MEconSc Economics Science

The MEconSc Degree is a research orientated Masters programme designed to provide the recognised portfolio of skills, knowledge and understanding for participants interested in pursuing (i) further studies in Economics especially for entry into doctoral (PhD) programmes in Ireland and internationally and (ii) for opening up careers as professional economists in business, public sector, consultancy and education.

The emphasis is on the nature and role of economic theories and particularly their use in applied research.

Career Opportunities - Past MEconSc Graduates

The MEconSc has provided many of its graduates with the springboard for successful careers to date. Below are some examples of the experiences of past graduates along with their views of how the MEconSc has helped them in where they are now. It is also worth noting that many current members of the Department of Economics in UCC are past MEconSc graduates.

After gaining a Bachelor of Business Studies degree from WIT in 2004, Rory O'Farrell completed his MEconSc at UCC in 2005. From here Rory won a scholarship to study for an economics PhD at the prestigious European University Institute, Florence. Since September 2009 Rory has been working as an economic researcher at the European Trade Union Institute in Brussels. He is currently specialising in labour market issues and wage structure across Europe.

"The MEconSc programme at UCC gave me the skills I needed to continue my career in economics. The professional and approachable teaching staff at UCC made me feel not just a student, but as a joint partner in my continuing education."

After completing her Masters of Economic Science in 2006, Caroline Kelleher decided to take a year out and travelled Australia. On returning to Ireland she secured a position in Goodbody Economic Consultants and has worked on a range of projects since including economic impact studies, sectoral studies, and review and evaluation studies. Recent projects include an Economic Review of Taxi, Hackney and Limousine Services for the Taxi Regulator. She has also assisted in econometric forecasts of new car sales in Ireland for the Toyota and Volkswagen Groups.

“The MEconSc was very valuable in Australia and a great help in gaining employment out there. The MEconSc was a distinct advantage in helping me to secure the position. My employer was very interested in the quantitative aspects of the course. I would strongly advise anyone considering a career in economics to pursue the MEconSc.”

Dr. Colin Hunt graduated from UCC with a MEconSc degree in 1992. He started his career working as an economist in NatWest Group in London and subsequently was Head of Trading Research at Bank of Ireland Group Treasury, Chief Economist and Research Director at Goodbody Stockbrokers and Special Adviser to the Ministers for Finance and Transport. He is now Managing Director at the Dublin operations of Macquarie Capital. He was a member of the Commission on Taxation, is a director of Aer Lingus plc and chairs the Strategic Review of Higher Education in Ireland.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the MEconSc programme. It developed my analytical and problem-solving skills in a way which has benefitted me throughout my career"

Dr. David Duffy graduated with a degree in economics and accounting from Queens University Belfast in 1999 and enrolled in the MEconSc at UCC in 2001. Upon graduation he decided to stay at UCC and start a PhD. David lectured in economics for four years at UCC before moving to NUI Galway to lecture for a further two years. After finishing in Galway an opportunity arose for David to gain international teaching experience in China. After completing a years teaching in China, David took up a position as Senior lecturer at the University of Portsmouth,UK.

“The MEconSc program at UCC is a very demanding but highly rewarding experience. It was an excellent springboard to a career in teaching and research in economics for me. The staff in the department of economics are very friendly and helpful and having a dedicated classroom and common room for Masters students helps to create a supportive environment for study. I would not hesitate to recommend the economics masters degree at UCC to anyone with an interest in economics."

Having completed a BComm in UCC (majoring in Economics) Ciara Lynch wanted to deepen her understanding of the field, so she chose the MEconSc. As part of this programme she completed a thesis on technical trading rules in foreign exchange markets. After graduation she started working in Pioneer Investments, joining their Equity Research team where she is responsible for analysing and investing in consumer facing stocks.

“I feel the MEconSc was pivotal in my career development as it gave me at thorough understanding of a wide range of economic concepts and their application to financial markets. Completing my thesis on my chosen subject helped me develop my research skills and learn to apply economic theory to real financial markets.”