MSc in Economics

Course Overview

This one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) programme is designed to equip well-qualified graduates in economics and related disciplines with the skills required to undertake PhD-level research or work as professional economists in the public or private sector.

The course offers training in the core areas of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, alongside a range of applied modules. Small class sizes, a focus on problem-based learning, and regular research seminars ensure close interaction with academic staff and a highly supportive learning environment.

Students also take a Research Topics module and complete a supervised dissertation, developing their own research idea into a high-quality academic paper.

Is it for me?

This MSc is ideal for students who want to strengthen their analytical and quantitative skills and gain exposure to the frontiers of economic research. Whether your goal is to pursue a PhD, work in a policy-focused organisation, or apply your skills in the private sector, the programme offers the flexibility and depth to support your ambitions.

The International Development strand is a distinctive option for students seeking to understand the economics of development and the tools needed to study low- and middle-income countries.

What makes this programme unique?

• Tailored to your interests: A modular structure gives students the freedom to explore different areas of economics in depth.
• International Development option: A dedicated strand for students interested in development economics.
• Academic excellence: Teaching by leading researchers in their fields.
• Supportive learning: Small classes, tutorials, and regular research events foster student engagement.
• Strong research focus: All students complete a dissertation and are supported in developing original research ideas.

Your Career

Many MSc graduates go on to PhD programmes at leading universities worldwide, including Boston University, Duke, NYU, Oxford, LSE, UCL, University of Queensland, Stanford, and Trinity College Dublin.

Others pursue successful careers in banking, finance, consulting, public policy, international organisations, and NGOs, where their analytical skills, research experience, and economic training are highly valued.

Course Structure

The MSc combines core training in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics with a wide selection of electives and a supervised dissertation. Students also complete a Research Topics module designed to support the development of their own research ideas.

Those interested in development-related issues can follow a dedicated International Development strand.

A preliminary mathematics and statistics refresher course is held before teaching begins.

Visit the course structure section for full details.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants should normally hold at least a 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) with a significant quantitative component. Applications are welcomed from those with single or joint honours degrees in economics, or related fields with strong quantitative content.

Visit the Admission Requirements section for full details.

Further Information

For general queries please contact the Course Administrator.
Email: economics@tcd.ie

For academic queries please contact Dr Martina Kirchberger, MSc Programme Director. 
Email: martina.kirchberger@tcd.ie