Behavioural Finance
Module overview This module introduces key deviations from rationality that have been documented in behavioural science, and discusses how these deviations can affect the economy, and in particular central banks’ analyses across their macroeconomic, macro- prudential and micro-prudential responsibilities. You will study the impact deviations from rationality have on financial markets and financial market participants, consider and apply models that account for these deviations, and compare and contrast the differences between classical and behavioural finance. Throughout the module we will consider the evidence for the causes of irrational investor behaviour and consider ways to experimentally test for deviations from rationality. Who would benefit from this module? This module would benefit those working in both central banks and investment banks, as well as financial regulation authorities and ratings agencies. This module benefits anyone working in finance, policy and regulation and those who are required to understand it’s derivation and impacts. Faculty This module is led by Emma Manifold (Assistant Professor, Behavioural Science group, WBS) and Igor Brkić (Senior Manager, Bank of England).
Module structure ■ The module lasts for 17 weeks and culminates in an assessment ■ Module materials are organised into 10 lessons – each lasting one week ■ You can expect to spend around 11 hours studying per lesson ■ Lessons include reading materials, video interviews, discussion points, reflection activities ■ There are four wbsLive online sessions with your tutor. Topics include ■ Biases in expectations ■ Behavioural theories of attitude toward risk ■ Biases arising from the interactions of different agents ■ Biases in learning ■ Biases related to market sentiment.
Key benefits
The modules equipped me with advanced thinking and the holistic, in-depth knowledge surrounding financial regulation and central banking.
Behavioural finance Compare and contrast the differences between classical and behavioural finance Insight Discover how deviations from rationality can affect the economy Award Gain a Postgraduate Award upon successful completion
Key information
The module will run between October 2025 and February 2026
Sarah Darwish MSc Global Central Banking and Financial Regulation, Graduate
This module features a two-week induction period
Watch the film
W wbs.ac.uk/go/ BehFinance
wbs.ac.uk/go/banking
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Global Central Banking & Financial Regulation qualification
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