Key Info

Economics

NFQ Level 8 major Award Honours Bachelor Degree

Entry route(s):

Course code
LM002 - Arts (Common Entry) | LM019 - BSc in Social Sciences (Common Entry)
Duration
4 Years
Subject area
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Course Director
Professor Ross Macmillan (LM019) or Dr Niall Keegan (LM002)
Email
arts@ul.ie
Admissions:
Tel
+353 (0)61 233755

Economics can be taken on both LM002 Bachelor of Arts & LM019 Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences. Subject combinations & course structures can be reviewed on the appropriate programme page.

About you

Economics will appeal to you if you enjoy keeping up with current affairs and are excited about the challenges of understanding the way economies function. It is an especially suitable choice if you have strong mathematical and analytical skills. It will also appeal to you if you are not yet sure what career you see yourself pursuing in the future, as this subject choice will teach you a range of skills that can be applied to a number of future careers in business, public service, social and economic research, public relations and journalism among others.

Why study Economics at UL?

Many of the managerial decisions taken in modern business organisations and financial institutions require a good understanding of the global economic environment. Studying economics will develop habits of rigorous thought and practice in clear writing. Besides, it includes the application of quantitative tools, learning to use statistics and to read critically. As Economics majors, students acquire the skills to explain why economic phenomena occur and how economies can improve. The study of economics is an excellent way to acquire problem-solving skills and develop a logical, ordered way of looking at world current affairs.

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What you will study

The suite of modules offered provides a well-rounded coverage of the economics discipline. This option builds on introductory foundation modules Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Intermediate Economics and Quantitative Methods for Economics. The modules follow a logical and progressive sequence that emphasises two inter-related components: an international dimension which includes the European Economy, International Economics and Contemporary Issues in the Global Economy; and an applied dimension developed in Applied Economic Analysis, Industrial Economics and Public Finance.

The research and econometric skills of students are developed through mini-projects set for individual modules. As a consequence, students can expect to graduate with strong analytical, theoretical and empirical skills. Extensive use of quantitative techniques and an emphasis on the importance of analytical thinking instils transferable skills in Economics students that they can use and develop in a wide range of careers. Accordingly, employment prospects for graduates are very good.

Note: Students require a minimum O4/ H7 grade in Mathematics to study Economics.  

Modules are offered on both Bachelor of Arts (LM002) and BSc. Social Sciences (LM019) - Both are subject to change.

Year 1 Semester 1   Semester 2
EC4111 Microeconomics EC4112 Macroeconomics
Year 2 Semester 3   Semester 4
EC4213 Intermediate Economics   Cooperative Education Work Placement
EC4023 Quantitative Methods for Economics    
Year 3 Semester 5   Semester 6
  Erasmus/Exchange placement with a partner institution abroad EC4014 International Economics
    EC4044 Applied Economic Analysis
Year 4 Semester 7   Semester 8
EC4417 Industrial Economics EC4108 Contemporary Issues in the Global Economy
EC4027 The European Economy EC4408 Public Finance

 

 

Entry requirements

Additional considerations

Entry requirements are dependent on your programme of choice. Please click your preferred programme below:

For certain subjects, additional special qualifications specific to individual subjects or disciplines may be determined by the respective departments in accordance with Academic Council regulations.

Applications are especially welcome from Mature Students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.

QQI Entry

Certain QQI Awards are acceptable in fulfilling admission requirements for both LM002 and LM019. More information on the UL Admissions QQI page including a full list of modules.

Non-EU Entry Requirements

How to apply

Fees and funding

Student course fees are broken into three components - Student contribution, Student Levy and Tuition Fees.

A number of illustrative examples of fees for this course based on the current fee levels have been set out in the tables below.

An explanation of the components, how to determine status and the criteria involved is provided below the examples as is a list of possible scholarships and funding available.

EU Students with Free fees status in receipt of a SUSI grant

HEA pays Tuition Fees €2,558
SUSI pays Student contribution €3,000
Student pays Student Levy €100
€5,658

EU Students with Free fees status not in receipt of a grant

HEA pays Tuition Fees €2,558
Student pays Student contribution €3,000
Student pays Student Levy €100
€5,658

Students with EU fee status not in receipt of a grant

Student pays Tuition Fees €2,558
Student pays Student contribution €3,000
Student pays Student Levy €100
€5,658

Non-EU Students

Student pays Tuition Fees €15,262
Student pays Student Levy €100
€15,362

Student course fees are comprised of the following components:

Student Contribution

Annual charge set by the government for all full-time third level students. All students are liable unless they have been approved for a grant by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please refer to https://www.studentfinance.ie to determine your eligibility for a grant and for instructions on how to apply. The current student contribution is set at €3000.

Student Levy

All students are liable to pay the Student Levy of €100. Please note the Student Levy is not covered by the SUSI Grant.

Tuition Fees

These are based on Residency, Citizenship, Course requirements.

Review the three groups of criteria to determine your fee status as follows

  1. Residency
    • You must have been living in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland for at least 3 of the 5 years before starting your course
  2. Citizenship
    • You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
  3. Course Requirements (all must be met)
    • You must be a first time full-time undergraduate (Exceptions are provided for students who hold a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification and are progressing to a Level 8 course in the same general area of study).
    • You must be undertaking a full-time undergraduate course of at least 2 year’s duration
    • You cannot be undertaking a repeat year of study at the same level unless evidence of exceptional circumstances eg serious illness is provided (in which case this condition may be waived)

Depending on how you meet these criteria your status will be one of the following -

  • Free Fee Status: You satisfy all three categories (1, 2 and 3) and therefore are eligible for the Higher Education Authority’s Free Fees scheme.
  • EU Fee Status: You satisfy the citizenship and/or residency criteria but fail to satisfy the course requirements and are liable to EU fees
  • Non EU Fee Status: You do not meet either the citizenship or residency criteria and are therefore liable to Non EU fees.

More information about fees can be found on the Finance website

These scholarships are available for all courses

Your future career

Economics as part of your undergraduate degree provides an excellent preparation for a range of careers, including areas such as;

  • Financial sector (e.g. economist; retail, investment, and corporate & treasury banking; research analyst; securities trader)
  • Teaching
  • Government departments and agencies (e.g. Dept of Finance, Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Central Statistics Office, Enterprise Ireland, Industrial Development Authority, Central Bank of Ireland, Economic and Social Research Institute)
  • Housing market analysis
  • Transportation, energy and telecommunications industries

Follow on study

Student Profile

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Damian Houlihan

I choose UL because of its high success rate for graduate employability and the quality of the teaching and learning experience. I am currently studying Economics and Politics and International Relations. These subjects combine topics on economies and governments and how they influence decisions at local and international levels which I have a keen interest in. There is a strong relationship between Economics and Politics.

The course is diverse, in that it offers a wide range of subjects to choose from in first year.  It has given me an opportunity to experience unique learning in how the world works, how decisions and government policies impact on the economy and on employment. The degree is flexible which leads to broader career choices, job opportunities and many postgraduate options.

I am currently on Co-Op in Kerry with an insurance firm.  The benefits of the work placement are immense.  My role is in the area of new business and risk management. Dealing with the public for new business and assessing risks involved. I work as part of a team and have first-hand experience of teamwork and the value it brings to the workplace.  I have further developed skills in time management, organizational skills, problem solving and communication skills, along with the ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.  These skills are key for any workplace and are highly transferrable for employment.  At the end of the summer I’m excited to travel to the US to undertake a Study Abroad semester at the University of Colorado.