree by choosing from a range of optional modules.

The MSc dissertation will give you the opportunity to apply your insights and design your own experiment. Our knowledgeable academics will offer support and guidance throughout your studies.

Upon graduating, you will have developed the skills necessary to excel in your career. These skills can lead to roles including a professional economist, policy maker or academic researcher.

We also offer the following courses for candidates with a substantial background in Economics (undergraduate degree in Economics or equivalent):

• MSc Economics
• MSc Economics & Data Science

We offer the following course for candidates without a background in Economics:

• MSc Economics and Finance

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

 

What you'll learn

Gain advanced skills in economic theory at Newcastle University. You'll also learn quantitative methods in econometrics and mathematical economics.

You will learn the theory, analytical tools and data analysis methods to help solve a variety of real-world economic problems. You'll gain understanding of specialist software packages in high demand by employers.

Tackle advanced topics of microeconomics and macroeconomics that maximises skill and knowledge. You'll also develop soft skills essential for any sector.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Course content changes

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Behavioural and Experimental Economics MSc modules

Compulsory modules

• Microeconomics (20 credits)
• Macroeconomics (20 credits)
• Mathematical Analysis (10 credits)
• Econometrics (10 credits)
• Experimental Methods in Economics (20 credits)
• Behavioural Economics (20 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional modules

You take one optional module from the following list.

• Topics in Microeconomics (20 credits)
• Topics in Macroeconomics (20 credits)
• Causal Inference and Applied Microeconometrics (20 credits)
• Applied Time series econometrics (20 credits)
• Numerical Methods and Scientific Programming (20 credits)
• Applied Data Science (20 credits)

You also take the following not-for-credit module:

• Mathematics Foundations (0 credits)

 

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

We will teach you through a variety of methods, including:

• lectures
• seminars
• computer classes

This Master’s degree offers you a stimulating curriculum and a supportive learning environment. Canvas, a virtual learning environment, will support you and allow you to:

• access your courses and groups
• receive notifications and messages
• submit your assignments

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Essay
• Problem-solving exercises
• Report
• Written examination
• Written exercise

Student support

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• peers
• academics
• personal tutors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Our staff

Our economics staff are specialists in their field. They have international research reputations and consult for major global organisations. They are often asked to give academic insight on a wide variety of topics.

View the profiles of module leaders for this course:

• Dr Melanie Parravano Baro
• Dr Matt Walker
• Dr Till Weber

Your development

Professional skills

You will apply economic theory to real world problems via stimulating lectures taught by specialists in the area. Learning will be critical of current research ideas and topics.

Research skills

Adding further knowledge of your topic area to your dissertation will show your research skills.

Skills and experience

You will learn the theory, analytical tools and data to help find solutions to deal with a wide variety of real-world economic problems.

You will also develop soft skills essential for employment in any sector.

Your future

On graduating, you will have acquired a wide range of attributes sought after by employers. This includes:

• analytical thinking
• argument formulation
• critical thinking
• problem solving
• data analysis
• communication
• independent learning and research

The MSc Behavioural and Experimental Economics degree is a competitive qualification. It is a route that can lead to high salaries and prospects. The programme will prepare you for jobs in different sectors, such as:

• the government
• the private sector
• central banking
• international organisations
• universities

Graduates could achieve job roles such as:

• economists
• data scientists
• statisticians
• market researchers
• policy analysts
• consultants
• academics

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

Facilities

Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 3,500 students representing over 80 nationalities. This valuable network extends beyond our current students to include:

• regional, national and international leaders
• over 34,000 alumni in our network, spanning over 150 countries
• leading professionals and practitioners from industry
• The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix - an innovation hub and community that brings together industry leaders, businesses and top researchers.

Our facilities include:

• flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city
• Wi-Fi enabled connectivity throughout the building, including three computer clusters housing over 120 PCs
• four large lecture theatres and over 25 seminar and teaching spaces, providing comfortable teaching and group study space
• dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a balanced mix of study space for group work or quiet, individual study
• contemporary café
• employability hub to support your career aspirations
• Bloomberg Room to give you a real feel for the trading room floor

The Frederick Douglass Centre at Newcastle Helix also offers further study and learning spaces. This includes a 750 seat auditorium – the largest in the University.

Newcastle Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab

Students on this programme will make extensive use of the Newcastle Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab. This state-of-the-art research facility is used for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology. It allows for testing economic theory, measuring preferences, and pre-testing policy interventions.

The lab has 36 participant workstations with privacy screens and two experimenter workstations. A full suite of experimental software packages are available.

Find out more about Newcastle University Business School

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination
• graduation

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Select your country

How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.

Apply Online  

Open days and events

You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:

• campus tours
• on-campus open days
• virtual open days
• webinars

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events