University College Dublin

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

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. 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.

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.
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