BSc Hons Economics and Finance

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University College Dublin

Program Overview

The BSc (Honours) in Economics and Finance at University College Dublin is a highly quantitative and analytically focused degree that combines economic theory with modern financial analysis. It is ideally suited for students who enjoy working with numbers, understanding markets, and analysing how economic forces influence financial systems at both national and global levels.

This programme is particularly strong preparation for careers in banking, investment management, financial analysis, consulting, public policy, and postgraduate study in economics, finance, or related quantitative disciplines.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 — Foundations in Economics and Finance
In the first year, students develop a solid grounding in core economic and financial concepts. Modules typically include Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, and Introduction to Finance, alongside Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Finance, building essential analytical and numerical skills.

Year 2 — Intermediate Theory and Quantitative Analysis
Second year focuses on developing deeper analytical capability through Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, and Corporate Finance. Students also study Econometrics, learning how to analyse real-world economic and financial data and evaluate policy and market outcomes.

Year 3 — Advanced Economics, Finance and Specialisation
In the final year, students engage with advanced and applied topics in both disciplines. Modules may include Financial Economics, International Finance, Asset Pricing, Applied Econometrics, and Economic Policy Analysis, allowing students to tailor their studies to career interests while developing independent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Focus areas:
Economic theory and modelling • Financial markets and institutions • Econometrics and data analysis • Corporate finance • International economics and finance • Economic and financial policy

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to analyse economic and financial systems rigorously, interpret complex data, evaluate investment and policy decisions, apply quantitative techniques to real-world problems, and communicate economic and financial insights clearly and professionally.

Professional alignment:
This honours degree provides a strong academic foundation aligned with professional careers in finance and economics and supports progression into postgraduate study, research, and analytical roles in both the public and private sectors.

Reputation (employability & standing):
University College Dublin is one of Europe’s leading research universities and is internationally recognised for excellence in economics and finance. Graduates of Economics and Finance at UCD are highly regarded by employers for their quantitative strength, analytical thinking, and readiness for demanding roles in finance, consulting, policy and technology-driven industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At University College Dublin, the BSc (Honours) Economics and Finance is a highly practical, analytically strong degree designed for students who want to understand how financial markets operate and how economic forces shape business and policy decisions. From early in the programme, you work with real economic and financial data, apply models to current market issues, and develop quantitative skills that mirror professional practice. Teaching combines lectures with tutorials, problem-solving classes, and applied coursework, ensuring theory is constantly reinforced through use. As you progress, the programme becomes increasingly hands-on, with advanced econometrics, finance-focused analysis, and opportunities to specialise, preparing you for data-driven roles in finance, consulting, economics, and policy.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded throughout the programme:

Applied Tutorials & Quantitative Problem Solving
Tutorials focus on solving real economic and financial problems, interpreting data, and applying models, helping you build strong analytical reasoning and decision-making skills.
Economics & Finance Data Analysis
You gain hands-on experience analysing economic indicators, financial markets, and investment data, developing skills used in banking, asset management, consulting, and research roles.
Strong Training in Econometrics & Financial Modelling
The programme places significant emphasis on statistics, econometrics, and quantitative finance, allowing you to test theories, evaluate risk, and model real-world financial outcomes.
Research-Led Teaching & Contemporary Content
Modules are informed by current research and global economic developments, ensuring your learning reflects real financial markets, policy debates, and economic challenges.
Flexible Module Choice & Specialisation
In later years, you can tailor your degree through options such as financial economics, banking, investment analysis, international finance, public policy, or behavioural economics.
Group Projects & Professional Presentations
Many modules include group-based analysis and presentations, helping you develop teamwork, communication, and professional reporting skills expected in finance and consulting environments.
Independent Research & Final-Year Project Options
In the honours years, you may undertake research-based assignments or extended analytical projects, strengthening independent research, critical thinking, and academic writing skills.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Students have the option to spend part of their degree studying abroad, gaining international academic exposure and insight into global financial and economic systems.
Career-Focused Skill Development
Continuous assessment through applied coursework ensures you graduate with transferable skills in data analysis, problem-solving, quantitative reasoning, and clear communication.

Facilities & Academic Resources (Official):
Economics and finance lecture and tutorial spaces, access to economic and financial data resources, statistical and econometric software, extensive academic library collections, collaborative study environments, research-led teaching facilities, and UCD’s academic and career development supports — all designed to deliver practical, market-relevant training in economics and finance.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BSc (Hons) Economics and Finance at University College Dublin (UCD) equips you with a strong blend of economic insight and financial expertise, preparing you for careers where data-driven decision-making, strategic analysis and market understanding are essential. Graduates commonly move into roles such as Financial Analyst, Economic/Business Analyst, Investment Analyst and Policy/Strategy Consultant, with the analytical, quantitative and communication skills that employers in finance, consulting, business and public sectors highly value:

• University Services to Support Your Career: UCD’s Careers Service offers personalised career guidance, CV and interview preparation, employer networking events, internship and placement support, and targeted recruitment opportunities in economics, finance and business. This support helps you build professional confidence and industry connections throughout your degree.
• Employment Outcomes & Salary Prospects: Graduates in economics and finance enjoy strong employability due to wide industry demand for professionals who understand markets, financial systems, economic trends and strategic analysis. Starting salaries are competitive in sectors such as banking and finance, consulting, technology firms, and government and international organisations.
• University–Industry Engagement: The programme provides opportunities for engagement with employers through guest lectures, careers fairs, industry panels and applied projects, helping you gain insight into real-world finance and economic contexts and expand your professional network before graduation.
• Long-Term Accreditation Value: The combination of economic reasoning and financial analysis you develop is highly transferable and valued internationally, giving you flexibility in the job market and a solid foundation for advanced professional qualifications and leadership roles.
• Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are prepared to analyse financial data, interpret economic trends, participate in strategic planning, support investment decisions and contribute to policy or business strategy. These skills allow you to work across finance, consulting, tech, public policy and corporate sectors.

Typical job paths graduates pursue include:
• Financial Analyst – interpreting financial and market data to guide investment and business decisions.
• Economic/Business Analyst – using economic models and data to support organisational strategy.
• Investment/Portfolio Analyst – evaluating assets, markets and risk profiles.
• Consultant (Business/Policy/Strategy) – advising organisations on optimisation, policy impacts and growth opportunities.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BSc (Hons) Economics and Finance, you can expand your expertise and career options through postgraduate study. Many graduates pursue Master’s degrees in areas such as finance, economics, financial analytics, business analytics, actuarial science, risk management or international business to specialise and deepen technical knowledge. Others may choose PhD study in economics, finance or related quantitative fields, preparing for careers in academic research, advanced analytics or high-level policy and strategy roles. Postgraduate study also strengthens your professional profile, supports pursuit of professional qualifications (such as CFA or actuarial credentials), and opens pathways into senior leadership and specialised technical careers.