Behavioural Economics

The MSc Behavioural Economics is devoted to providing an in-depth training in the area of behavioural economics. Students will take a range of rigorous economic modules but will specialise in understanding a range of new models that incorporate the latest evidence on human decision-making. As well as being trained in the core concepts and theories of behavioural economics, students will also learn about the range of empirical methods used to test ideas in this area in lab and field settings. The MSc also covers the ethical, legal, and regulatory context for the ideas of behavioural economics. Thus, the students will be equipped to apply these ideas in a wide range of academic, business, and policy settings.



This programme features small group teaching from leading economists and a supportive environment. Masters students are an integral part of our School community, attending research seminars and receiving a wide range of supports to help them prepare for their research thesis.



UCD School of Economics is Ireland’s leading economics department. Our staff are experts with international reputations in a wide range of topics such as macroeconomics, econometrics, applied microeconomics, behavioural economics, health economics, international trade, and economic history. School members play a significant role in debating economic policy issues and in contributing to the formulation of economic policy.



The only Behavioural Economics MSc in Ireland and one of the few worldwide with a strong policy and regulatory focus.

Covers the ethical, legal, and regulatory context for the ideas of behavioural economics.

UCD is Ireland's global university: with almost 10,000 international students making up 25% of the student body, and a further 5,000 overseas

Module Trimester Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

ECON41820 Econometrics Autumn 5

ECON41840 Microeconomics Autumn 5

ECON42020 Research & Career Skills 1 Autumn 5

ECON42560 Behavioural Economics Autumn 5

ECON42590 Experiments in Economics Autumn 5

ECON42620 Maths & Stats Autumn 5

ECON42300 Research & Career Skills 2 Spring 5

ECON42570 Behavioural E'mics:Policy App Spring 5

PSY40750 Topics in Psychological Sci Spring 5



Stage 1 Options - B)3 of:

Students must take 3 of the options listed.

ECON42600 Development Economics Autumn 5

STAT30340 Data Programming with R Autumn 5

STAT40730 Data Programming with R (Online) Autumn 5

ECON41620 Advanced Macroeconomics Spring 5

ECON41810 Advanced Microeconomics Spring 5

ECON42190 Health and Welfare Economics Spring 5

ECON42360 Energy Economics and Policy Spring 5

ECON42610 Aviation Economics Spring 5

ECON42630 Decision Theory Spring 5

ECON42700 Advanced Econometrics: Microeconometrics Spring 5

ECON42710

Advanced Econometrics: Time Series Spring 5

ECON42720 Causal Inference & Policy Evaluation Spring 5

ECON42730 Global Economic History Spring 5

ECON42740 The Economics of Banking & Financial Stability Spring 5

ECON42750 Evaluation Methods for Health Economics Spring 5



Stage 1 Options - D)1 of:

Choose one of the following:

ECON42200 Economics Internship Autumn and Summer (separate) 30

ECON40090 Thesis Summer 30

- A primary degree with at least an upper second class honours or international equivalent in Economics or in a degree in which Economics is a major component.



- An upper second class honours in a Higher Diploma in Economics.



- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.



- Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/



These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.



MSc Behavioural Economics FT (W376)

MSc Behavioural Economics PT (W377)

Commencing September 2025

Careers & Employability

Many graduates of our MSc Behavioural Economic graduates have gone on to complete PhDs in economics and pursue successful careers as academic or research economists. Many others have moved directly to employment in central banks, think-tanks, financial sector institutions and consultancy firms. Behavioural economics skills are also now being widely applied across government agencies, regulatory bodies and a wide range of private-sector businesses.