Economics & Policy Analysis, MSc

The MSc in Economics and Policy Analysis at UL is specifically designed to equip students with the practical skills required for a career in economics.  The current global economic crisis demonstrates the need for well-educated and trained economists in a number of spheres. The programme has a strong applied public policy focus which will prepare graduates for positions that require the application of economic knowledge and practical skills. The program has recently been ranked 30th in Western Europe by EdUniversal Best Masters.  It is also the first and only masters in economics in Ireland that offers the potential to obtain a double degree through our partnership with HEC Liège (the Business School of the University of Liège) in Belgium. HEC Liège is one of the best Business Schools in Europe and was recently awarded EQUIS accreditation, one of the top two international accreditations for Business Schools that, to date, has been awarded to only approximately 160 Schools worldwide. While the double degree option involves a 2nd year of study at the Masters level it represents a significant opportunity to further develop your skills as an economist and to increase the range of career opportunities available to you.

The programme also incorporates an international field trip element. Previous trips have included visits to the OECD, the European Investment Bank, the European Stability Mechanism and the European Commission.

Why should you consider the MSc in Economics and Policy Analysis?

• An emphasis on applied economic skills such as data analysis, econometrics and policy analysis.
• The course also has a strong focus on policy orientated aspects of economics such as macro, industrial and education policy. 
• The unique potential to achieve a double degree in conjunction with HEC Liège
• We are ranked by Eduniversal in the top 50 Masters in Economics within Western Europe
• We have an extremely strong employment record with past graduates working across the private and public sector.

Double Degree Option

As the only masters in economics in Ireland to offer the potential to obtain a double degree through our partnership with HEC Liège, the programme offers the opportunity for a number of students to undertake a semester of study in the Business School of the University of Liège.  As part of the agreement, a number of selected students registered for the MSc. in Economics and Policy Analysis can complete two semesters of study here in UL before going to Liège for a further semester of study and then complete a dissertation which is jointly supervised by faculty from UL and Liège. Upon completion, these particular students receive two separate Master degrees – UL’s MSc. in Economics and Policy Analysis and Liège’s Master in Economics.

While the double degree option involves a 2nd year of study at the Masters level it represents a significant opportunity to further develop your skills as an economist and to increase the range of career opportunities available to you. Opting for the double degree involves no extra fee (students only pay the fee for UL’s MSc. in Economics and Policy Analysis) and the entire programme in Liège is taught through English so it is not necessary to have any background in French.
Delivery

The programme will be delivered through interactive lectures and tutorials, guided reading, small group team work, seminars and workshops. The student experience will be enhanced through an international business workshop, professional development modules and guest speakers from industry and related academic areas.

The MSc in Economic Analysis is a one-year, full time programme.  The programme consists of two semesters of four modules and a research paper to be completed over the Summer.

Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.

Normally applicants will possess a minimum 2:2 honours primary degree (Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) in economics or a programme where economics is a major component (for example, business/commerce). An interview may form part of the application process.  In the case of international students, the overseas equivalent as determined by the Course Team in consultation with UL Graduate School Admissions will meet this requirement. Where candidates are non-native English language speakers, the candidate should meet the University's English language requirements. In exceptional circumstances an applicant who cannot satisfy the undergraduate requirement may be accepted on the basis of relevant professional experience.

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

• Qualification transcripts and certificates
• English language qualification if English is not your first language
• Certified English translations of your transcripts/certificates where the originals are in a language other than English.
• A copy of your birth certificate (long document)

GUIDELINES ON COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION

To ensure a speedy assessment of your application, please upload the above documents with your application form. 
Please title appropriately any documents you are uploading with the application form, for example "Supporting Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.

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Our future graduates can expect to gain employment as an economist in areas such as the Financial Sector (e.g. banking, finance, financial services), Government Agencies (e.g. civil service, state banks, central bank, state sponsored bodies, regulatory authorities), Education (lecturing and teaching), Further Study (e.g. PhD), Research (university and other dedicated research agencies).

Who Employs our Graduates?
Central Bank of Ireland; Irish Government Economics and Evaluation Services; Commission for Energy Regulation; Central Statistics Office; Bank of Ireland; Northern Trust; Sherry Fitzgerald Auctioneers; Davy Stockbrokers; Intersnack (Switzerland); Department of Finance: Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: PhD Research: University Teaching Assistant

Graduate Opportunities with the Central Statistics Office:
The Central Statistics Office will offer a one-year placement to graduates from the MSc in Economic Analysis.  The commitment is subject to terms and conditions and further information will be provided by the Course Director if you wish to enquire.