Economics

The two-year full-time MSc Economics programme provides an international quality education in Economics and Econometrics. It is specifically targeted at students who have an interest in a career in Economics but do not currently have sufficient background in the subject. The first year of the programme provides the requisite background, while the second year entails MHH52.



The programme is designed to help the student become a problem solver and therefore enhance their flexibility in the job market. It is a stimulating and challenging degree that aims to provide the student with a wide range of skills demanded by prospective employers. Successful graduates attain 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.



Although this is a two-year programme, it offers great flexibility; students may exit after the first year of the programme and receive a Higher Diploma in Economic Science.

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.

An honours (Level 8) primary degree in any discipline, or equivalent. Students from disciplines as varied as Philosophy, Business, History and Computer Science have been accepted and excelled in this programme.



Students without any knowledge of Economics are expected either to have a good background in Statistics and Quantitative Methods or to be prepared to undertake substantial independent study to equip themselves with the expected level of numeracy. The Admissions Director will be happy to recommend a suitable programme of reading and study to successful applicants.



Minimum English language requirements: IELTS: 6.5 overall score or equivalent. Please visit Maynooth University International Office website for further information about English language and other requirements for international students. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and non-EU international applicants.



Maynooth University 's TOEFL code is 8850

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

2 years Full-time

In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.

Commencing in September

The 2-year MSc Economics at Maynooth University is a great opportunity for interested candidates to equip themselves for a career in Economics. Without requiring any background in the subject, students who are ready to make this important investment can expect to earn high returns in their future careers.



Graduates are equipped 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) and in other public bodies, while others have pursued careers in retail and investment banking, financial services, fund management, economic development and economic consultancy. Some continue to PhD programmes to pursue an academic career. The diverse career paths reflect the adaptability and flexibility of our graduates.