Economics - Applied Economics

The MSc in Applied Economics provides high-quality training in economics with a focus on applications to real-world problems. The course is ideal preparation for a career as a professional economist working on applying economics to policy issues or business situations. In addition to studying core modules in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, students can pick from a wide range of field modules. In the summer term, students do either a supervised research thesis or an internship.



UCD School of Economics is Ireland’s leading economics department. Our staff are experts with international reputations in a wide range of topics such as macroeconomics, econometrics, applied microeconomics, behavioural economics, health economics, international trade, and economic history. School members play a significant role in debating economic policy issues and in contributing to the formulation of economic policy. Students get to know our staff via participation in small classes and seminars and through direct supervision.



Taught by leading economists in a supportive environment

Advanced training in economics with a real-world focus

UCD is Ireland's global university: with almost 10,000 international students making up 25% of the student body, and a further 5,000 overseas

Stage 1 Core Modules

ECON41840 Microeconomics Autumn 5

ECON42550 Macroeconomics Autumn 5

ECON42760 Quantitative Foundation & Research Skills Autumn 5

ECON42770 Econometrics (Level 4) Autumn 10

ECON42300 Research & Career Skills Spring 5



Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:

Option List A: Students must take 1 of these modules.

ECON42560 Behavioural Economics Autumn 5

ECON42600 Development Economics Autumn 5

ENVP40230 Environmental Economics Autumn 5

POL42540 Applied Data Wrangling and Visualisation Autumn 5

STAT30340 Data Programming with R (Blended) Autumn 5

STAT40730 Data Programming with R (Online) Autumn 5



Stage 1 Options - B) Min 5 of:

Option List B: Students must take 5 of the following modules.

ECON41620 Advanced Macroeconomics Spring 5

ECON41810 Advanced Microeconomics Spring 5

ECON42190 Health and Welfare Economics Spring 5

ECON42360 Energy Economics and Policy Spring 5

ECON42570 Behavioural E'mics:Policy App Spring 5

ECON42580 Economics of CompetitionPolicy Spring 5

ECON42610 Aviation Economics Spring 5

ECON42630 Decision Theory Spring 5

ECON42700 Advanced Econometrics: Microeconometrics Spring 5

ECON42710 Advanced Econometrics: Time Series Spring 5

ECON42720 Causal Inference & Policy Evaluation Spring 5

ECON42730 Global Economic History Spring 5

ECON42740 The Economics of Banking & Financial Stability Spring 5

ECON42750 Evaluation Methods for Health Economics Spring 5

ECON42780 Social Protection & Labor in Developing Countries Spring 5



Stage 1 Options - E)1 of:

Option List C: Choose one of these two modules

ECON42200 Economics Internship Autumn and Summer (separate) 30

ECON40090 Thesis Summer 30

A 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/



These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

W369: 1 Years Full Time

W370: 2 Years Part Time

W369 MSc Applied Economics

Master of Science Full-Time

Commencing September 2026



W370 MSc Applied Economics

Master of Science Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Graduates of our masters programmes move to jobs in central banks, think-tanks, government departments, regulatory agencies, financial sector institutions and consultancy firms.



Some have also gone on to complete PhDs in economics and pursue successful careers as academic or research economists. Past employers of MSc in Applied Economics graduates include: Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES), Central Bank of Ireland, Economic and Social Research Institute, Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, KPMG, Accenture, Novartis, EnvEcon Decision Support Ltd, Deloitte, Grant Thornton, Davy Group, Indecon International consultants, Central Statistics Office, and other leading national and international organizations and companies.