Program Overview

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Applied Economics

The BSc Applied Economics is a degree in Economics with a difference. It is a 4-year degree combining the study and application of Economics with personal, professional development and the opportunity to go on work placement or study abroad.

Course Outline

Economics is the study of people in the ordinary business of life. It is about the choices and decisions that we make and the consequence of these decisions. The focus of the BSc Applied Economics is on using Economics and the economic way of thinking to develop your understanding of the world around us.

• The course comprises a variety of delivery methods and you will also be expected to study independently.
• Classes consist of interactive seminars/workshops in a highly supportive and challenging learning environment.
• Expected lecture hours: In year 1 you will have about 12 hours on average per week; in years 2, 3 (Semester 1) and 4 you will have about 12 hours on average a week.
• Expected lab/practical hours: Practicals are provided in the statistical packages in Economic Data Collection, Economic Data as Evidence, Empirical Research Methods.

Modules

Year 1

• Core Modules (45 credits of Economics)
  • EC1113 Microeconomics: Cooperation in the Economic System (5 credits)
  • EC1114 Macroeconomics: Public Policy in the Economic System (5 credits)
  • EC1115 Microeconomics: Coordination and Individual Decision Making (5 credits)
  • EC1107 Reading Economists (5 credits)
  • EC1111 Economic Data Collection (5 credits)
  • EC1112 Economic Data as Evidence (5 credits)
  • EC1123 Writing for Economists (5 credits)
  • EC1124 Critical Reasoning Skills in Economics (5 credits)
  • EC1125 Transition to Professional Life I (5 credits)
• Electives Modules: 15 credits of another First Arts subject from Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

Year 2

• Recessions and Booms in Ireland and the International Economy
• Money and Monetary Policy
• Government Spending and Tax in Ireland and the International Economy
• Economic Information and Uncertainty
• Firms in a World of Uncertainty
• Behavioural Economics
• Economic Modelling of Decision Makers
• Empirical Research Methods
• Reasoning and Problem-Solving in Economics
• Research in Economics
• Transition to Professional Life II

Year 3

• Debates in Economics
• Professional Skills for Placement
• Reflective Recruitment and Engagement Skills for Placement
• Work Placement or Economics Research Project
• Applied Economics Electives: Financial Strategy, Environmental Economics, The Economics of Sport, Health Economics, Economics of the Labour Market

Year 4

• Creativity as a Developmental Resource
• Economic Growth and Development in a Global Context
• Contextualising the Modern Global Economy
• Survey Design and Implementation
• Empirical Econometrics
• Honours Dissertation
• Transition to Professional Life III
• Applied Economics Electives: International Cooperation, Financial Institutions and Markets, Regional and Urban Economics, Economic Evaluations, Capital Markets and Asset Valuations, Behavioural Economics in Labour Markets

Why Choose This Course

• This degree invites you to participate actively in your study of Economics.
• We aim for primarily interactive classes and workshops where you will be challenged and supported to develop your own ideas, views, and perspectives using Economics.
• You have the opportunity to study in a leading department whose applied research focuses on the big questions faced by business and society, including the economics of the environment and sustainability, regional and urban development, health and wellbeing, finance, and sports.
• You can either go on a 6-month work placement (or undertake a 6-month research project) in Year 3 or study abroad for Year 3.
• The Transition to Professional Life modules enable you to practically participate in your development while at university, in a unique three-way University-Industry Collaboration involving the Career Service UCC, lecturers in the Department of Economics and employers.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

In Year 3 you have the option to either:

• study abroad. You will then return to UCC to complete your degree
• complete a 6-month work placement arranged by UCC. Students who do not obtain a placement will undertake a research project.

Skills and Careers Information

The following work-based competencies are specifically targeted to improve your employability:

• problem-solving and analytical skills
• critical reasoning skills
• communication and presentation skills
• numeracy and IT skills
• group work/leadership skills
• planning and organisational skills

Graduates with Economics have traditionally gone into a wide variety of careers such as:

• economic consultancy
• data analyst
• junior economist
• project management
• advisory services
• accountancy
• marketing
• banking
• postgraduate, doctoral, and professional training

Requirements

Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements

At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.

Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:

• English: O6/H7
• Irish: O6/H7
• Other Language: O6/H7
• Maths: O6/H7

EU/EFTA/UK Qualifications

EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.

Mature Students

To compete through the mature entry route, applicants must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the application year and apply online via the CAO by 1 February. The application should include a statement of interest. Irish Leaving Certificate Maths (or equivalent) is recommended. Applicants may also be called for interview.

QQI FET Entry

Applicants who meet the required level of distinctions in required subjects can apply for entry to this course using specific QQI FET qualifications.

Non-EU Applicants

Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

Fees and Costs

• Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you.
• The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme.
• The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
• See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
• Check out scholarships that may be available to you.

How To Apply

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO.

Mature Applicants

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.

QQI/FET Applicants

Apply via the CAO.

Non-EU Applicants

If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal.