This is our flagship degree. It is targeted at high quality students with a strong background in Economics or with strong quantitative skills. In particular, students are eligible for admission if they have obtained the equivalent of at least a 2.1 grade in:
• an honours degree in Economics
• an honours degree in which Economics formed a substantial component, including joint honours Economics degrees and some Business and Finance degrees that include core Economics modules
• an honours degree in which there was a substantial quantitative component, such as Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematical Physics or Statistics
• a postgraduate conversion course such as a Higher Diploma in Economic Science or similar
Applicants with a high 2.2 in an undergraduate Economics degree, but with 2.1 standard in key modules, may also be eligible and will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Director.
The course structure is designed to be stimulating and challenging.
Students take core modules in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Econometrics in the first semester.
In the second semester, students take specialised field modules that may include Advanced Microeconomics, International Trade, Labour Economics, Development Economics and Industrial Organisation.
Students also undertake a research thesis, which uses the skills attained from the taught modules and allows students to demonstrate the analytical competencies developed throughout the programme. The thesis proposal is developed in Research Skills seminars held through the second semester, and the thesis is then completed during the summer term.
This is our conversion degree. It is specifically targeted at students who have an interest in a career in economics but do not currently have sufficient background in the subject.
The first year of the programme provides the requisite background, while the second year is the same as the one-year MSc Economics (MHH52).
The structure of the first year is designed to bring the student up to the level of an honours undergraduate degree in one (intensive!) year.
Students take modules in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Econometrics as well as choosing field courses of interest from a range of optional modules including, for example, International Trade, Public Economics, Information Economics, Economics of Sport and several financial economics options.
Students also write a minor thesis, and regular seminars are held throughout the year with the Course Coordinator (Dr. Simon Broome) to guide the choice of thesis topic and the research itself.
Students are required to attain a 2.1 standard at the end of the first year in order to progress to the second year.
The structure of the second year is designed to be stimulating and challenging.
Students take core modules in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Econometrics in the first semester. In the second semester, students take specialised field modules that may include Advanced Microeconomics, International Trade, Labour Economics, Development Economics and Industrial Organisation.
Students also undertake a research thesis, which uses the skills attained from the taught modules and allows students to demonstrate the analytical competencies developed throughout the programme. The thesis proposal is developed in Research Skills seminars held through the second semester, and the thesis is then completed during the summer term.
Although this is a two-year programme, it offers great flexibility; students may exit after the first year of the programme and receive a Higher Diploma in Economic Science (MHH60).
Students may qualify for needs-based SUSI grants. Please follow this link for more information: SUSI Postgraduate student funding
MSc Economics students are also eligible for two alternative scholarships - the Edgeworth Graduate Student Scholarship, which is open to MSc Economics students only, and the Maynooth University Taught Master's Scholarship, which is open to all one-year taught master's applicants in the university. Students can apply for both scholarships (although only one can be awarded).
The Edgeworth Graduate Student scholarship is worth €5,000 and is open to one-year MSc Economics (MHH52) students and to two-year MSc Economics (MHH53 and MHH70) students in their second year of study. Application deadline: July 3, 2024, 5PM.
The Maynooth University Taught Master’s Scholarship is worth €2,000 and is open to one-year master's students only. Application deadline: June 30, 2024.
See here for details of both scholarships.
Work opportunities for international students:
Current legislation allows non-EU/EEA students who graduate with a master’s degree from Maynooth University to remain in Ireland for 24 months to seek employment in Ireland.
Students engaged in full-time study are permitted to work 40 hours per week only during the months of June, July, August and September and from 15th December to 15th January inclusive. At other times, students may work up to 20 hours per week. Detailed information may be found here.
Scholarship opportunities for international students:
Two of our four Edgeworth Graduate Student Scholarships are reserved for non-EU students.
International students are also eligible for the university’s Taught Master’s Scholarship.
Please see the Scholarships tab above for details.
How to apply:
International students can apply to Maynooth University directly through the PAC application portal (see the HOW TO APPLY tab below).
You can also choose to apply through your Education Consultant. Currently the university has contacts with consultants from Brazil, China, Japan, North America, South-East Asia and Turkey. If you need guidance to make contact with agents, please contact tracy.travers@mu.ie
The website for Maynooth University International Office is here.
Although 2020&2021 were tough years for all of us, I am so grateful for the courses I had with our professors. Also, all members of Maynooth University have always supported us during the global pandemic. I am truly impressed with each one’s professionalism, positive and encouraging attitudes, beyond just to be a staff member.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the master’s program. The variety of projects has been useful both in reading and writing technical financial research. Our assignments in the modules were based on real world examples, so they have helped me decide what skills I would like to develop in my career path. At the same time, I was a teaching assistant at the Department of Economics. I was so lucky to have this opportunity of communicating with undergraduate students and improving my speaking skills.
I am not the same person that was at the beginning of the master's program. Beside my satisfaction with studying in this welcoming and breath-taking country, I am honoured to have been able to start my journey in Maynooth University as I feel more confident, knowing what I want. I believe the marvellous culture of Maynooth University that every single student can experience will lead them to their own unique success in lifelong career.
Rumeysa Yüksel
Fund Risk at Waystone
http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversityAdmissions
- I have a degree in Business Studies. Am I eligible for entry to the one-year MSc Economics programme?
It depends on how much Economics you studied in your degree – this varies a lot between different programmes. Some Business degrees allow a specialization in Economics or Financial Economics, and graduates of these programmes often have enough Economics to undertake the one-year programme. However, others don’t.
To be eligible for the one-year programme, you should have taken both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics at least to intermediate level, and you should have taken both Quants and Statistics modules. If you are in any doubt, contact the Admissions Director, Dr. Alex Farnell (Alexander.Farnell@mu.ie) for guidance.
- I have a degree in Maths/Physics/Statistics/Engineering/Finance. Am I eligible for entry to the one-year MSc Economics programme?
As long as you have a good upper second-class honours degree, you are eligible for entry. The Admissions Director, Dr. Alex Farnell, will pay particular attention to the grades attained in the maths modules that are most relevant to economics (calculus, matrix algebra) in making the final decision.
- I’ve never studied economics before. Am I really eligible for entry to the two-year MSc Economics?
Yes! The first year of the two-year programme will bring you up to honours undergraduate level in economics, and you will be well-prepared for the master’s level material in the second year. We have had students with undergraduate degrees in English, History and Philosophy – and many of them have done very well.
- I’m really interested in Economics but nervous about undertaking the two-year MSc Economics without having a background in the subject. Can you suggest some study that I can do before starting the programme?
Yes, and in fact we encourage this. Once a student has been offered a place on the programme, the Admissions Director, Dr. Alex Farnell, will look at each applicant’s undergraduate transcript and give suggestions for reading and study that will make the transition to Economics easier.
- How soon can you tell me whether I’ve been accepted or not?
We assess admissions on a rolling basis, so in general, as long as you have submitted all the necessary documents, we can let you know within three weeks of applying. Note that if you have not yet received your final degree grade, a conditional offer will be made (with the final offer conditional on achieving the required grade in your degree).
- I’ve completed my application on PAC and have uploaded all my documents. When will I hear the outcome of my application?
We assess applications on a rolling basis, so once your application is complete, you can expect to hear the outcome within three weeks.
- I’m an international student. What are the English language requirements for me?
You should have an IELTS score of 6.5, or equivalent. Full details are available here.
- I’m not sure whether I’m eligible for the one-year or the two-year programme. What should I do?
In PAC, you can apply for up to three programmes under the same application. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, the best thing to do is to apply for both; if you’re eligible for both, you will be offered both. Alternatively, you can email the Admissions Director, Dr. Alex Farnell (Alexander.Farnell@mu.ie) for guidance.
Fees and Scholarships
- What are the fees for the one-year and two-year MSc Economics degrees?
The annual fee for 2024/25 is €7,550 for EU students, and €16,000 for non-EU students. Thus, the two-year programme is more costly than the one-year programme as fees are payable for two years. Although these fees may change slightly in subsequent academic years, these fees provide a good indication of future levels.
- Are any scholarships available?
Yes, two partial scholarship opportunities are available. The Economics Department offers four scholarships worth €5,000 each, two of which are reserved for non-EU students. In addition, the University offers multiple scholarships worth €2,000 each. See the Scholarship Opportunities page for details.
Class Size
- How many students do you admit each year?
For the one-year MSc Economics programme and the second year of the two-year programme, our class size is usually 10-20 students. This small class size allows you to get to know your lecturers and classmates well.
For the first year of the two-year programme, most classes are taken with final year and sometimes second year undergraduate students, so most of these classes are quite big. However, because there are frequent thesis seminars held throughout the year just for students in the first year of the two-year programme, students already get to know each other well in the first year.
Job Opportunities
- What are the job opportunities like for graduates of the MSc Economics programme?
Many of our graduates go on to work as professional economists, using their economics skills directly in their daily work. Recent graduates have taken up positions in economic consultancy and economic development, or at institutions like the Central Bank of Ireland, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES) and the Central Statistics Office.
Others have pursued careers in areas that use the strong analytical skills acquired in the degree, such as retail and investment banking, financial services and fund management. The fact that Ireland has such a large financial services sector very much facilitates this.
Finally, some really get bitten by the Economics bug and continue onto PhD programmes to pursue an academic career.
- I’m an international student. Will I have an opportunity to work in Ireland after I graduate?
Yes. Current legislation allows non-EU/EEA students who graduate with a master’s degree from Maynooth University to remain in Ireland for 24 months to seek employment in Ireland.
Applications are made online through PAC
Please note that the PAC code for the one-year MSc Economics is MHH52; the PAC code for the two-year MSc Economics is MHH70.
In PAC, there is a 'FIND A COURSE' dialogue box. Please enter:
Type: Taught
Department: Economics
Course name or code: MHH52 or MHH70 (depending on which one you prefer)
The search result will take you to the bottom of the PAC webpage. You will need to register for PAC before applying.
To apply, you need to upload your full university transcript, two references and a personal statement. Non-EU students will also need proof of English language attainment.
Maynooth students/graduates do not need to submit transcripts or references.
We assess applications on a rolling basis, so once your application is complete, you can expect to hear the outcome within three weeks.
Good Luck!
