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MSc in Behavioural Economics

The MSc in Behavioural Economics provides comprehensive training at the interplay of economics and psychology, allowing students to gain knowledge, skills, and tools to understand human decision-making. These behavioural insights are highly sought-after skills in the private and public sectors, as well as in international organizations.

Programme Overview

The MSc Behavioural Economics is the only one of its kind in Ireland and one of the few worldwide with a strong policy and regulatory focus. Students will join Ireland's leading economics department and a vibrant team of behavioural researchers and practitioners. The programme provides in-depth training in the core concepts and theories of behavioural economics, as well as a range of empirical methods used to test ideas in laboratory and field experiments.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc in Behavioural Economics move to jobs in central banks, think-tanks, government departments, regulatory agencies, financial sector institutions, and consultancy firms. Some have also gone on to complete PhDs in economics and pursue successful careers as academic or research economists. Past employers of MSc in Behavioural Economics graduates include the Behavioural Insights Team, Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service, Central Bank of Ireland, Economic and Social Research Institute, Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, KPMG, Accenture, Indecon, and other leading national and international organizations and companies.

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
• Or 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

Programme Structure

Students will take a range of rigorous economic modules, studying cutting-edge research on human decision-making. Through assignments, students have the opportunity to design and run their own behavioural experiments. Masters students are an integral part of the School community, attending research seminars and receiving a wide range of supports to help them prepare for their research thesis or internship.

Research Areas

The UCD Behavioural Science and Policy Group, based in the Geary Institute for Public Policy, holds regular interdisciplinary seminars and an annual conference where students have the opportunity to interact with leading researchers and policymakers in this field. Students will obtain training in running experimental studies and will have access to the BSP lab, the only experimental economics laboratory in Ireland.

Scholarships

The programme offers a number of scholarships/fee waivers, including one full fee waiver to the student with the highest GPA admitted to the MSc in Behavioural Economics. UCD and EU students are eligible for this scholarship.