A master programme that challenges how we think about decision-making
Why do people not always act in their own best interest, even when incentives are clear? How can we improve economic models by integrating insights from psychology? The Behavioural Economics specialisation within the MSc Economics and Business at Erasmus School of Economics equips you with the tools to answer these questions—and to design better strategies, policies, and products as a result.
This skills-based specialisation combines rigorous training in mainstream economics with behavioural insights. You will explore how people make decisions in real-world contexts, and how those decisions often deviate from traditional economic predictions. You will also learn to:
- Analyse and interpret behavioural patterns
- Design and run economic experiments
- Apply findings to real-world challenges such as sustainability and digital security
- Develop strategies and policies that account for human behaviour
is this the right programme for you?
This specialisation is a good fit if you:
- Are curious about how people make decisions
- Enjoy comparing economic theory with real-world behaviour
- Have a solid background in microeconomics and game theory
- Are confident in mathematics, econometrics, and statistics
- Want to use theoretical insights to make evidence-based impact
You will be encouraged to think critically, work creatively, and apply your knowledge to improve decision-making in business, policy, and society.
Why study Behavioural Economics in Rotterdam?
Rotterdam is one of the few places where you can study Behavioural Economics in such depth. At Erasmus School of Economics, you will benefit from:
- A curriculum that combines economics with psychological insights
- The expertise and network of the internationally renowned Behavioural Economics Group
- An interactive and supportive learning environment
- A degree that is in high demand among economic and financial decision makers worldwide
The programme has a very good mix of theory and practical applications