Explore the intersection between psychology and economics. You’ll gain a well-rounded understanding of human decision-making and learn how to predict it.

This master’s course enables you to delve into the intersection between the disciplines of psychology and economics, providing you with the opportunity to develop a cross-disciplinary perspective of human decision-making.

By combining economic modelling with what psychology can tell us about individuals’ behaviour and emotions, you’ll learn how to create highly accurate tools or models for predicting human behaviour. These models can be used in a range of contexts to empower behaviour change at both a micro and macro level.

Upon completion of the course, you’ll be better prepared to work in any area where understanding human decision-making is important.

This course is highly relevant if you have a background in economics or psychology; or come from a background where modelling or understanding human behaviour is a key component, such as engineering or sociology.

An interdisciplinary learning environment

You’ll be immersed in an academic setting that brings together specialist teaching and expertise from both our Department of Psychology and Department of Economics.

Our research-active staff work to:

• deliver contemporary, industry-relevant course content
• give you exposure to the latest issues and trends
• provide links with employers
• ensure you gain interdisciplinary insights to help you stand out for future jobs.

Learn from experts in the field

You’ll learn from experts in the fields of economics and psychology. Their passion, knowledge and industry expertise shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.

Use specialist facilities

You’ll have access to some of the latest industry-standard statistical, mathematical and econometric software. This will allow you to access up-to-the-minute data on real-world trends to enhance your learning experience.

You will also benefit from the Department of Psychology’s range of research facilities. These include:

• social and developmental observation labs
• a virtual reality lab with motion sensor cameras
• a hyper-EEG lab
• eye-tracking technology
• psychophysiological measurement equipment (including skin conductance and heart rate)
• individual and group behavioural testing labs

Gain important career skills

On successful completion of this course, you will have gained:

• an interdisciplinary understanding of the psychological and economic science that impacts human factors in decision-making
• the skills to independently run, and appropriately analyse, data from studies into human decision-making
• the ability to develop powerfully predictive behavioural models based on a strong foundation of theory from both psychology and economics
• a deep understanding of the breadth of impact that behavioural economics can have on business, academic and societal factors

We limit student numbers on this course to ensure a collegiate atmosphere and a high degree of interaction between students and lecturers.

Graduate prospects

There is great industry demand for graduates with interdisciplinary knowledge and skills.

This course is designed to prepare you for a variety of roles in government, research, banking, finance, healthcare, the third sector, economic regulation, human resources, or executive management.

You’ll also develop skills and experience that will prepare you to continue your studies at a doctoral level.

Recent graduates have progressed to jobs around the world, including:

• Research Advisor at The Behavioural Insights Team (UK)
• Senior Research Executive at Kantar Public (UK)
• Marketing Specialist at Supreva (UK)
• Head of Behavioural Innovation at Cowry Consulting (UK)
• Data Engineer at Kubrick Group (UK)
• Strategy Manager at UK Markets and Regulation (UK)
• Senior Consultant bei Allianz Consulting (Germany)
• Market Intelligence Analyst (US)

Others have chosen to continue their careers in academia.

Graduates' stories

Some of our recent graduates tell their stories.

• Jordan talks about helping to set up a behavioural insights unit in the UAE Government
• Daniel on how this master's led to him starting his career as a behavioural scientist and consultant
• Nina speaks about her work in the public sector and how this course helped her shape her career goals
• Yu Shuang discusses moving on from this course to studying for his PhD at Bath, during which he's researching sustainable food consumption

• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
• The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
• TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Thanks to the skills and relevant experience you gain, you will be well placed to secure work in NHS forensic services, the criminal justice system, probation and prison services, or voluntary sector organisations. These posts could include training positions to allow the completion of the British Psychological Society (BPS) Qualification in Forensic Psychology (Stage 2) with the aim of becoming a Chartered Psychologist with the BPS Division of Forensic Psychology and a Health and Care Professions Council Registered Practitioner Forensic Psychologist.  Successful completion of this course fulfils Stage 1 of the requirements towards Chartered Membership of the Society and full membership of the Division of Forensic Psychology.