Key Info
Economics
Entry route(s):
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.
Learn more about our courses and upcoming events
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 |
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How to apply
| Where are you applying from? | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Ireland | Irish students must apply to UL via the CAO. |
| The UK | Students who have completed their A-Levels can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| The EU | EU Students can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| Non-EU country |
If you are outside of the EU, you can apply for this subject through the Bachelor of Arts degree or |
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
-
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
-
Citizenship
- You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
-
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 both the citizenship and 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
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| All Ireland Scholarships - sponsored by J.P. McManus | €6,750 | 125 |
| Brad Duffy Access Scholarship | €5,000 for one year | 1 |
| Bursary for my Future Scholarship | €2,750 one off payment | 4 |
| Cooperative Education Award | 1 medal per faculty | |
| Elaine Fagan Scholarship | €1,250 | |
| Financial Aid Fund | ||
| Hegarty Family Access Scholarships | €5,000 for one year | 2 |
| Higher Education Grants & VEC Grants | ||
| Paddy Dooley Rowing Scholarship | €2,500 | |
| Plassey Campus Centre Scholarship Programme | ||
| Provincial GAA Bursaries Scheme | €750 | |
| Stuart Mangan Scholarship | ||
| The Michael Hillery and Jacinta O’Brien Athletics Scholarship | Various benefits equating to over €7,000 in value | |
| UL Sports Scholarships | Varies depending on level of Scholarship | Multiple |
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
- MA in Business Management
- MA in International Tourism
- MSc in Economic Analysis
- MSc in Financial Services
- MSc in International Management and Global Business
- MSc in Marketing, Consumption & Society
Student Profile
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.
Hannah O'Donovan
I’m a second year student majoring in Economics and Politics with International Relations through BA Arts course. I chose this program because it gives students the opportunity to participate in both cooperative work placement and Erasmus.
I always knew I wanted to study economics but wasn’t sure what to combine it with. That’s something I love about the arts degree - you don’t have to make concrete decisions too early into your studies. You have the chance to try four subjects in first year and see if they suit you. During this time I fell in love with politics and saw how the subject intersects heavily with economics.
I’m currently on work placement in wealth asset management assurance. This experience is unbelievably valuable as you get to see the workplace first hand, work on teams and see if a specific career might suit you. I’ve had the chance to work with UL’s Economics and Investments Society and served as its vice president. I received a President’s Volunteer Award for this work. I appreciate that UL values volunteering in this way, and it looks amazing on a CV.
The range of career paths that come from an economics degree is huge; you could end up in finance, data analytics, government services, education, etc. You can go anywhere with a base in economics.
My advice to prospective students is that you will get out of college what you put in. UL really provides everything possible to support you and set you up for success.
