Economics (ECS1)

In your first year (called Stage 1) you take 12 modules over two semesters. You must study core modules in Economics and typically two further Arts subjects.

Stage 2 students progress with a major in Economics, students also get the chance to take a small number of elective modules from any School across the University during their degree programme.

See below for the full list of subjects. Further details per stage will be displayed when browsing through subject. Please note that some subject combinations may not be possible, for timetable or other reasons.

(Please Note:Stage 1 below is only applicable to direct entry students. Students entering the BA programme via DN500 (Omnibus) do not select specific majors until stage 2. DN500 students must apply to the relevant School for entry to a single major).

Curricular information is subject to change

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This programme is aimed at students who wish to understand how economic principles influence the behaviour of individuals, firms and communities, and how institutions can intervene to achieve certain economic outcomes. 



Students will be provided with thorough foundations in microeconomic and macroeconomic modelling and their applications in subfields (such as trade, health, education and transport). Students will develop skills in data analysis, and be supported in the development of their analytical and problem-solving skills as well as in the application of these skills to understanding real economic issues both past and present.



We value critical thinking about economic issues; an ability to cast problems in an economic framework and resolve complex problems using economic analysis tools. Students will be provided with a structured approach to developing skills of analysis, problem design and resolution using economic theory, data analysis and statistical methods, delivered via lectures, seminars, workshops and small group settings in classrooms and computer labs with online support and eLearning content.



The degree gives a strong preparation to students for careers in government, private consultancy firms and media, and for postgraduate studies that lead to careers in academia, central banks and leadership roles in industry, public and voluntary sectors.


1 - Understand basic models of microeconomics and macroeconomics as well as their application in selected subfields (such as health, international trade, labour and transport) and be able to evaluate and synthesise economic theories and models
2 - Undertake data analysis using statistical and econometric approaches, and use econometric software
3 - Develop problem solving skills and a capacity to apply these skills in a variety of contexts
4 - Understand the role and development of policy in a number of different settings, and analyse the impact and implications of economic policies on different groups (individuals, households, firms or other agents)
5 - Work individually and in teams to identify relevant research questions and undertake economic research projects
6 - Communicate economic arguments and analysis to specialist and non-specialist audiences
7 - Distinguish good quality analysis and data as well as being able to find literature and data from reliable sources
8 - Design, execute and analyse surveys
9 - Understand and debate different perspectives on economic argument, models, theories and doctrines and have knowledge of contemporary economic issues
10 - Have a broad awareness of related disciplines and fields of study and understand the impact of economic solutions in a societal and global context
11 - Have the capacity to engage in life-long learning
If you choose to take Economics as a single subject to degree level you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a range of modules that have direct relevance to the development of policies that have made Ireland such a successful economy.

It is not necessary to have taken Economics to Leaving Certificate. Nor is Higher Level Mathematics required. However, Economics at UCD is a somewhat mathematical subject and an aptitude for thinking mathematically and manipulating numbers is a definite advantage. See subject description for economics .

In your first year (called Stage 1) you take 12 modules over two semesters. You must study core modules in Economics and typically two or three other subjects including up to two modules from outside the BA Programme area.

Stage 2 students progress with a major in Economics. Students also take four elective modules from within or outside their main subject area at Stages 2 and 3 of their degree programme.
At Stage 1 you will cover the principles of macroeconomics including national income, economic growth, inflation, fiscal and monetary policy. Quantitative Economics introduces you to mathematical methods used for solving economic problems and the Economics and Society module looks at the efficiency of markets, trade, aid, globalisation, unemployment and the implementation of economic policy.

In Stage 2 you will develop your skills and knowledge of Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Quantitative Economics and Econometrics (applied statistics). You can also choose to specialise in specific areas such as Health Economics, Transport Economics, Development Economics, Rural and Urban Economics. The choice of module options in this degree ranges from Game Theory to International Trade, from the Economics of Public Policy to the Economics of Human Behaviour.

The choice is extensive and the learning experience is captivating. A full description of the programme framework and modules offered can be found in the UCD School of Economics' Undergraduate Handbook at www.ucd.ie/economics/.

You may apply to study abroad for either a semester or a year through the Erasmus programme or on a non-EU exchange. UCD has over 200 Erasmus partners in Europe and an increasing number of non-EU exchange agreements with universities in the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan and elsewhere.

The year abroad takes place when you have accumulated at least 110 credits and satisfied any subject prerequisites, adding a fourth year to the BA programme and turning it into a BA International.

Graduates with a degree in Economics are well placed for a range of employment opportunities in both public and private sectors, including:

  • Banking
  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Management Consultancy
  • Broadcasting
  • Busines
  • Journalism
  • Research
  • Communications

    Many students also pursue graduate study in economics leading to master’s and PhD degrees. Check out the wide range of graduate programmes (HDip, MA and PhD – full and part time) offered by the School of Economics.
  • Stage 3

    Students are required to take FIVE option modules in stage 3. FOUR of these modules MUST BE LEVEL 3. The remaining option may be level 2 or level 3


    Stage 4

    Students are required to take FIVE option modules in stage 3. FOUR of these modules MUST BE LEVEL 3. The remaining option may be level 2 or level 3

    Module ID Module Title Trimester Credits
    Stage 3 Core Modules
         
    ECON30250 Economics Research Project 1 Autumn 5
    ECON30290 Advanced Microeconomics Autumn 5
    ECON30120 Advanced Macroeconomics Spring 5
    ECON30310 Economics Research Project 2 Spring 10
    Stage 3 Core Modules
         
    Stage 3 Options - A)MIN4OF:
    Students are required to take FIVE option modules in stage 3. FOUR of these modules MUST BE LEVEL 3. The remaining option may be level 2 or level 3.
         
    CHN30060 Chinese Economy Autumn 5
    ECON30100 The Economics of Health and Health Policy Autumn 5
    ECON30150 International Money and Banking Autumn 5
    ECON30180 Industrial Economics: Economics of Business Strategy Autumn 5
    ECON30270 Behavioural Economics and Public Policy Autumn 5
    ECON30360 Labour Economics Autumn 5
    ECON30400 Political Economy Autumn 5
    ECON30410 Development Economics Autumn 5
    ECON30520 R for Economists Autumn 5
    ECON30540 Advd Econometrics: Time Series Autumn 5
    ECON30570 Economic Growth Autumn 5
    ECON30590 Economics of Gender and Diversity Autumn 5
    ECON30610 Economics of Natural Resources Autumn 5
    FIN30200 Econometrics of Financial Markets Autumn 5
    ECON30160 International Trade Economics Spring 5
    ECON30170 Financial Economics: Asset Pricing Spring 5
    ECON30190 Public Economics: Government Spending, Taxation and Public Choice Spring 5
    ECON30260 The Economics of the Transport Sector Spring 5
    ECON30390 Experimental Economics: Lab Experiments Spring 5
    ECON30430 Economics of International Fin Spring 5
    ECON30500 Field Experiments Social Sci Spring 5
    ECON30530 Advanced Econometrics: Microeconometrics Spring 5
    ECON30550 Philosophy of Economics Spring 5
    ECON30580 Economics of Betting Markets Spring 5
    ECON30600 Economics of Climate Change Spring 5
    Stage 3 Options - A)MIN4OF:
    Students are required to take FIVE option modules in stage 3. FOUR of these modules MUST BE LEVEL 3. The remaining option may be level 2 or level 3.
         
    Stage 3 Options - B)MIN0CR:
    Students may select up to one of the following level 2 modules to fulfill their stage 3 option requirement.
         
    ECON20080 Economic Policy Analysis Autumn 5
    ECON20190 Introduction to Financial Economics Autumn 5
    DEV20130 Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Spring 5
    ECON20060 Irish Economy Spring 5
    ECON20100 Game Theory Spring 5
    ECON20120 The Economics of the European Union: Institutions, Policies and Crises Spring 5
    ECON20160 Economics of the Environment Spring 5
    ECON20230 Economics, Organisation and Management Spring 5
    Stage 3 Options - B)MIN0CR:
    Students may select up to one of the following level 2 modules to fulfill their stage 3 option requirement.
         
    Stage 3 Options - C)MIN1OF:
    Select at least one of the following modules.
         
    ECON30540 Advd Econometrics: Time Series Autumn 5
    ECON30530 Advanced Econometrics: Microeconometrics Spring 5
    Stage 3 Options - C)MIN1OF:
    Select at least one of the following modules.
         
    Stage 4 Core Modules
         
    ECON30250 Economics Research Project 1 Autumn 5
    ECON30290 Advanced Microeconomics Autumn 5
    ECON30120 Advanced Macroeconomics Spring 5
    ECON30310 Economics Research Project 2 Spring 10
    Stage 4 Core Modules
         
    Stage 4 Options - C)MIN4OF:
    Students are required to take FIVE option modules in stage 4. FOUR of these modules MUST BE LEVEL 3. The remaining option may be level 2 or level 3.
         
    CHN30060 Chinese Economy Autumn 5
    ECON30100 The Economics of Health and Health Policy Autumn 5
    ECON30150 International Money and Banking Autumn 5
    ECON30180 Industrial Economics: Economics of Business Strategy Autumn 5
    ECON30270 Behavioural Economics and Public Policy Autumn 5
    ECON30360 Labour Economics Autumn 5
    ECON30400 Political Economy Autumn 5
    ECON30410 Development Economics Autumn 5
    ECON30520 R for Economists Autumn 5
    ECON30540 Advd Econometrics: Time Series Autumn 5
    ECON30570 Economic Growth Autumn 5
    ECON30590 Economics of Gender and Diversity Autumn 5
    ECON30610 Economics of Natural Resources Autumn 5
    FIN30200 Econometrics of Financial Markets Autumn 5
    ECON30160 International Trade Economics Spring 5
    ECON30170 Financial Economics: Asset Pricing Spring 5
    ECON30190 Public Economics: Government Spending, Taxation and Public Choice Spring 5
    ECON30260 The Economics of the Transport Sector Spring 5
    ECON30390 Experimental Economics: Lab Experiments Spring 5
    ECON30430 Economics of International Fin Spring 5
    ECON30500 Field Experiments Social Sci Spring 5
    ECON30530 Advanced Econometrics: Microeconometrics Spring 5
    ECON30550 Philosophy of Economics Spring 5
    ECON30580 Economics of Betting Markets Spring 5
    ECON30600 Economics of Climate Change Spring 5
    Stage 4 Options - C)MIN4OF:
    Students are required to take FIVE option modules in stage 4. FOUR of these modules MUST BE LEVEL 3. The remaining option may be level 2 or level 3.
         
    Stage 4 Options - D)MIN0CR:
    Students may select one of the following Level 2 modules to fulfill their Stage 4 option requirements.
         
    ECON20080 Economic Policy Analysis Autumn 5
    ECON20190 Introduction to Financial Economics Autumn 5
    DEV20130 Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Spring 5
    ECON20060 Irish Economy Spring 5
    ECON20100 Game Theory Spring 5
    ECON20120 The Economics of the European Union: Institutions, Policies and Crises Spring 5
    ECON20160 Economics of the Environment Spring 5
    ECON20230 Economics, Organisation and Management Spring 5
    Stage 4 Options - D)MIN0CR:
    Students may select one of the following Level 2 modules to fulfill their Stage 4 option requirements.
         
    Stage 4 Options - E)MIN1OF:
    Select at least one of the following modules.
         
    ECON30540 Advd Econometrics: Time Series Autumn 5
    ECON30530 Advanced Econometrics: Microeconometrics Spring 5
    Stage 4 Options - E)MIN1OF:
    Select at least one of the following modules.
         
    See the UCD Assessment website for further details

    Module Weighting Info  
      Award GPA
    Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
    BHSOC005 Stage 3 - 50.00%
    Stage 2 - 50.00%
    Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

    3.68

    4.20

    Second Class Honours, Grade 1

    3.08

    3.67

    Second Class Honours, Grade 2

    2.48

    3.07

    Pass

    2.00

    2.47

    BHSOC006 Stage 4 - 50.00%
    Stage 2 - 50.00%
    Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

    3.68

    4.20

    Second Class Honours, Grade 1

    3.08

    3.67

    Second Class Honours, Grade 2

    2.48

    3.07

    Pass

    2.00

    2.47


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