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University College Dublin

Behavioural Economics

MSc Behavioural 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. This is the only MSc in this area in Ireland and it is one of the few worldwide with a strong policy and regulatory focus.

The MSc in Behavioural Economics is an exciting new course devoted to providing an in-depth training in the area of behavioural economics. Students will take a range of rigorous economic modules but will specialise in understanding a range of new models that incorporate the latest evidence on human decision making. As well as being trained in the core concepts and theories of behavioural economics, students will also learn about the range of empirical methods used to test ideas in this area in lab and field settings. The MSc will also cover the ethical, legal, and regulatory context for the ideas of behavioural economics. Thus, the students will be equipped to apply these ideas in a wide range of academic, business, and policy settings.

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.

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

Entry requirements

• 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.

• We also consider applicants with at least an upper second class honours degree in another cognate area that has a high quantitative component.

• An upper second class honours in a Higher Diploma in Economics.

• Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 7.0 (no band less than 6.5 in each element), or equivalent.

Duration

Duration:1 Years / 2 Years
Attendance: Full Time / Part Time

MSc Behavioural Economics FT (W376)
MSc Behavioural Economics PT (W377)

Careers or further progression

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.

Further enquiries

Nicolas Clifton
Tel: 01 716 8272

Subjects taught

Course content & structure
This programme comprises 90 Credits of which 70 are taught and 20 are taken by dissertation.

In your first term, you will undertake a two-week preliminary course in mathematics and statistics. You will also take the following modules:

• Microeconomics
• Econometrics
• Behavioural Economics
• Topics in Psychological Science
• Research Skills

In your second term, you will take the following two core modules.

• Behavioural Economics: Policy Applications
• Experiments in Economics

You will also take two other modules. The following is an indicative list of modules that may be available:
• Advanced Microeconomics
• Advanced Econometrics
• Health and Welfare Economics
• Economics of Competition Policy
• Energy Economics and Policy

In summer term, you will do a supervised research thesis on a topic related to behavioural economics.

"Behavioural Economics is now a key area of academic study and is having substantial influence on business, policy, and regulation. This MSc will equip students both with a core academic understanding of the key concepts and with a strong sense of how to apply these ideas to a wide range of settings." - Prof Liam Delaney, Programme Director.

Application date

The following entry routes are available:

MSc Behavioural Economics FT (W376)
Duration 1 Years
Attendance Full Time
Deadline Rolling *

MSc Behavioural Economics PT (W377)
Duration 2 Years
Attendance Part Time
Deadline Rolling *

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

Course fee

MSc Behavioural Economics (W376) Full Time
EU fee per year - 9950
nonEU fee per year - 19200

MSc Behavioural Economics (W377) Part Time
EU fee per year - 6470
nonEU fee per year - 9600

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.