MSc Behavioural Economics

    MSc Behavioural Economics

    Duration1 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    EUR 26,035 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 25, 2026

    MSc Behavioural Economics

    About

    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

    For more information, visit our website.

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    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    • 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 or in the MSc Qualifier.
    • 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.

    English Program Requirements

    International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

    Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

    Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

    IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.

    Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

    Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

    Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

    TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.

    Duolingo Test of English (DET)

    UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
    An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.

    Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.

    Career

    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.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    26,035 / year

    MSc Behavioural Economics

    University College Dublin

    University College Dublin

    Ireland

    Ireland, Dublin