Economics and Data Analytics

MSc Economics and Data Analytics
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
Data insights are now a crucial part of the modern economy, influencing decision-making in both industry and government. As a result, the way that businesses, consumers, employees, and interest groups interact and make choices has changed. A new, influential economic sector has emerged, where companies collect large amounts of data and use it to create tools that enhance and simplify people's lives while also generating significant profits through targeted advertisements and subscription services.

For economists, these developments in the economy are both exciting and challenging. The significant changes in the economy present opportunities for new research and the need for fresh perspectives on the functioning, design, and regulation of markets. However, the rise of the data-driven economy also presents a challenge to economists, as the traditional tools of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics may not be sufficient to fully grasp and comprehend how the new economy functions.

What is more, the data-driven economy of the present requires a diverse skill set from our graduates. It is expected that graduates have state-of-the-art data analytics skills as well as a strong foundation in economic principles. In nearly any role within these sectors, these skills are necessary for success.

The MSc in Economics and Data Analytics is a program designed for those who want to gain the in-demand skills needed in today's job market. This program, jointly offered by the UCD School of Economics and the UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics, combines knowledge of human behavior and decision-making from economics with the latest data analytics techniques, such as Data Programming, Machine Learning, and Bayesian Analysis.

You can choose to study full-time or part-time and will receive a strong foundation in both economics and data analytics through core courses. You'll learn from top economists and statisticians, in a blended programme that has both online and in-person modules in small class sizes, and get hands-on experience through workshops and projects. Plus, you'll have opportunities to connect with industry professionals and be a part of the school community through research seminars and more. The programme will help prepare you for a variety of exciting career paths, including graduate studies. In the spring semester, you'll have the choice to select from a variety of elective courses in data analytics, econometrics, and economics. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared for exciting career opportunities in tech, consulting, NGOs or government, and even doctoral studies in economics.

Who should apply/

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 is a 90-credit taught combined learning MSc, with the Data Analytics modules taken online

Autumn Trimester

In the Autumn trimester, you will undertake a two-week foundational course in mathematics and statistics. You will also take the following modules:

Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
Data Programming with R
Introduction to Data Analytics
Econometrics

Spring Trimester

In the Spring trimester, you take the core module Research and Career Skills, and choose modules worth 25 credits from (at least one from each block):

Block I: Data Analytics and Econometrics

Advanced Econometrics: Micro
Causal Inference and Policy Evaluation
Statistical Machine Learning
Advanced Econometrics: Time Series
Quantitative Text Analysis
Inference for Data Analytics
Bayesian Analysis
Programming for Social Scientists
Causal Inference & Policy Evaluation

Block II: Economics

Advanced Macroeconomics
Advanced Microeconomics
International Trade
Aviation Economics
Health and Welfare Economics
Energy Economics and Policy
Economics of Competition Policy
Behavioural Economics: Policy Applications
Decision Theory

Summer Trimester

In the Summer trimester, you will do a supervised thesis or internship.

Overall, this is a 90-credit taught Masters

A NFQ Level 8 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/

The following entry routes are available:

MSc Economics and Data Analytics FT (W564)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*

MSc Economics and Data Analytics PT (W565)
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

W564: 1 Years Full Time
W565: 2 Years Part Time

NEXT INTAKE: 2024/2025 September.

This programme prepares graduates for a wide range of highly in-demand career paths. Data analytics is at the forefront of the modern economy, and by completing the MSc in Economics and Data Analytics, you'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the competitive job market of today and tomorrow. Graduates from related programmes, such as the MSc in Economics and the MSc in Data Analytics, have gone on to successful careers in industries like tech, finance, and consulting. Others have landed positions at public institutions like central banks, ministries, and research institutes, or continued their studies with PhD programs in economics or statistics.