Economics at University of Limerick

Economics can be taken as part of the UL Arts Degree as a joint honours combination. Review the subjects you can study with Economics by looking at the table at the end of this section.

About you

Economics, as part of a joint options combination, will appeal to you if you enjoy keeping up with current affairs and are excited about the challenges of understanding the way economies function. It is an especially suitable choice if you have strong mathematical and analytical skills. It will also appeal to you if you are not yet sure what career you see yourself pursuing in the future, as this subject choice will teach you a range of skills that can be applied to a number of future careers in business, public service, social and economic research, public relations and journalism among others.

Why Study Economics at UL?

Many of the managerial decisions taken in modern business organisations and financial institutions require a good understanding of the global economic environment. Studying economics will develop habits of rigorous thought and practice in clear writing. Besides, it includes the application of quantitative tools, learning to use statistics and to read critically. As Economics majors, students acquire the skills to explain why economic phenomena occur and how economies can improve. The study of economics is an excellent way to acquire problem-solving skills and develop a logical, ordered way of looking at world current affairs.

What You Will Study

The suite of modules offered provides a well-rounded coverage of the economics discipline. This option builds on introductory foundation modules Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Intermediate Economics and Quantitative Methods for Economics. The modules follow a logical and progressive sequence that emphasises two inter-related components: an international dimension which includes the European Economy, International Economics and Contemporary Issues in the Global Economy; and an applied dimension developed in Applied Economic Analysis, Industrial Economics and Public Finance.

The research and econometric skills of students are developed through mini-projects set for individual modules. As a consequence, students can expect to graduate with strong analytical, theoretical and empirical skills. Extensive use of quantitative techniques and an emphasis on the importance of analytical thinking instils transferable skills in Economics students that they can use and develop in a wide range of careers. Accordingly, employment prospects for graduates are very good.

Career Prospects

Economics as part of a joint honours degree provides an excellent preparation for a range of careers, including areas such as;

• Financial sector (e.g. economist; retail, investment, and corporate & treasury banking; research analyst; securities trader)
• Teaching
• Government departments and agencies (e.g. Dept of Finance, Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Central Statistics Office, Enterprise Ireland, Industrial Development Authority, Central Bank of Ireland, Economic and Social Research Institute)
• Housing market analysis
• Transportation, energy and telecommunications industries

Follow on Study

• MA in Business Management

• MA in International Tourism
• MSc in Economic Analysis
• MSc in Financial Services
• MSc in International Management and Global Business
• MSc in Marketing, Consumption & Society