Business Economics

Course Outline

Our MSc Business Economics programme is an integrated course applying economics to the business environment. Designed in consultation with leaders from the business community and public sector organisations, this unique course equips you with the key skills for career development in the ever-changing business world. It also provides a good foundation for those interested in undertaking further study at PhD, DBA or professional development level.



The MSc Business Economics course is unique to UCC, incorporating both taught courses and action research, and using economic theory and analysis explicitly applied to business. Through the focused taught courses and conducting action research, you learn how to explain and apply core theories, empirical methods and a range of analytical tools that are relevant and transferable to a range of fundamental business issues.



In this course you will develop a portfolio of skills required to support business analysis and managerial decision-making. These skills include communication skills (written and oral), analytical and evaluation skills and team-working skills. Our market research has indicated that such skills are very highly rated by employers.



The course places emphasis on:

- the preparation and presentation of quality business reports

- techniques of data analysis that include forecasting and survey data analysis

- team-working for assignments to enhance interpersonal relationships

- a problem-solving approach using case studies



The MSc programme comprises two parts totalling 90 credits.

Modules:

Part I

EC6617 Professional Business Skills (10 credits)

EC6619 Advanced Quantitative Techniques for Business Research (5 credits)

EC6620 Research Methods for Business Economics (5 credits)

EC6621 Strategy for Global Business (5 credits)

EC6622 Global Business Strategy and Business Relationships (5 credits)

EC6623 Analysing General Business Conditions (5 credits)

EC6624 International Macroeconomic Data in Strategic Decision Making (5 credits)

EC6625 Financial Economics and Business Strategy (5 credits)

EC6626 Corporate Treasury Management (5 credits)

EC6627 Fieldwork Research Methods for Business (5 credits)

EC6628 Analysis of Business Survey Data (5 credits)



Part II

EC6618 Business Economics Report (the BER) (30 credits)



Students must present all elements of assessment by the third Friday in August in the academic year, following completion of the MSc Part I.

Requirements

Minimum Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8) or equivalent. Note that there is NO requirement for Economics or Business subjects to be part of the primary degree.



Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be given to applicants not meeting the above criteria (i.e. no primary degree) but with extensive relevant professional experience, as deemed appropriate by the Head of Economics in consultation with the Programme Director, subject to the approval of the School of Business.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.



- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.



- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date

Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

The course is assessed by a combination of exams and coursework. Approximately 45% of the course is assessed by coursework, including presentations, written reports, in-class assessments and group work.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Start Date: 8th September 2025.

Skills and Careers Information

Skills developed on the MSc course include:

- leadership, organisational, interpersonal and team-working skills

- working to deadlines in producing analyses, reports and presentations to professional standards

- ability to interpret economic data and events

- ability to explain complex issues to non-specialists

- application of economic tools and concepts to the business world

- research project design, implementation and management



The course has an excellent employment track record and every year, our graduates pursue challenging careers in the private and public sectors. MSc graduates have obtained employment in a wide range of areas at home and abroad, including management consulting, the financial and banking sectors, the private sector, the public sector, research institutes, and the education sector.