Economics and Policy Analysis - MSc

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 in the top 50 Masters 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.

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.

Delivery

The programme will be delivered through interactive lectures and tutorials, guided reading, small group team work, seminars and workshops. The programme has recently been revitalised to now include core subjects such as Health Economics and Economics of Global Challenges as well as the development of an active learning classroom for the exclusive use of Economics and Policy Analysis students. The student experience will be enhanced through guest lectures from policy facing economists and international academics in related areas.