Course Details

Course Code(s):
MSECPATFAD
Available:
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year
Award:
Masters (MSc)
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Major Award
Faculty: Kemmy Business School
Course Type: Taught
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Dr. Darragh Flannery
Email: darragh.flannery@ul.ie Telephone: 353 (0) 61 202975
Name: Kathy Ryan
Address: Programme Co-ordinator,
Taught Postgraduate Programmes Email: Kathy.Ryan@ul.ie Telephone: +353-61-234389
Apply Now

Read instructions on how to apply

Express Interest

Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

This programme combines core theoretical foundations with a strong applied focus to prepare students for a variety of careers in economics & economics related fields.  It is the first and only masters in economics in Ireland to offer a double degree option through our partnership with HEC Liège (the Business School of the University of Liège) in Belgium.

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.

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 programme has recently been revitalised to now include core subjects such as Health Economics and Economics of Global Challenges as well as the development of an active learning classroom for the exclusive use of Economics & Policy Analysis students. The student experience will be enhanced through guest lectures from policy facing economists and international academics in related areas.

Athena Swan Scholarships available - to apply please see Faculty Scholarships (KBS) on our Funding your Postgraduate degree page. Closing date: Friday, 20th May 2022. CLOSED

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.

Autumn Semester

Spring Semester

Summer Semester

EC6031 Evolution of Economic Theory

EC6072 The Economics of Global Challenges

EC6003 Dissertation 1

EC6061 Applied Data for Economics

EC6082 Research Design & Policy Evaluation

 EC6033 Economics Dissertation 2A

EC6071 Preliminary Mathematics & Statistics for Economics

EC6112 Econometrics

 

EC6081 Health Economics

EC6122 Public Finance & Regulation

 

EC6091 Macroeconomics for Policy Making

EC6132 Industrial Policy: Theory, Practice & Evaluation

 

EC6131 Microeconomics for Policy Making

EC6142 Labour & Education Economics

 
     

Optional Module

CO6001 Professional Development 1

Optional Module

CO6002 Professional Development 2

 

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
  • A copy of your birth certificate (long document) or passport
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice

  • If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
    • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts
    AND
    • English language competency certificate

    For more information Click Here

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.

EU - €9,500

Non- EU - €18,292

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.

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

Andrew Moloney, Economist, Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service, l found the MSc challenging but enjoyable. The first semester was more theory driven, which gave me a strong grounding in economic theory and further developed my writing skills. The second semester had more of a focus on specialized subjects like education economics and industrial economics which gave a real practical element to the MSc. Overall, the MSc prepared me for my current role within the Irish Government Economic Evaluation Service. I really enjoyed the MSc in Economics & Policy Analysis and would highly recommend the course to anyone who has an interest in economics or a view to developing a career in the field of economics.