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Economics at UEA
Find out more about studying Economics at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Behavioural Economics and Data Science
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
Course Overview
Why MSc Behavioural Economics and Data Science at UEA?
If you don’t have a background in economics and want to develop core economic skills alongside programming and data science, this course is for you. You’ll study microeconomics, macroeconomics, behavioural economics, econometrics, programming, and data science. This dynamic MSc is delivered jointly by the School of Economics and the School of Computing Sciences.
Why Choose UEA
- Accessible to all backgrounds: This is an ideal course if you don’t have a background in economics
- Combined course: Learn to use state-of-the-art data science techniques to investigate interesting and important problems in behavioural economics
- Applied AI: Learn how to harness AI’s capabilities in positive, constructive ways in the study of behavioural economics
What is MSc Behavioural Economics and Data Science?
How much attention do consumers pay to online reviews when making purchases? Can data from donation websites be used to test theories of altruism? How would you scrape data from a property website to discover recent trends in property prices in your neighbourhood? This MSc Behavioural Economics and Data Science degree equips you with the tools to explore such questions combining insights from behavioural economics with cutting-edge data science techniques.
You’ll receive rigorous training in the core areas of economics, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. Beyond this, you’ll have the flexibility to tailor your degree by choosing from a wide range of specialist modules, allowing you to align your studies with your personal interests and career goals.
Later in the programme, you'll write your dissertation which will begin with a series of training lectures and workshops. These will help you choose a topic, access data, search literature, reference correctly, and analyse quantitative data. You’ll also benefit from additional dissertation workshops and dedicated support to help you produce high-quality, impactful research.
You’ll study in Norwich, a vibrant and historic city, and have access to UEA’s full range of extracurricular and career development opportunities.
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Careers
Career Pathways
With an MSc in Behavioural Economics and Data Science, you could launch a career as:
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Government Economist
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Behavioural Scientist
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Financial Consultant
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Healthcare Consultant
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Academic Researcher
Career Support
The School of Economics is committed to your future, offering tailored career support through employer visits, professional skills workshops, and personalised one-on-one guidance.
UEA’s Career Central(opens in a new window) will also support you by offering internships, and career events one-to-one appointments with career advisors.
After the Course
Upon completing your MSc in Behavioural Economics and Data Science, you’ll be well-prepared for a rewarding career in government or the private sector, particularly in organisations that specialise in behavioural economics. You’ll also be fully equipped to pursue roles as a data scientist.
Alternatively, you could apply your skills in sectors such as banking and finance, healthcare, regulation, human resources, or executive management. And if academia is your calling, this programme offers a strong foundation for PhD research and beyond.
Discover more on our Career Central(opens in a new window).
Study and Modules
Structure
The MSc Behavioural Economics and Data Science is a 12-month course, starting with the pre-sessional course in September.
Your journey starts with pre-sessional training in calculus and statistics, with an introduction to the software packages STATA and Python.
Then you’ll take taught modules over two semesters.
In your programming and econometrics modules, you’ll gain practical experience in our dedicated computer labs. You’ll learn to code in Python and perform data analysis using STATA, a leading software package used by economists and analysts. You’ll learn how to scrape, process, and analyse large datasets, forecast using web data, and test behavioural theories in real-world settings.
You'll also develop strong independent study skills, spending time on coursework assignments, preparing seminars, and engaging in wider reading. These abilities will be especially valuable when you undertake your dissertation.
Your learning journey culminates in an independent research dissertation, often blending behavioural theory with big data. You’ll be guided by a dedicated academic supervisor. Plus, you’ll have the option to collaborate with external organisations, combining academic insight with invaluable real-world experience.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
UEA’s School of Economics is a vibrant, welcoming community driven by cutting-edge research and teaching excellence. With an international reputation for both theoretical and applied economics, our expertise spans behavioural economics, competition policy, environmental economics, corporate strategy, finance, and data science.
Most modules include two hours of lectures and a weekly interactive workshop or lab session. where theory comes to life. These sessions give you the chance to apply what you’ve learned, ask questions, and engage directly with your tutors and peers in a collaborative setting.
Assessment
Assessment will take a variety of forms. They may be formal examinations, take-home assignments, seminar presentations, written tests, computer-based tests, and writing your dissertation.
Some assessments require you to use AI technologies. In these tasks, you'll learn to harness AI’s capabilities positively and constructively, with a strong emphasis on critically evaluating AI outputs.
You’ll regularly be given “formative” assessment tasks, which will help you prepare for formal assessments without affecting your final mark. For your formal assessments, you’ll receive clear, constructive feedback to support your academic growth and help you reach your full potential.
If you have additional needs, our Student Support(opens in a new window) service is here to help.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Any subject acceptable.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Any subject acceptable.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component).
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner UEA International Study Centre. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences(opens in a new window)
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £13,000
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International Students: £25,000
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
If you choose to take this course with a placement year, your tuition fees for the first year will be as shown above. An additional fee of £3,500 will apply for the placement year (see our FAQs page for further details).
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees(opens in a new window) for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.