Behavioural Economics (L1083)

15 credits, Level 6

Spring teaching

On this module, you’ll study the psychological basis of economic behaviour. You’ll start with the standard model, where people are seen as rational agents who maximise expected utility with the information and choices they have.

You’ll study behavioural economics, focusing on:

• recent theories of economic behaviour

• evidence that challenges the rational agent model

• findings from different areas of economics

• alternative ways to understand decision-making

This will help you see both the strengths of mainstream economics and the ideas that question it.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses:

• Economics (with a professional placement year) BA
• Economics (with a professional placement year) BSc
• Economics BA
• Economics BSc
• Economics and Data Science (with a professional placement year) BSc
• Economics and Data Science BSc
• Economics and Finance (with a professional placement year) BSc
• Economics and Finance BSc
• Economics and Management Studies (with a professional placement year) BSc
• Economics and Management Studies BSc
• Mathematics with Economics BSc
• Mathematics with Economics MMath
• Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) BA