MSc Applied Economics

• Articulate, apply and extend the main models of microeconomics and macroeconomics across different fields and subfields of economics;
• Undertake an econometric approach to model economic phenomena, estimate the resulting models, and interpret the estimated parameters;
• Demonstrate mastery of the issues, theories and latest advances in at least one of the sub-fields of economics;
• Analyse data with a high degree of skill using standard statistical, econometric and simulation techniques and software;
• Interpret and communicate economic issues to specialist and wider non-specialist audiences including decision makers, NGOs, practitioners, and the media;
• Investigate the relationship between theory and practice and identify limitations; test theories by using published and bespoke data sets;
• Demonstrate ability to conduct independent and original basic and applied research in economics;
• Articulate socio-economic policy recommendations based on sound scientific reasoning; and
• Have the capacity to engage in life-long learning.

Due to its technical and cumulative nature (where current topics build on material covered in undergraduate programmes), we encourage our students to have strong quantitative skills and to be active, motivated, and autonomous learners. Our learning environment provides a solid foundation in fundamental economic concepts. The small group classes, presentations by past students and employers of UCD Economics postgraduates, and weekly seminars from leading academics expose students to cutting-edge research and real-world experiences of economists.

This programme uses small-group teaching in the subjects of microeconomics, macroeconomics, quantitative analysis, and econometrics during semester 1.

In semester 2, students have small-group teaching in several elective subjects such as international trade, advanced macroeconomics, microeconomics and econometrics.

In the summer semester, students have the option of either undertaking thesis research or completing an internship in an approved public or private sector organization. 

Graduates of our masters programmes move to jobs in central banks, think-tanks, government departments, regulatory agencies, financial sector institutions and consultancy firms.

Some have also gone on to complete PhDs in economics and pursue successful careers as academic or research economists.  Past employers of MSc in Applied Economics graduates include: Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES), Central Bank of Ireland, Economic and Social Research Institute, Competition and Consumer Protection Commission,  KPMG, Accenture, Novartis, EnvEcon Decision Support Ltd, Deloitte, Grant Thornton, Davy Group, Indecon International consultants, Central Statistics Office, and other leading national and international organizations and companies. 

Follow our MSc Economics LinkedIn page for career updates from our graduates.

In the summer semester, students have the option of either undertaking thesis research or completing an internship in an approved public or private sector organization. In order to undertake the internship module it should be noted that:

1. Students are responsible for sourcing their own internships




2. All internships must be first cleared for use by the module coordinator to ensure they meet the objectives of the programme




3. All necessary documentation must be completed before the internship commences. This includes a Host Agreement (which must be signed by the host institution and countersigned by both the student and the module coordinator) and a Student Agreement form (to be completed and signed by the student)




4. Part time students may do an internship, but not in the institution in which they are employed while registered for the MSc





 

The internship module provides a unique opportunity to put theory into practice, acquire new personal and work-related skills, and enhance employment potential on graduation. The internship is intended to be a new experience for students, allowing them to work on a full time basis in a host institution where they can develop existing and acquire new skills, while applying their economic training to new work related tasks.



Students, in consultation with the module coordinator, will arrange internship positions (paid or voluntary) in fields related to Economics either in Ireland or abroad. The goal is to relate the student's educational and academic experience to the professional needs of the host with whom they are associated.

Past internship opportunities our MSc students have secured include: Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES), ESRI,  European Central Bank,  Central Bank of Ireland, Revenue Commissioners, KPMG, Deloitte, 2K Games Dublin, SIRO, OECD, ComReg, Dataminr Ireland, Davy, Irish Fiscal Authority Council, National Treasury Management Agency, Central Statistics Office, Commission for Regulation of Utilities, Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Environmental Protection Agency.

UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 47th globally and  27th in Europe in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2026. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.

Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:

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.

• 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.
• An upper second class honours in a Higher Diploma in Economics or in the MSc Qualifier.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
• Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the  English language requirements, may enter the programme upon  successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes. 

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No

This programme is aimed at students who wish to develop a deep understanding of economic principles and an ability to apply these principles in a variety of circumstances. It targets students who wish to obtain employment as economists or economic analysts in public or private sector organisations. 

We specifically want to see that incoming students have taken macro, introductory and intermediate microeconomics, statistics and econometrics with good grades, and some field modules in economics.