About the course

The MSc in Behavioural Economics explores behavioural economic theory and how human and social issues might influence economic decision-making. One of three specialist Masters in Economics programmes available at Durham, the MSc in Behavioural Economics examines how elements of behavioural psychology can be applied to economics to understand how people make economic decisions and how these decisions may differ from those made from rational choices. As one of the fastest growing areas in economics, behavioural economics provides insight to inform business and public policy alike. You will also gain an understanding of experimental methods in economics through classroom experiments.

　　The programme consists of a set of core and elective (optional) modules, culminating in a research-based dissertation. Core learning covers advanced macroeconomics and microeconomics alongside behavioural and experimental economics.

　　The programme offers flexibility through its wide choice of elective modules in topics such as Development Economics, Game Theory and Time-Series Analysis among others. The dissertation then enables you to develop your research skills, through an in-depth investigation at an advanced level of a topic relevant to your degree. The dissertation also includes the option to conduct research abroad at a partner university.

　　You will be taught at Durham University Business School, which is one of an elite group of institutions to be accredited by three major business education accreditation bodies, namely: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS). As an economics student you will be part of an academic department with an international reputation for research and teaching excellence. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 1 Year(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Term 1 (September), 2025	Durham

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for Durham University

You will need the equivalent of a UK upper second-class single or joint honours degree in Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science or Engineering. Applicants with degrees in other subjects are encouraged to apply as long as they have achieved good grades in two Mathematics/Statistics/Econometrics modules covering calculus, probability theory/econometrics and ideally linear algebra.

　　Ielts - 6.5 with no component under 6.0, TOEFL iBT - 92 with no component under 23

　　

English language requirements

　　6.5

　　Overall IELTS band score

　　Book IELTS

　　About IELTS

　　Practice and prepare

　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 92.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at Durham University. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　174th / 1250

　　THE World ranking8th / 130

　　Complete University guide

　　

What our students think

We’ve haven’t received any reviews for this institution yet.