Do you have strong mathematics, statistics and analytical skills? Are you looking to develop your skills and bring excellent communication skills, organisation skills and more to the table? If you have an interest in this area, that is very important and as you study, your skills will develop by the day. Economics might be a great course for you.
What is Economics?
Economics studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It is considered a social science.
What third level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:
- Economics (Arts) – Maynooth University, UCC, UL, NUI Galway
Related:
- Economics/History
- Economics and Finance
- Economics with Business
- Economics/Geography
- Economics/Mathematics
Studying Economics in college
There are many courses available in economics as well as PLC courses that will act as a stepping stone to your undergraduate degree. Economics as part of an Arts degree will be between three to four years long, depending on where you study. This course will help you to gain the relevant skills and knowledge to work in the field.
Your first year of any course will give you the opportunity to build a strong foundation in economics as well as the other subjects you will choose as part of your Arts degree. You will gain an insight into what is to come throughout your degree as you progress and cover the basic principles of economics. First year modules include Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.
As you continue on your course into your second, third and possibly fourth year, you will cover modules such as Intermediate Economics, Quantitative Methods for Economics, International Economics, Applied Economics Analysis, Industrial Economics, The European Economy, Contemporary Issues in the Global Economy and Public Finance.
The Arts degree offered in the University of Limerick will also require you to do a work placement to help you to gain experience in your chosen area and understand what it is like to work in the field.
There may also be opportunities to study abroad in some courses as part of the Erasmus programme. Certain courses will differ in their structure and material covered. The above information is based on the Economics (Arts) offered by the University of Limerick.
There may be cases where other subjects you want to choose as part of your Arts degree could clash with economics so be sure to research in depth.
Career options
Economics is a broad area in relation to career choices where there is much opportunity. Careers can be found in the finance sector, as a teacher, in government departments, housing market analysis, transportation, energy and telecommunications and more.
There is also the opportunity to continue on your studies at postgraduate level to specialise in a particular area. In business, economics and finance roles, postgraduate courses can offer more opportunities and be more attractive to employers. You can also go into research and education roles such as lecturing in universities.
There are a few skills and qualities that are important in this area. These include excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, excellent research skills, a critical mind, the ability to work well with others, time management skills, organisation skills, the ability to work with statistics, analytical skills and strong writing and reading skills as well as good mathematics knowledge.
Related Jobs
- Economist
- Data analyst
- Accountant
- Secondary school teacher
- Leacturing
- Finance
Further Study
Visit postgrad.ie for more information.
FAQ
Different courses and different colleges will have different entry requirements. It’s always safest to check with the individual higher education institution which is available on their websites. As a general rule Leaving Cert students should have a minimum of six subjects which should include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
Specific courses may have their own requirements.Certain QQI courses may be accepted.
The highest points required to study Economics as part of an Arts degree was 348 points to study in UL last year. The lowest points needed were around 300 points but particular courses will differ from university to university.
Where can I study?
For other courses in the area you would like to explore, you can do so here.
Did you know?
- Economics was originally called ‘political economy’.
- Ireland is ranked as sixth highest GDP per capita globally
- It was reported in June 2020, that the average salary in Ireland was €1,656.20 EUR per month
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