About Economics & Policy Analysis, Msc in University of Limerick

This programme combines core theoretical foundations with a strong applied focus to prepare students for a variety of careers in economics & economics related fields.  The programme involves a unique collaboration with the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and access to a specifically designed economics laboratory and Ireland's only purpose built trading floor and includes an international business workshop.

The MSc in Economics and Policy Analysis at UL is specifically designed to equip students with the practical skills required for a career in economics.  The current global economic crisis demonstrates the need for well-educated and trained economists in a number of spheres. The programme has a strong applied public policy focus which will prepare graduates for positions that require the application of economic knowledge and practical skills. The program has recently been ranked 30th in Western Europe by EdUniversal Best Masters.  It is also the first and only masters in economics in Ireland that offers the potential to obtain a double degree through our partnership with HEC Liège (the Business School of the University of Liège) in Belgium. HEC Liège is one of the best Business Schools in Europe and was recently awarded EQUIS accreditation, one of the top two international accreditations for Business Schools that, to date, has been awarded to only approximately 160 Schools worldwide. While the double degree option involves a 2nd year of study at the Masters level it represents a significant opportunity to further develop your skills as an economist and to increase the range of career opportunities available to you.

The programme also incorporates an international field trip element. Previous trips have included visits to the OECD, the European Investment Bank, the European Stability Mechanism and the European Commission.

Why should you consider the MSc in Economics and Policy Analysis?

• An emphasis on applied economic skills such as data analysis, econometrics and policy analysis.
• The course also has a strong focus on policy orientated aspects of economics such as macro, industrial and education policy. 
• The unique potential to achieve a double degree in conjunction with HEC Liège
• We are ranked by Eduniversal in the top 50 Masters in Economics within Western Europe
• We have an extremely strong employment record with past graduates working across the private and public sector.

Double Degree Option

As the only masters in economics in Ireland to offer the potential to obtain a double degree through our partnership with HEC Liège, the programme offers the opportunity for a number of students to undertake a semester of study in the Business School of the University of Liège.  As part of the agreement, a number of selected students registered for the MSc. in Economics and Policy Analysis can complete two semesters of study here in UL before going to Liège for a further semester of study and then complete a dissertation which is jointly supervised by faculty from UL and Liège. Upon completion, these particular students receive two separate Master degrees – UL’s MSc. in Economics and Policy Analysis and Liège’s Master in Economics.

While the double degree option involves a 2nd year of study at the Masters level it represents a significant opportunity to further develop your skills as an economist and to increase the range of career opportunities available to you. Opting for the double degree involves no extra fee (students only pay the fee for UL’s MSc. in Economics and Policy Analysis) and the entire programme in Liège is taught through English so it is not necessary to have any background in French.

Our future graduates can expect to gain employment as an economist in areas such as the Financial Sector (e.g. banking, finance, financial services), Government Agencies (e.g. civil service, state banks, central bank, state sponsored bodies, regulatory authorities), Education (lecturing and teaching), Further Study (e.g. PhD), Research (university and other dedicated research agencies).

Who Employs our Graduates?
Central Bank of Ireland; Irish Government Economics and Evaluation Services; Commission for Energy Regulation; Central Statistics Office; Bank of Ireland; Northern Trust; Sherry Fitzgerald Auctioneers; Davy Stockbrokers; Intersnack (Switzerland); Department of Finance: Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: PhD Research: University Teaching Assistant

Graduate Opportunities with the Central Statistics Office:
The Central Statistics Office will offer a one-year placement to graduates from the MSc in Economic Analysis.  The commitment is subject to terms and conditions and further information will be provided by the Course Director if you wish to enquire.

Academic qualification equivalents

• A four-year or three-year honours degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university. First-division results are required with a minimum overall grade of 60%*.
• Particular programmes may require an interview and/or work experience.  

         *The programmes listed below have specific entry requirements. Please read carefully if you are interested in applying to one of these       programmes.

Masters of Mechanical Engineering/Aeronautical Engineering

• Students are required to hold a four-year or a three-year honours degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university with a minimum average score of 70% or above and no backlogs.
• Students for both courses must also submit a written paper outlining the details of their Final Year Project as part of the application. 

MSc. Nursing

• A four-year or three-year honours degree in a relevant discipline from a first-level university. First-division results are required with a minimum overall grade of 65%.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5* with no less than 6.0 in any component.

  *Please note some programmes have a higher IELTS requirement.

  **Please note, we can only accept Academic IELTS. General IELTS will not be accepted. 

• TOEFL : 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• PTE: a minimum score of 61 (with no section score below 59)

University of Limerick Highlights 

University of Limerick Cost of Living

The estimated cost of living for one academic year (9 months) at UL is: