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.

• Communicate economic arguments and analysis to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Design, execute and analyse surveys
• Develop problem solving skills and a capacity to apply these skills in a variety of contexts
• Distinguish good quality analysis and data as well as being able to find literature and data from reliable sources
• Have a broad awareness of related disciplines and fields of study and understand the impact of economic solutions in a societal and global context
• Have the capacity to engage in life-long learning
• Understand and debate different perspectives on economic argument, models, theories and doctrines and have knowledge of contemporary economic issues
• 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
• 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)
• Undertake data analysis using statistical and econometric approaches, and use econometric software
• Work individually and in teams to identify relevant research questions and undertake economic research projects

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 single major degree in Economics have an extremely broad understanding of how and why economies operate in a particular way.

Their versatility leads them down many career paths, from the European Commission and Irish civil service to banking, broadcasting, research and communications.