The MA in Economics is a full-time programme running for 12 months from the date of first registration for the programme.

Applicants must have:
either a BA (Hons) in Economics, a Higher Diploma in Economics or equivalent,
and a 2H2 on the aggregate of all Economics modules in the degree or diploma award.

External applicants may contact the Graduate Studies Committee in the Department of Economics to discuss eligibility. Applicants are referred to the Department of Economics, Graduate Studies Policy Document for information on how places are allocated for the MA (Economics).

Students take 90 credits comprising taught modules to the value of 60 credits (Part I) and a dissertation to the value of 30 credits (Part II). Students apply the skills and knowledge developed in Part I of the programme to complete and submit a research dissertation (Part II) by the third Friday in September following completion of Part I.

Students take 90 credits as follows:

Part I
EC6053 Research Methods (5 credits)
EC6054 Econometrics for Research (10 credits)
EC6058 Professional Development Workshop (5 credits)
EC6059 Economic Data Analysis for Research (5 credits)
EC6061 Scenario Analysis and Creative Thinking (5 credits)
EC6068 Business Development and the Competitive Environment (15 credits)
EC6069 Business Growth and Innovation (15 credits)

Part II
EC6057 Dissertation in Economics (30 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.

Postgraduate Diploma in Economics
Candidates who pass at least 60 credits of taught modules may elect to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Economics.

Programme Learning Outcomes for MA in Economics (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Execute research projects;
• Evaluate debates about economic change and enlighten policy makers on the implications;
• Advise businesses on how to develop change strategies and take advantage from the process of economic change;
• Advise individuals, as workers and entrepreneurs, of the future consequences of change;
• Self-direct research to facilitate their continuing professional development;
• Apply quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to do economic research;
• Communicate research findings, both in writing and orally, to a high professional standard to academic, practitioner and media audiences.

Programme Learning Outcomes for the Postgraduate Diploma in Economics (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Execute research projects;
• Advise business and government on how to develop change strategies and take advantage from the process of economic transformation;
• Advise entrepreneurs and policymakers of the future consequences of change;
• Apply quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to do economic research;
• Communicate research findings, both in writing and orally, to a high professional standard to businesses and policy audiences.