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Applied Psychology and Economic Behaviour MSc

1 year full-time, starting in September 2025

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:

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.

2025/26 Academic Year


Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 1 year. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2026. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.


Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

The course includes an online pre-sessional unit that will develop your understanding of theories and modelling in the field. This is not assessed.

Year 1

Semester 1

Compulsory units

  • Psychological and economic perspectives into decision making

    20 credits

  • Statistical and mathematical modelling

    20 credits

Semester 2

Compulsory units

  • Contemporary issues in the understanding of decision-making

    45 credits

  • Professional skills development

    5 credits

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.


Learning

  • Lectures
  • Practical sessions
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Essay
  • Examinations
  • Oral presentation
  • Portfolio

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

You are expected to spend approximately 35 hours per week studying, with around 10-12 hours of these being structured classes during the taught semesters.

These classes will be made up of a combination of lectures, computer laboratory sessions, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, and workshops. You will work as an individual and part of small groups and have access to online resources to enhance your learning.

Assessment breakdown

You will experience a balance of different forms of assessment designed to support your learning and professional development. This will include coursework, in the form of essays or lab reports requiring data analysis; a self-reflective portfolio; presentations; and a dissertation. You will receive formative (unassessed) feedback on your progress in preparation for your graded assessments.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities. Read our Disability Service’s pages for information.

Recognition of professional qualifications


As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

‘By working in applied behavioural science, I can have a real and measured positive social impact.’
Jordan Whitwell-Mak MSc Applied Psychology and Economic Behaviour (Graduating year, 2020)

Entry requirements


Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as psychology or economics, another social science or business-related discipline (business administration, finance, accounting, international trade, banking, financial management, public finance, politics) or another subject which included a significant economics or modelling component (physics or engineering).

You must demonstrate basic quantitative skills, acquired through modules such as microeconomics, mathematics or statistics.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If you first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English Language requirements.

English language requirements

  • 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.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Applied Psychology and Economic Behaviour MSc full-time


Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Extra costs

If you receive an offer, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of £1,000 when you accept to secure your place. This will be deducted from your tuition fee when you register.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Application information


  • Course title
    Applied Psychology and Economic Behaviour
  • Final award
    MSc
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    TDUPS-EB01
  • Department
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    31 August 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.

  • Overseas application deadline
    31 July 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full. We may consider late applications but if you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need time to apply for and receive your visa to be in the UK by the start of the course.

  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator

Course enquiries