MSc Applied Economics

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

This course provides high quality training in economics with a focus on applications to real world problems. The course is ideal preparation for a career as a professional economist working on applying economics to policy issues or business situations. In addition to studying core modules in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, students can pick from a wide range of field modules. Students also have the option of completing a two-term specialisation in one of Behavioural Economics, Law and Economics of Competition, Environmental and Energy Economics or Development Economics and Trade. In the summer term, students do either a supervised research thesis or an internship. Students can switch after the first term to our MSc in Quantitative Economics, which focuses on applying advanced mathematical and statistical methods to economics.

This programme features small group teaching from leading economists and a supportive environment. Masters students are an integral part of our School community, attending research seminars and receiving a wide range of supports to help them prepare for their research thesis or internship.  

UCD School of Economics is Ireland’s leading economics department. Our staff are experts with international reputations in a wide range of topics such as macroeconomics, econometrics, applied microeconomics, behavioural economics, health economics, international trade, and economic history. School members play a significant role in debating economic policy issues and in contributing to the formulation of economic policy. Students get to know our staff via participation in small classes and seminars and through direct supervision.

For full details on the structure of the course, click here

Careers & Employability

Many graduates of our masters programmes have gone on to complete PhDs in economics and pursue successful careers as academic or research economists.  Many others have moved directly to employment in central banks, think-tanks, government departments, regulatory agencies, financial sector institutions and consultancy firms.

Curricular information is subject to change


Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No

This programme is aimed at students who wish to develop a deep understanding of economic principles and an ability to apply these principles in a variety of circumstances. It targets students who wish to obtain employment as economists or economic analysts in public or private sector organisations. Due to its technical and cumulative nature (where current topics build on material covered in undergraduate programmes), we encourage our students to have strong quantitative skills and to be active, motivated, and autonomous learners. Our learning environment provides a solid foundation in fundamental economic concepts. The small group classes, presentations by past students and employers of UCD Economics postgraduates, and weekly seminars from leading academics expose students to cutting-edge research and real-world experiences of economists. This programme uses small-group teaching in the subjects of microeconomics, macroeconomics, quantitative analysis, and econometrics during semester 1. In semester 2, students have small-group teaching in several elective subjects such as international trade, or in advanced macroeconomics, microeconomics and econometrics. In the summer semester, students have the option of either undertaking thesis research or completing an internship in an approved public or private sector organization. The thesis research involves students identifying and articulating a research problem, and presenting a written report detailing how they developed and executed a research plan to resolve the problem.

  • 1. Articulate, apply and extend the main models of microeconomics and macroeconomics across different fields and subfields of economics;
  • 2. Undertake an econometric approach to model economic phenomena, estimate the resulting models, and interpret the estimated parameters;
  • 3. Demonstrate mastery of the issues, theories and latest advances in at least one of the sub-fields of economics;
  • 4. Analyse data with a high degree of skill using standard statistical, econometric and simulation techniques and software;
  • 5. Interpret and communicate economic issues to specialist and wider non-specialist audiences including decision makers, NGOs, practitioners, and the media;
  • 6. Investigate the relationship between theory and practice and identify limitations; test theories by using published and bespoke data sets;
  • 7. Demonstrate ability to conduct independent and original basic and applied research in economics;
  • 8. Articulate socio-economic policy recommendations based on sound scientific reasoning; and
  • 9. Have the capacity to engage in life-long learning.

View All Modules Here

For full details on the structure of the course, click here

MSc Applied Economics (W369) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 12500
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

MSc in Applied Economics (W370) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 7690
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

 

  • A primary degree with at least an upper second class honours or international equivalent in Economics or in a degree in which Economics is a major component.
  • An upper second class honours in a Higher Diploma in Economics or in the MSc Qualifier.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
  • Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the  English language requirements, may enter the programme upon  successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes. 

Dhruv Mulchandani

The MSc in Applied Economics at University College Dublin uniquely provides a comprehensive view while critically focussing on areas of economics. The economics department at UCD is an internationally recognised centre of brilliance. The MSc offers a wider range of courses than many other MScs I considered. Studying microeconomics and macroeconomics at an advanced level provided me with a holistic understanding of international organizations and allowed for an in-depth analysis of their economic and financial activities. Moreover, studying econometrics gave me the background I needed for my future role as an Analyst. There were many intriguing option modules available for students which ensured that each student could focus on their specific areas of interest. Lastly, the added benefit of being able to choose to pursue an internship or a dissertation for the third semester was an appealing factor. The faculty at UCD are extremely supportive and experienced. The atmosphere is charged with diverse perspectives and nationalities. Having completed this programme, I have been able to use my theoretical knowledge and implement it in the real world. I am currently working in the Decision Science department for one of the leading banks in Ireland. Altogether, I would recommend this course to anyone interested in expanding their knowledge in the field of economics.

 

Anne Haubo Dyhrberg, Economic Consultant at DKM Economic Consultants.

"The Masters in Economics programme at UCD is in my opinion a fantastic programme. One of the key advantages of the programme is the wide variety of courses on offer in the second semester. The selection enables student to explore different topics and disciplines within economics and choose specifically what they find interesting. It also allows them to get a well-rounded view of graduate economics. This is important when applying for jobs, especially in consultancy as you will work on many different projects with clients from all fields."

The following entry routes are available:

MSc in Applied Economics FT (W369)
Duration
1 Years
Attend
Full Time
Deadline
Rolling*
MSc in Applied Economics PT (W370)
Duration
2 Years
Attend
Part Time
Deadline
Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised