Course details

The Master of Economic Science (MEconSc) will provide you with the recognised portfolio of analytical skills required for a career as a professional economist in business, finance and the public sector. It may also lead you towards further studies in economics at PhD level. The emphasis of the course is on the nature and role of economic theories and particularly their use in applied economic research. The skills acquired throughout the course are brought together in a research dissertation on an economic issue of practical interest. The course has been designed, with the help of an external advisor, to provide you with the skills needed by employers. With a MEconSc degree you will be ready to start work in a broad range of sectors straight after graduation.

Course Details

The MEconSc degree is taken in two parts as set out below.

  • Part 1 consists of a combination of examination and coursework in a set of specified taught modules to the value of 60 credits.
  • Part 2 consists of a research dissertation to the value of 30 credits.

Part 1 (60 credits):

Two core theory modules:

  • EC6661 Advanced Microeconomics (10 credits)
  • EC6662 Advanced Macroeconomics (10 credits)

Two quantitative modules:

  • EC6663 Econometrics: Theory and Applications (10 credits)
  • EC6665 Quantitative Techniques for Economic Research (10 credits) 

Two research-orientated modules:

  • EC6664 Current Research Seminars (10 credits)
  • EC6666 Research Methods and Professional Development (10 credits). 

The structure of the course therefore encompasses the three key elements you need to become a practicing research economist.

  • In EC6661 and EC6662, you will identify and apply some of the fundamental theories in microeconomics and macroeconomics ranging from the behavioural aspects of inpidual decision-making to macroeconomic analysis of the functionings of the economy.
  • In EC6663 and EC6665, you will apply important mathematical and statistical skills to real world data.

The two research orientated modules are particularly important to the overall course. In EC6664 you will develop an awareness and appreciation for the central issues and developments in the field of economics. In EC6666 you will be taught how to research economic issues as well as other important professional skills such as presenting and report writing.

Part 2 (30 credits):

Following completion of Part 1, you will present your research dissertation in Part 2. This involves conducting applied research to a contemporary economic issue using descriptive and statistical methods under the supervision of an academic mentor.

Further details on the content and modules are available on the Postgraduate College Calendar

Detailed Entry Requirements

You must have:

a major in economics in your degree or diploma, and at least a 2.2 on the aggregate of all economics courses in the honours degree (level 8) or diploma award

Additionally, you must have passed either:

  • EC4221 Business Econometrics, or
  • EC3121 Quantitative Methods: Econometrics, or
  • EC3122 Quantitative Methods: Survey Methods, or
  • EC2206 Business Econometrics and Forecasting, or
  • EC3206 Survey Methods, or
  • EC5012 Health Quality Economics: Survey Methods (10 credits each), or

Course Practicalities

Currently lectures take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only. In total you are expected to be present for 12 hours of lectures per week. Additional econometric computer practicals will be scheduled for the first teaching period. 

Assessment

  • Modules EC6661, EC6662 and EC6663 will be marked by continuous assessment as well as by an end-of-year exam. In these modules the continuous assessment element is 40% and will consist of assessment of in-class exams, essays and data analysis projects. The end-of-year exam for these modules constitutes the remaining 60%.
  • Modules EC6664, EC6665 and EC6666 will be assessed solely by continuous assessment, including in-class exams, report writing and presentations.
Updated on 08 November, 2015

About University College Cork

UCC was established in 1845 as one of three Queen’s Colleges - at Cork, Galway and Belfast. These new colleges theyre established in the reign of Queen Victoria, and named after her.

Queen's College, Cork (QCC) was established to provide access to higher education in the Irish province of Munster. Cork was chosen for the new college due to its place at the centre of transatlantic trade at the time and the presence of existing educational initiatives such as the Royal Cork Institution and a number of private medical schools.

The site chosen for the new college was dramatic and picturesque, on the edge of a limestone bluff overlooking the River Lee. It is associated with the educational activities of a local early Christian saint, Finbarr. It is believed that his monastery and school stood nearby, and his legend inspired UCC’s motto: ‘Where Finbarr Taught, let Munster Learn.’

On 7 November 1849, QCC opened its doors to a small group of students (only 115 students in that first session, 1849-1850) after a glittering inaugural ceremony in the Aula Maxima (Great Hall), which is still the symbolic and ceremonial heart of the University.

The limestone buildings of the Main Quadrangle (as it is now known) are built in a style inspired by the great universities of the Middle Ages, and theyre designed by the gifted architectural partnership of Thomas Deane and Benjamin Woodward. The iconic image of UCC, it is set in landscaped gardens and surrounds the green lawn known to all as the Quad.

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