
About
Dr Nikhil Masters is a Visiting Fellow in the Department of Economics at the University of Essex. With a PhD in Economics from the University of Nottingham, his expertise lies at the intersection of behavioural economics, experimental methods, cognitive science and social psychology.
Education
- PhD Economics – University of Nottingham
Research Interests
Dr Masters investigates how psychological and social factors shape economic decision-making. His work employs experimental techniques to study emotional carryover effects, the behavioural economics of music perception, and the complex links between health behaviours such as smoking and labour-market outcomes. By integrating insights from cognitive science and social psychology, he aims to build more realistic models of human behaviour.
Publications Snapshot
Across his three most recent articles (spanning 2015–2025), Dr Masters has explored emotional influences on economic choice, the psychological foundations of musical reward, and socioeconomic determinants of smoking. These studies collectively underscore his commitment to rigorous experimental design and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Teaching & Supervision
He currently teaches two modules:
- EC387 Experimental Methods in Economics
- EC957 Social Psychology and Economics
Labs & Teams
Dr Masters maintains an active research presence through his personal website (www.nikhilmasters.com) and is available for academic support by appointment via email at the University of Essex Colchester Campus, office 5.410.





