Economics

Contact Us Department of Economics
Room 3014
Arts Building
Trinity College
Dublin 2
Ireland

View the contact page for more contact and location information

economics@tcd.ie

Course Structure

The MSc in Economics can be completed full-time over one year or part-time over two years. The course begins with a two-week preliminary training in mathematics in early September and concludes the following July for full-time students (or August of Year 2 for part-time students).

Overview

  • Full-time duration: 10 months
  • Part-time duration: 2 years
  • Total credits: 90 ECTS (Taught modules: 60 ECTS and Dissertation: 30 ECTS)
  • Two strands available: (General Economics and International Development)

Both strands follow the same structure and timeline and lead to an MSc (Econ) qualification. Attendance at the preliminary mathematics course is compulsory for all students.

Programme Components

The course is structured around five components:

1. Preliminary Training (September)

All students begin with a two-week intensive course in mathematics at the start of Michaelmas Term. This is mandatory for both full-time and part-time students.

2. Michaelmas Term (Autumn)

The term is split into two five-week teaching blocks, with a study week in between.
Core modules:
Module load:
  • Full-time students: Two additional modules per block
  • Part-time students (Year 1): One additional module per block
Assessment includes a combination of continuous assessment (e.g. essays, problem sets) and exams held in early December.

3. Hilary Term (Spring)

Structured similarly to Michaelmas Term, with:
Core modules:
Module load:
  • Full-time students: Two additional modules per block
  • Part-time students (Year 1): One additional module per block

4. Research Methods

Students take a Research Methods module throughout the year. The module is intended to prepare students for writing a dissertation. As part of the module, students attend lectures and are tasked with developing a research proposal that will form the basis for their dissertation. Students present their research proposals at the end of Hilary Term.

5. Dissertation

All students complete an independent research project.

Proposal submission:

  • End of Hilary Term (Year 2 for part-time students)

Submission deadlines:

  • Full-time students: June 30th
  • Part-time students: August 31st

Dissertations that do not meet the required standard may be returned for minor corrections and must be revised and resubmitted.