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University College Dublin

Behavioural Economics

MSc Behavioural Economics

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

UCD School of Economics is Irelands 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

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.

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

Enrolment and start dates

Next Intake: 2017/2018 September.

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

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