Economics

The MSc Economics is a stimulating and challenging programme that provides international quality training in Economics and Econometrics.



Through a combination of theoretical principles and empirical tools, the programme emphasises problem solving and equips successful graduates with economic, quantitative and communication skills that are highly sought by employers in the public and private sectors.



Recent graduates have taken up positions at institutions like the Central Bank of Ireland, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES) and the Central Statistics Office, while others have pursued careers in economic consultancy, economic development, retail and investment banking, financial services and fund management. Some continue to PhD programmes to pursue an academic career. The diverse career paths reflect the adaptability and flexibility of our graduates.

The course structure is designed to be stimulating and challenging. 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.

The degree is targeted at high quality students with a strong background in economics or with strong quantitative skills. Students are eligible for admission they hold a minimum of a bachelor honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of second-class honours, grade 1 (2:1) in economics OR an honours degree in which economics formed a substantial component, including joint honours economics degrees and some business and finance degrees that include core economics modules OR an honours degree in which there was a substantial quantitative component, such as mathematics, engineering, computer science, mathematical physics or statistics.



Applicants with a high second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in an undergraduate economics degree, but with a 2.1 standard in key modules, may also be eligible and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.



Students without the above qualifications may wish to apply for the two-year MSc Economics, MHH70.



Applicants who do not hold a primary degree but have at least 3 years of relevant experience may apply via Maynooth University's RPL process for Non-Standard Entrants. Please click here for further information.

Closing Date : 14 August 2026

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Commences: September

The MSc Economics equips graduates for a wide variety of careers and recent graduates have an excellent employment record, both in the public and private sectors. Graduates have taken up positions at institutions like the Central Bank of Ireland, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES) and the Central Statistics Office, while others have pursued careers in economic consultancy, economic development, retail and investment banking, financial services and fund management. Some continue to PhD programmes to pursue an academic career. The diverse career paths reflect the adaptability and flexibility of our graduates.