Overview
You will learn how psychological foundations of behaviour are integrated in recent economic theory. These foundations shape policy making in areas such as public health and environmental protection.
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.
In addition to the MSc Behavioural and Experimental Economics, 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 2024-25.
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.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Behavioural and Experimental Economics MSc modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Microeconomics | 20 |
| Macroeconomics | 20 |
| Mathematical Analysis | 10 |
| Experimental Methods in Economics | 20 |
| Behavioural Economics | 20 |
| Econometrics | 10 |
| Mathematics Foundations | 0 |
| Dissertation | 60 |
| Introduction to Economic Theory | 0 |
How you’ll learn
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
The Newcastle Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab provides a practical environment where you can apply theoretical concepts, engage with real-world data, and utilise advanced analytical tools.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Essay
- Problem-solving exercises
- Report
- Written examination
- Written exercise
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 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:
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.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
Professional accreditation and recognition
Newcastle University Business School accreditation
Newcastle University Business School is accredited by the:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
- Association of MBAs (AMBA)
Only 1% of business schools worldwide hold this triple crown. Our accreditations reflect the investments we make for our students through providing a high quality teaching environment, innovative programming and active engagement with industry.
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
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.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
Typically a 2:1 honours degree from a UK university, or international equivalent, in economics or joint honours with a major component of economics. You are expected to have a good standard in mathematics (eg. calculus, matrix algebra, constrained optimisation) and statistics (eg. probability theory, statistical inference, hypothesis testing, simple regressions) achieved at undergraduate level.
If you have a 2:1 degree in a related subject that is highly quantitative (eg finance, statistics, operations research, mathematics, engineering) you may be considered with approval from an academic selector. The selector will use the degree syllabus and / or letters of reference as evidence of understanding and suitability.
