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Behavioural Economics unit (BEA707)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Hobart, Online

Introduction

This unit provides you with an introduction to behavioural economics. Behavioural economics is a discipline at the intersection of economics and psychology that draws on insights and methods from the social sciences to understand better how people actually make decisions. The aim of this unit is not to be mathematically or theoretically thorough. Rather, it focuses on developing a better understanding of how human psychology affects our decisions and how such knowledge can be applied to real world business and policy issues, including to the nudge agenda. You will also be exposed to methods of enquiry used in behavioural economics, in particular, economic experiments and randomised controlled trials, their real-world applications and the insights they generate. You will develop knowledge and skills to design and conduct such experiments and trials as well as to evaluate newly designed business strategies, public policies and nudge interventions.

Summary

Unit name Behavioural Economics
Unit code BEA707
Credit points 12.5
College/School Tasmanian School of Business and Economics
Discipline Economics
Coordinator Professor Robert Hoffmann
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Postgraduate

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 1 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 22/2/2026 16/3/2026 19/4/2026 13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain and reflect on core concepts in behavioural economics and their impact on individual and group decision-making
  • Analyse social and economic challenges in different contexts to propose behavioural solutions using behavioural economics concepts and theories
  • Design interventions based on behavioural solutions, applying behavioural economics methods
  • Communicate evidence-based behavioural solutions to different stakeholder groups

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
091901 $2,174.00 $1,703.00 not applicable $3,284.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

AssessmentReflective Assignment (30%)|Tests (30%)|Analytical Assignment (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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