Economics - Behavioural Economics

This is an exciting relatively new course 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. This is the only MSc in this area in Ireland and it is one of the few worldwide with a strong policy and regulatory focus.

Stage 1 - Core

EconometricsECON41820

MicroeconomicsECON41840

Research & Career Skills 1ECON42020

Research & Career Skills 2ECON42300

Behavioural EconomicsECON42560

Behavioural E'mics:Policy AppECON42570

Experiments in EconomicsECON42590

Maths & StatsECON42620

Topics in Psychological SciPSY40750



Stage 1 - Option

ThesisECON40090

Advanced MacroeconomicsECON41620

Advanced MicroeconomicsECON41810

Health and Welfare EconomicsECON42190

Economics InternshipECON42200

Energy Economics and PolicyECON42360

Economics of CompetitionPolicyECON42580

Development EconomicsECON42600

Aviation EconomicsECON42610

Decision TheoryECON42630

Advanced Econometrics: MicroeconometricsECON42700

Advanced Econometrics: Time SeriesECON42710

Causal Inference & Policy EvaluationECON42720

Global Economic HistoryECON42730

The Economics of Banking & Financial StabilityECON42740

Evaluation Methods for Health EconomicsECON42750

Party Organisation in the 21st CenturyPOL42510

- 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.

The following entry routes are available:



MSc Behavioural Economics FT (W376)

Duration 1 Years Attend Full Time

Deadline Rolling*



MSc Behavioural Economics PT (W377)

Duration 2 Years Attend Part Time

Deadline Rolling*



* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

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



MSc Behavioural Economics FT (W376)

MSc Behavioural Economics PT (W377)

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.

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.