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Economics  (ECS1)

BA (NFQ Level 8) · Academic Year 2024/2025
School
School of Economics
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Undergraduate
NFQ Level
8
Award
Bachelor of Arts
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Professor Orla Doyle
Overall Programme Credits:
180
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 2
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 3: 50
Stage 4: 50

Curricular information is subject to change.

In your first year (called Stage 1) you take 12 modules over two semesters. You must study core modules in Economics and typically two further Arts subjects.

Stage 2 students progress with a major in Economics, students also get the chance to take a small number of elective modules from any School across the University during their degree programme.

See below for the full list of subjects. Further details per stage will be displayed when browsing through subject. Please note that some subject combinations may not be possible, for timetable or other reasons.

(Please Note:Stage 1 below is only applicable to direct entry students. Students entering the BA programme via DN500 (Omnibus) do not select specific majors until stage 2. DN500 students must apply to the relevant School for entry to a single major).

This programme is aimed at students who wish to understand how economic principles influence the behaviour of individuals, firms and communities, and how institutions can intervene to achieve certain economic outcomes. 



Students will be provided with thorough foundations in microeconomic and macroeconomic modelling and their applications in subfields (such as trade, health, education and transport). Students will develop skills in data analysis, and be supported in the development of their analytical and problem-solving skills as well as in the application of these skills to understanding real economic issues both past and present.



We value critical thinking about economic issues; an ability to cast problems in an economic framework and resolve complex problems using economic analysis tools. Students will be provided with a structured approach to developing skills of analysis, problem design and resolution using economic theory, data analysis and statistical methods, delivered via lectures, seminars, workshops and small group settings in classrooms and computer labs with online support and eLearning content.



The degree gives a strong preparation to students for careers in government, private consultancy firms and media, and for postgraduate studies that lead to careers in academia, central banks and leadership roles in industry, public and voluntary sectors.


1 - Understand basic models of microeconomics and macroeconomics as well as their application in selected subfields (such as health, international trade, labour and transport) and be able to evaluate and synthesise economic theories and models
2 - Undertake data analysis using statistical and econometric approaches, and use econometric software
3 - Develop problem solving skills and a capacity to apply these skills in a variety of contexts
4 - Understand the role and development of policy in a number of different settings, and analyse the impact and implications of economic policies on different groups (individuals, households, firms or other agents)
5 - Work individually and in teams to identify relevant research questions and undertake economic research projects
6 - Communicate economic arguments and analysis to specialist and non-specialist audiences
7 - Distinguish good quality analysis and data as well as being able to find literature and data from reliable sources
8 - Design, execute and analyse surveys
9 - Understand and debate different perspectives on economic argument, models, theories and doctrines and have knowledge of contemporary economic issues
10 - Have a broad awareness of related disciplines and fields of study and understand the impact of economic solutions in a societal and global context
11 - Have the capacity to engage in life-long learning

If you choose to take Economics as a single subject to degree level you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a range of modules that have direct relevance to the development of policies that have made Ireland such a successful economy.

It is not necessary to have taken Economics to Leaving Certificate. Nor is Higher Level Mathematics required. However, Economics at UCD is a somewhat mathematical subject and an aptitude for thinking mathematically and manipulating numbers is a definite advantage. See subject description for economics .

In your first year (called Stage 1) you take 12 modules over two semesters. You must study core modules in Economics and typically two or three other subjects including up to two modules from outside the BA Programme area.

Stage 2 students progress with a major in Economics. Students also take four elective modules from within or outside their main subject area at Stages 2 and 3 of their degree programme.

At Stage 1 you will cover the principles of macroeconomics including national income, economic growth, inflation, fiscal and monetary policy. Quantitative Economics introduces you to mathematical methods used for solving economic problems and the Economics and Society module looks at the efficiency of markets, trade, aid, globalisation, unemployment and the implementation of economic policy.

In Stage 2 you will develop your skills and knowledge of Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Quantitative Economics and Econometrics (applied statistics). You can also choose to specialise in specific areas such as Health Economics, Transport Economics, Development Economics, Rural and Urban Economics. The choice of module options in this degree ranges from Game Theory to International Trade, from the Economics of Public Policy to the Economics of Human Behaviour.

The choice is extensive and the learning experience is captivating. A full description of the programme framework and modules offered can be found in the UCD School of Economics' Undergraduate Handbook at www.ucd.ie/economics/.

International opportunities for Economics students fall into two categories:

European Erasmus programmes include:
  • Tilburg, the Netherlands
  • Namur, Belgium
  • La Sapienza, Rome, Italy

    Non-EU exchanges include:
  • The University of Connecticut, USA
  • The University of Hong Kong
  • The University of Toronto, Canada

    • Graduates with a degree in Economics are well placed for a range of employment opportunities in both public and private sectors, including:

  • Banking
  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Management Consultancy
  • Broadcasting
  • Busines
  • Journalism
  • Research
  • Communications

    Many students also pursue graduate study in economics leading to master’s and PhD degrees. Check out the wide range of graduate programmes (HDip, MA and PhD – full and part time) offered by the School of Economics.

    • Stage 3

    Students are required to take FOUR option modules in stage 3. FOUR of these modules MUST BE LEVEL 3. The remaining option may be level 2 or level 3

    Stage 4

    Students are required to take FIVE option modules in stage 3. FOUR of these modules MUST BE LEVEL 3. The remaining option may be level 2 or level 3

    Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

    Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

    Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
    Stage 3 Core Modules
    		 ECON30620 Economics Research Project 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  20
    Stage 3 Core Modules
    		 ECON30290 Advanced Microeconomics Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Core Modules
    		 ECON30120 Advanced Macroeconomics Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		CHN30060 Chinese Economy Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30100 The Economics of Health and Health Policy Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30150 International Money and Banking Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30180 Industrial Economics: Economics of Business Strategy Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30270 Behavioural Economics and Public Policy Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30360 Labour Economics Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30400 Political Economy Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30410 Development Economics Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30520 R for Economists Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30540 Advd Econometrics: Time Series Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30570 Economic Growth Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30590 Economics of Gender Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30610 Economics of Natural Resources Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30630 Economics of Corporate Finance Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		FIN30200 Econometrics of Financial Markets Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30160 International Trade Economics Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30170 Intermediate Financial Economics Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30190 Public Economics: Government Spending, Taxation and Public Choice Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30260 The Economics of the Transport Sector Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30500 Field Experiments Social Sci Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30530 Advanced Econometrics: Microeconometrics Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30580 Economics of Betting Markets Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - A) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 3. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		ECON30600 Economics of Climate Change Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
    Students may select up to one of the following level 2 modules to fulfill their stage 3 option requirements.
    		 ECON20060 Irish Economy: Policy Making in a Global Context Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
    Students may select up to one of the following level 2 modules to fulfill their stage 3 option requirements.
    		 ECON20080 Economic Policy Analysis Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
    Students may select up to one of the following level 2 modules to fulfill their stage 3 option requirements.
    		 ECON20190 Introduction to Financial Economics Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
    Students may select up to one of the following level 2 modules to fulfill their stage 3 option requirements.
    		 DEV20130 Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
    Students may select up to one of the following level 2 modules to fulfill their stage 3 option requirements.
    		 ECON20100 Game Theory Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
    Students may select up to one of the following level 2 modules to fulfill their stage 3 option requirements.
    		 ECON20120 The Economics of the European Union: Institutions, Policies and Crises Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
    Students may select up to one of the following level 2 modules to fulfill their stage 3 option requirements.
    		 ECON20160 Economics of the Environment Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
    Students may select up to one of the following level 2 modules to fulfill their stage 3 option requirements.
    		 ECON20230 Economics, Organisation and Management Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - C) Min 1 of:
    Select at least one of the following modules.
    		 ECON30540 Advd Econometrics: Time Series Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - C) Min 1 of:
    Select at least one of the following modules.
    		 ECON30530 Advanced Econometrics: Microeconometrics Spring  5
    Stage 4 Core Modules
    		 ECON30620 Economics Research Project 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  20
    Stage 4 Core Modules
    		 ECON30290 Advanced Microeconomics Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Core Modules
    		 ECON30120 Advanced Macroeconomics Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 CHN30060 Chinese Economy Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30100 The Economics of Health and Health Policy Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30150 International Money and Banking Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30180 Industrial Economics: Economics of Business Strategy Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30270 Behavioural Economics and Public Policy Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30360 Labour Economics Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30400 Political Economy Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30410 Development Economics Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30520 R for Economists Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30540 Advd Econometrics: Time Series Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30570 Economic Growth Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30590 Economics of Gender Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30610 Economics of Natural Resources Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30630 Economics of Corporate Finance Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 FIN30200 Econometrics of Financial Markets Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30160 International Trade Economics Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30170 Intermediate Financial Economics Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30190 Public Economics: Government Spending, Taxation and Public Choice Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30260 The Economics of the Transport Sector Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30500 Field Experiments Social Sci Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30530 Advanced Econometrics: Microeconometrics Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30580 Economics of Betting Markets Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 15CR:
    Students are required to take 20 credits of option modules in stage 4. At least 15 credits should be taken from the level 3 options list below. The remaining 5 credits may be taken from either the level 2 or level 3 lists.
    		 ECON30600 Economics of Climate Change Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - D) Min 0CR:
    Students may select one of the following Level 2 modules to fulfill their Stage 4 option requirements.
    		 ECON20060 Irish Economy: Policy Making in a Global Context Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - D) Min 0CR:
    Students may select one of the following Level 2 modules to fulfill their Stage 4 option requirements.
    		 ECON20080 Economic Policy Analysis Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - D) Min 0CR:
    Students may select one of the following Level 2 modules to fulfill their Stage 4 option requirements.
    		 ECON20190 Introduction to Financial Economics Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - D) Min 0CR:
    Students may select one of the following Level 2 modules to fulfill their Stage 4 option requirements.
    		 DEV20130 Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - D) Min 0CR:
    Students may select one of the following Level 2 modules to fulfill their Stage 4 option requirements.
    		 ECON20100 Game Theory Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - D) Min 0CR:
    Students may select one of the following Level 2 modules to fulfill their Stage 4 option requirements.
    		 ECON20120 The Economics of the European Union: Institutions, Policies and Crises Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - D) Min 0CR:
    Students may select one of the following Level 2 modules to fulfill their Stage 4 option requirements.
    		 ECON20160 Economics of the Environment Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - D) Min 0CR:
    Students may select one of the following Level 2 modules to fulfill their Stage 4 option requirements.
    		 ECON20230 Economics, Organisation and Management Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - E) Min 1 of:
    Select at least one of the following modules.
    		 ECON30540 Advd Econometrics: Time Series Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - E) Min 1 of:
    Select at least one of the following modules.
    		 ECON30530 Advanced Econometrics: Microeconometrics Spring  5

    See the UCD Assessment website for further details

    Module Weighting Info
     
      Award GPA
    Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
    BHSOC005 Stage 3 - 50.00%
    Stage 2 - 50.00%
    		 Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

    3.68

    4.20
    Second Class Honours, Grade 1

    3.08

    3.67
    Second Class Honours, Grade 2

    2.48

    3.07
    Pass

    2.00

    2.47
    BHSOC006 Stage 4 - 50.00%
    Stage 2 - 50.00%
    		 Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

    3.68

    4.20
    Second Class Honours, Grade 1

    3.08

    3.67
    Second Class Honours, Grade 2

    2.48

    3.07
    Pass

    2.00

    2.47
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