FI5614 Behavioural Finance

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

To be arranged

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr C Engels

Dr C Engels
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Christian Engels

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module is designed to introduce students to key concepts in behavioural finance. Students will learn to understand the difference between conventional financial theory and behavioural approaches. In particular, the module is focused on the specific features of decision-making processes that constitute deviations from rational models, illuminating the biases they can introduce, and explaining the consequences of these biases for financial markets, institutions and market participants. It seeks to develop the students' abilities to critically engage with contemporary research in behavioural finance.

Assessment pattern

100% coursework

Re-assessment

100% coursework

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Lectures (2hr x 11 weeks), tutorials (1hr x 5weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

25

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

125

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand key differences between conventional finance theory and behavioural finance
  • Understand important behavioural factors in decision-making and their consequences
  • Assess behavioural decision-making in empirical settings
  • Forecast biased decision-making arising from behavioural factors and evaluate alternatives
  • Understand key areas of contemporary research in behavioural finance