The Higher Diploma in Economics (Competition, Governance and Society) may be taken full-time over 9 months or part-time over 18 months during two consecutive academic years from the date of first registration for the programme. For part-time participants the following modules are taken in year one: EC5204, EC5205, EC5206, EC5203, EC5200, EC5202. The remainder of the modules are completed in second 9 month period.

Applicants should have a primary degree in a natural science, engineering or an industrial technology discipline and are currently employed or employed until recently in a scientific laboratory or otherwise actively engaged in scientific research. Recently graduated candidates or candidates with educational and/or professional qualifications deemed equivalent by the Head of the School of Economics may also be considered eligible for application. Consideration may also be given to applicants meeting criteria relating to Government and University Policies on Access, Transfer and Progression and Recognition of Prior Learning. Selection for classes will take account of work experiences of applicants to ensure diversity of perspectives in each class as transformational learning requires active engagement by participants in sharing knowledge and ideas for an optimal peer- supporting environment.

Full-time

Students take 60 credits as follows:

EC5200 Principles for Economic Reasoning 1 (5 credits)
EC5202 Principles for Economic Reasoning 2 (5 credits)
EC5203 Economic Ways of Knowing 2 (5 credits)
EC5204 Styles of Knowing 1 (5 credits)
EC5205 Styles of Knowing 2 (5 credits)
EC5206 Economic Ways of Knowing 1 (5 credits)
EC5207 The Economic System: Complexity and Change 1 (5 credits)
EC5208 The Economic System: Complexity and Change 2 (5 credits)
EC5209 Foundations for Business Practices 1 (5 credits)
EC5210 Foundations for Business Practices 2 (5 credits)
EC5213 Immersion Experiences 1 (5 credits)
EC5214 Immersion Experiences 2 (5 credits)

Part-time

For part-time participants the following modules are taken in Year 1:
EC5200 Principles for Economic Reasoning 1 (5 credits)
EC5202 Principles for Economic Reasoning 2 (5 credits)
EC5203 Economic Ways of Knowing 2 (5 credits)
EC5204 Styles of Knowing 1 (5 credits)
EC5205 Styles of Knowing 2 (5 credits)
EC5206 Economic Ways of Knowing 1 (5 credits)

For part-time participants the following modules are taken in Year 2:
EC5207 The Economic System: Complexity and Change 1 (5 credits)
EC5208 The Economic System: Complexity and Change 2 (5 credits)
EC5209 Foundations for Business Practices 1 (5 credits)
EC5210 Foundations for Business Practices 2 (5 credits)
EC5213 Immersion Experiences 1 (5 credits)
EC5214 Immersion Experiences 2 (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2016 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules 2015/2016.

Programme Learning Outcomes for the Higher Diploma in Economics (Competition, Governance and Society) (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, participants should be able to:

• Identify connections between their past formal education experience and a foundational economics base.
• Explore a portfolio of conceptual and practical tools that relate to ways of attaining knowledge and the economic system
• Develop a business tool kit as a bridge that facilitates a transition in personal development toward business.