MSc in Quantitative Economics

Study

MSc in Quantitative Economics

Applications for the 2024/25 intake open on 1st October 2023 and will close on 31st of August 2024. For information on fees and how to apply, please click here.

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. Students have the possibility to switch after first term to our MSc in Applied Economics, which includes the option of a summer internship

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 scholarships/fee waivers please check here.

Course content and structure

90 credits taught masters

60 credits taught modules

30 credits dissertation

In the first trimester, you will take the following 5 credit modules:
Core modules

Maths and Stats (ECON42620)
Microeconomics (ECON41840)
Macroeconomics (ECON42550)
Econometrics (ECON41820)
Research & Career Skills 1 (ECON42020)

And a choice of one from

Behavioural Economics (ECON42560) – 5 credits
Environmental Economics (ENVP40230) – 5 credits
European Competition Law (LAW40360) – 10 credits
Data Programming with R (STAT40620) – 5 credits
Development Economics (ECON42600) – 5 credits

In your second trimester, you take the following 5 credit modules:
Core

Advanced Macroeconomics (ECON41620)
Advanced Microeconomics (ECON41810)
Research & Career Skills 2 (ECON42300)

One, two or all of:
o Advanced Econometrics: Micro (ECON42700)
o Advanced Econometrics: Time Series (ECON42710)
o Causal Inference & Policy Evaluation (ECON42720)

Depending on the number of Econometrics modules chosen above, you may choose up to two
additional modules from the list of 5 credit modules below:

Aviation Economics (ECON42610)
Health and Welfare Economics (ECON42190)
Energy Economics and Policy (ECON42360)
Economics of Competition Policy (ECON42580)
Behavioural Economics: Policy Applications (ECON42570)
Decision Theory (ECON42630)
Bayesian Analysis (STAT20180)
Nonparametric Statistics (STAT40080)
Global Economic History (ECON42730)
Banking & Financial Stability (ECON42740)

Students that have taken LAW40360 in trimester 1, have a choice of at most one further module.
In your third trimester (Summer), you will do supervised research thesis (ECON40090) – 30
credits.

Part-time schedule details

Career Opportunities

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.

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.

Graduate Profile

Annabell Schneider

The UCD was the perfect place to pursue my M.Sc. 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 professor. The M.Sc. 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 M.Sc. 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 M.Sc. in Quantitative Economics is perfect for everyone who seeks to expand theoretical knowledge as well as to deal with economic issues in practice.