Graduate Certificate in Behavioural Economics

Note

This course is not offered to international students.

Targeted at professionals seeking to integrate behavioural economics into their expertise, this course equips them with a robust understanding of behavioural principles and applications. Stand out by mastering both traditional economic theory and behavioural models, gaining insights into decision-making heuristics and biases.

Students acquire practical skills in applied behavioural science, including causal inference and trial design, enhancing their ability to apply these concepts in their current role or the oversight of behavioural science teams. Engage in active learning through a blend of theoretical and hands-on approaches, preparing them to make informed, strategic decisions in their professional environment.

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Course aims

The course aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of how individuals make economic decisions and how psychological factors can influence those decisions and better explain real-world economic behaviours.

The human brain has 100 billion neurons and 100 trillion connections. It is one of the most complex objects in the Universe. It is this brain which we use every day decisions, to buy our coffee, or to buy a house. We make decisions all the time, but we are often unaware about the real reasons why we made a given decision. And what may have influenced us in the process of making up our mind.

Behavioural economics is the discipline merging the insights from psychology and the principles of economics to understand how people make decisions. It tells us why people sometimes make mistakes, why sometimes people do not know what they want, or why they fail to carry out their personal plans.

With the knowledge gained from behavioural economics we can help people make better decisions for themselves. We can understand how people interact in groups and networks and how the social environments shape their values and behaviour.

We're launching a new Graduate Certificate in Behavioural Economics at UTS. This programme will teach the foundations of behavioural economics and how to apply them in the real world. UTS is an outstanding group of researchers in this area with extensive experience in industry and policy application.

A key aim of the programme is to give you the practical skills to use behavioural economics in your professional life. You will learn to design and run trials to study how people behave in different situations. You will learn behavioural principles and techniques in the context of practical economic and financial decisions. Whether it is understanding how consumers choose complex banking products or how companies organise team work, this Graduate Certificate will give you a new grasp of the world around you and new skills to change it for the better.

Behavioural economics provides a set of skills in demand everywhere. From private companies to government bodies. Join us at UTS for a new journey.

Study plan

A typical part-time program is provided below. Refer to the Timetable Planner for confirmation of availability.

Session 2 Subject Code Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Rationality and Incentives 23714 3
Game Theory and Strategic Decision Making 23715 3
Session 3 Subject Code Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Behavioural Decision Making 23710 3
Behavioural Game Theory 23711 3
Session 4 Subject Code Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Statistical Foundations for Economics and Business 23718 3
Principles of Causal Inference 23716 3
Session 5 Subject Code Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Trial Design 23717 3
Session 6 Subject Code Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Behavioural Approach to Investment and Insurance Decisions 23712 3

Course fees

For relevant fee information, please choose from the following:

Local student

In most cases, UTS offers domestic students entry to postgraduate courses on a fee paying basis.

Tuition fees are charged:

  • based on the particular course in which you are enrolled
  • based on the number of credit points in which you are enrolled
  • at the rates set for the current year and revised annually

Fees for future year(s) published in the online calculator, whilst unlikely to change, are estimates only.  UTS makes every effort to provide up to date future year(s) fee estimates and to limit any changes, however, UTS reserves the right to vary fees for future year(s) at any time.

Tuition fees can be found in the online calculator.

A small number of postgraduate courses offer government subsidised Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Find out whether there are CSPs available in this course by visiting our postgraduate fees page.

In addition to tuition fees, students are required to pay a Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). The purchase of textbooks and other course materials may also result in additional costs.

UTS Alumni save 10%: alumni.uts.edu.au/advantage

International student

Tuition fees for international postgraduate coursework students can be found using fees search.

Tuition fees must be paid in advance each session and are subject to annual increase. Fees for future year(s) published in fees search, whilst unlikely to change, are estimates only. UTS makes every effort to provide up to date future year(s) fee estimates and to limit any changes, however, UTS reserves the right to vary fees for future year(s) at any time.

For this course, the cost per credit point for 2025 is $1007. The total credit points are 24.

All international students should familiarise themselves with the following documents:

In addition to tuition fees, students may be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). Textbooks and other course materials will also result in additional costs.

UTS Alumni save 10%: alumni.uts.edu.au/advantage

For further information on costs related to your study at UTS, visit the international students' fees information page.

Careers

Career options include positions in consulting, policy development, product design and consumer experience.

Course structure

Course structure explained

Students must complete a total of 24 credit points made up of eight subjects (3 credit points each).

Course completion requirements
Requirement Credit Points
STM91760 Core subjects GradCertBehavEcon 24
Total 24

Additional information

Course duration

The course is completed in one year of part-time study.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.

Applicants must have one of the following:

  • Completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent.

OR

  • A minimum of 4 years full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant post-secondary professional experience AND a general capacity to undertake tertiary education

Relevant professional experience refers to any current work experience in which you have developed skills, knowledge, and competencies directly related to the course for which you are applying. This includes roles such as managers, professionals, technicians, community, personal service, clerical, administrative, or sales workers across various industries.

Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application

For applicants who need to demonstrate work experience:

  • Curriculum Vitae AND Statement of service in one of the following formats:
    • A 'Statement of Service' provided by the employer
    • A completed 'UTS statement of service’ signed by the employer
    • A statutory declaration confirming work experience (for Australian Residents only)
    • An official letter from the applicant’s accountant or solicitor on their company letterhead confirming the applicant’s work experience or engagement with the business, duration of operations, and the nature of the business
    • A business certificate of registration in original language and English (e.g. provision of ASIC documentation or ABN or similar documentation for Australian Businesses)

The English proficiency requirement for local applicants with international qualifications is: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL iBT: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

If you don't meet the admission requirements for this course, there may be alternative pathways to help you gain admission.

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential to the successful completion of a course. For more information about inherent requirements and where prospective and current students can get assistance and advice regarding these, see the UTS Inherent requirements page.

Prospective and current students should carefully read the Inherent Requirements Statement below and consider whether they might experience challenges in successfully completing this course.

UTS will make reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, professional experiences, course related work experience and other course activities to facilitate maximum participation by students with disabilities, carer responsibilities, and religious or cultural obligations in their courses.

For course specific information see the UTS Business School Inherent Requirements Statement.

Assumed knowledge

There is no assumed knowledge for the Graduate Certificate of Behavioural Economics.

Recognition of prior learning

There is no recognition of prior learning available for this course.

Scholarships and prizes

Scholarships

For Business students

Only for international students

For all domestic students

Only for Aboriginal Australian or Torres Strait Islander students

Prizes and awards

For Business students

UTS: Handbook

See the Graduate Certificate in Behavioural Economics in the UTS: Handbook for comprehensive course details.

Information for international students

Find out about support services, the Australian education system, accommodation and more to help you get the most out of your study at UTS.

Part of UTS Business School

Domestic students

Before you apply

Here are a few important things for you to check out before you apply:

Important dates

Visit the UTS Handbook for full academic dates.

How to apply

Domestic applicants can apply via My Student Portal.

Intake

Session 2 2025

Need more information?

Ask UTS

Scholarships, prizes and awards

Scholarships

For Business students

Only for international students

For all domestic students

Only for Aboriginal Australian or Torres Strait Islander students

Prizes and awards

For Business students

International students

Before you apply

Here are a few important things for you to check out before you apply:

You can meet an international student advisor at one of our events worldwide to ask questions and submit an application.

Important dates

Visit the UTS Handbook for full academic dates. Visit essential information for international students for the application closing dates.

 

How to apply

This course is not available to international applicants. UTS International has information on all courses available to international applicants wishing to study at UTS.

Apply online

Download an application form

Need more information?

Ask a question

Scholarships, prizes and awards

Scholarships

For Business students

Only for international students

For all domestic students

Only for Aboriginal Australian or Torres Strait Islander students

Prizes and awards

For Business students

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.