Economics - Applied Economics

MSc Applied Economics
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

This course 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. Students also have the option of completing a two-term specialisation in one of Behavioural Economics, Law and Economics of Competition, Environmental and Energy Economics or Development Economics and Trade. In the summer term, students do either a supervised research thesis or an internship. Students can switch after the first term to our MSc in Quantitative Economics, which focuses on applying advanced mathematical and statistical methods to economics.

This programme features small group teaching from leading economists and a supportive environment. Masters students are an integral part of our School community, attending research seminars and receiving a wide range of supports to help them prepare for their research thesis or 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.

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

Vision & Values Statement
This programme is aimed at students who wish to develop a deep understanding of economic principles and an ability to apply these principles in a variety of circumstances. It targets students who wish to obtain employment as economists or economic analysts in public or private sector organisations. Due to its technical and cumulative nature (where current topics build on material covered in undergraduate programmes), we encourage our students to have strong quantitative skills and to be active, motivated, and autonomous learners. Our learning environment provides a solid foundation in fundamental economic concepts. The small group classes, presentations by past students and employers of UCD Economics postgraduates, and weekly seminars from leading academics expose students to cutting-edge research and real-world experiences of economists. This programme uses small-group teaching in the subjects of microeconomics, macroeconomics, quantitative analysis, and econometrics during semester 1. In semester 2, students have small-group teaching in several elective subjects such as international trade, or in advanced macroeconomics, microeconomics and econometrics. In the summer semester, students have the option of either undertaking thesis research or completing an internship in an approved public or private sector organization. The thesis research involves students identifying and articulating a research problem, and presenting a written report detailing how they developed and executed a research plan to resolve the problem.

Programme Outcomes:
1. Articulate, apply and extend the main models of microeconomics and macroeconomics across different fields and subfields of economics;

2. Undertake an econometric approach to model economic phenomena, estimate the resulting models, and interpret the estimated parameters;

3. Demonstrate mastery of the issues, theories and latest advances in at least one of the sub-fields of economics;

4. Analyse data with a high degree of skill using standard statistical, econometric and simulation techniques and software;

5. Interpret and communicate economic issues to specialist and wider non-specialist audiences including decision makers, NGOs, practitioners, and the media;

6. Investigate the relationship between theory and practice and identify limitations; test theories by using published and bespoke data sets;

7. Demonstrate ability to conduct independent and original basic and applied research in economics;

8. Articulate socio-economic policy recommendations based on sound scientific reasoning; and

9. Have the capacity to engage in life-long learning.

Stage 1 - Core
Econometrics ECON41820
Microeconomics ECON41840
Research & Career Skills I ECON42020
Macroeconomics ECON42550
Preliminary Maths & Stats ECON42620

Stage 1 - Option
Thesis ECON40090
Advanced Macroeconomics ECON41620
Research & Career Skills II ECON41660
Advanced Microeconomics ECON41810
Advanced Econometrics ECON41850
International Trade ECON42140
Health and Welfare Economics ECON42190
Economics Internship ECON42200
Research and Professional Development ECON42300
Energy Economics and Policy ECON42360
Behavioural Economics ECON42560
Behavioural E'mics:Policy App ECON42570
Economics of CompetitionPolicy ECON42580
Development Economics ECON42600
Aviation Economics ECON42610
Decision Theory ECON42630
Economics of Innovation ECON42670
Environmental Economics ENVP40230
Advanced Issues in European Competition Law LAW40360

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.

How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:

MSc in Applied Economics FT (W369)
Duration 1 Years Attend Full Time Deadline Rolling*

MSc in Applied Economics PT (W370)
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

W369: 1 Years Full Time
W370: 2 Years Part Time

Careers & Employability
Many graduates of our masters programmes have gone on to complete PhDs in economics and pursue successful careers as academic or research economists. Many others have moved directly to employment in central banks, think-tanks, government departments, regulatory agencies, financial sector institutions and consultancy firms.