Economics

This is a one year full-time programme that provides an accelerated route to the equivalent of an honours degree in economics. All key areas of economics are covered, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and a range of applied courses such as labour economics, international trade, economics of sport and finance.



The programme covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and a range of optional modules such as labour economics, international trade, economics of sport and finance.



Students take four compulsory modules, including a research-based thesis, and eight optional modules chosen to suit the background and career goals of the individual student. Students discuss which modules would be best for them with the Programme Director at the start of the academic year, and are helped to devise the optimal programme of study for themselves. Students who wish to take a module from another department may do so subject to the permission of that department. (Not all combinations of modules may be available due to timetable considerations.)

The first year is an intensive and extensive introduction to the world of Economics. The aim is that by the year-end, students will be at the same level as a graduate in Economics. Students will cover the basic concepts, empirical methods and applications in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Econometrics as well as choosing field courses of interest from a range of optional modules. Students are required to attain a 2.1 standard at the end of the first year in order to progress.



The second year of the programme is the same as MHH52. Students take core modules in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Econometrics in the first semester. In the second semester, students take specialised field modules that may include Advanced Microeconomics, International Trade, Labour Economics, Development Economics and Industrial Organisation. Students also undertake a research thesis, which uses the skills attained from the taught modules and allows students to demonstrate the analytical competencies developed throughout the programme. The thesis proposal is developed in Research Skills seminars held through the second semester, and the thesis is then completed during the summer term.

Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in any discipline.



RPL assessment not considered for this programme.



Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants.



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Closing Date : 14 August 2026

1 Year Full-time

Commencing in September

Graduates of the HDip in Economic Science hold the equivalent of an honours degree in economics, and so have all the career opportunities of economics graduates. Successful students emerge with a deep knowledge of their subject and a variety of skills which will give them a competitive edge in an ever-more competitive job market. Graduates are equipped for a wide variety of careers, such as accountancy, banking, financial services, teaching and economic consultancy, to name but a few.



A performance of 60% or better in the HDip Economic Science guarantees a place on our MSc Economics programme, MHH52.