MSc Quantitative Economics

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

This course provides high quality quantitative training in economics, a focus on advanced research methods and a supervised research thesis. Students get a rigorous grounding in using mathematical and statistical methods to derive, test and apply formal economic models. In addition to core modules in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, students have the option of completing a two-term specialisation in either Statistics or one of Behavioural Economics, Law and Economics of Competition, Environmental and Energy Economics, or Development Economics and Trade.

The course prepares students for PhD-level study in economics or obtaining employment as a professional economist in jobs requiring the application of analytical methods to economic problems. Students may switch to our MSc in Applied Economics after first term, which includes the option of a summer internship.

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 the research thesis element of their degree.

UCD School of Economics is Ireland’s 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. Students get to know our staff via participation in small classes and seminars and through direct supervision.

For full details on the structure of the course, click here

Students get a rigorous grounding in using mathematical and statistical methods to derive, test and apply formal economic models.
The course prepares students for PhD-level study in economics or obtaining employment as a professional economist in jobs requiring the application of analytical methods to economic problems.
Students have the ability to switch after first term to our MSc in Applied Economics, which includes the option of a summer internship.

Careers & Employability

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.

Curricular information is subject to change

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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

Vision and Values Statement

This programme is aimed at students who wish to develop a rigorous understanding of economic principles. It targets students who wish to obtain employment as economists as well as students who are interested in pursuing a PhD in economics. Due to its technical and cumulative nature (current topics building on material covered previously in the programme), 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, and the small group classes, presentations by past students and employers of MSc graduates, and weekly seminars from leading academics encourage students to obtain exposure 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 elective subjects such as international trade, as well as more advanced courses in the core topics. The summer semester is devoted to thesis research: students identify and articulate a research problem and present a report detailing how they developed and executed a research plan to resolve the problem.

Programme Outcomes

articulate socio-economic policy recommendations based on sound scientific reasoning
be able to interpret and communicate economic issues to a wider non-specialist audience including decision makers, NGOs, practitioners, and the media
demonstrate ability to conduct independent and original basic and applied research in economics
demonstrate mastery of the issues, theories and latest advances in at least one of the sub-fields of economics
explore the relationship between theory and practice; test theories by using published and bespoke data sets
know how to use an econometric approach to model economic phenomenon, estimate the resulting model, and interpret the estimated parameters
understand the main models across different fields of economics;

What modules can I take?

View All Modules Here

For full details on the structure of this course click here

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

MSc Quantitative Economics (W352) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 12500
nonEU fee per year - € 22600

MSc Quantitative Economics (W353) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 7690
nonEU fee per year - € 11300

***Fees are subject to change

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.

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.
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.

Testimonial

Annabell Schneider

The UCD was the perfect place to pursue my MSc in Quantitative Economics as it is Irelands largest university and has an excellent reputation throughout Europe and the academic world. The university as well as the programme management provided everything necessary to successfully prepare for the start of the studies which especially enabled international students to quickly get familiar with the new academic environment. Further support can be obtained by contacting the Student Help Desk or by directly approaching organisers and professors.

The MSc in Quantitative Economics offers the perfect combination of theory and practice. Students gain a more detailed understanding of economic fundamentals through core modules such as Macroeconomics and Microeconomics. In addition, students can choose from a variety of elective modules that provide them with important tools which train both the use of statistical methods as well as programming languages. During the MSc programme, I really enjoyed analysing data and thus providing answers to economic questions which not only helped me when I was working on my master’s thesis, but also in my current job.

Today, I work as a credit risk analyst at one of the largest banks in Germany, helping to analyse data and develop new metrics to monitor the bank’s credit risk. The MSc in Quantitative Economics is perfect for everyone who seeks to expand theoretical knowledge as well as to deal with economic issues in practice.

Dan Foley, Research Assistant, Economic and Social Research Institute

“The masters program in UCD is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to further their knowledge of economics. The main advantage of the programme is the array of courses available to students. The first semester provides students with both the foundations needed to study the more advanced classes as well as hands on experience using econometric software to perform practical empirical work. The second semester provides a range of classes allowing students to choose between courses that prepare students for PhD-level study, more applied courses or a mix of both. I particularly enjoyed the strong research element of the programme which gave me an insight into what economists actually do. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in UCD and felt the programme provided me with the necessary tools to confidently undertake my own research which has been invaluable in my current job.”