BA in Economics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Limerick

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the University of Limerick offers a comprehensive understanding of how economies function, why economic phenomena occur, and the tools used to analyse real-world economic challenges. This four-year honours degree suits students who enjoy current affairs, logical reasoning, and developing strong analytical skills that open doors to careers in business, government, research, and beyond.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a foundation in economic thinking with core modules such as Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, introducing the fundamentals of markets, demand and supply, and national income. Elective subjects from arts, languages, or social sciences help students develop broad analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills that support future study.

Year 2:
The second year deepens understanding of economic theory and analytical methods through intermediate courses. Students engage with applied economic analysis, intermediate macroeconomics and microeconomics, developing the ability to interpret data and understand economic relationships at a more advanced level.

Year 3:
In the third year, students explore specialised topics reflecting global economic issues and policy questions. Modules may include international economics, public finance, industrial economics, and contemporary economic issues, alongside project work that enhances independent research and critical economic evaluation.

Year 4:
The final year focuses on advanced economic subjects, such as European economy, development economics, and economic policy analysis, while elective modules allow students to tailor their learning to career goals. The capstone research project or dissertation provides the opportunity to apply analytical and communication skills to a chosen topic under faculty guidance.

Focus Areas:
Core economic theory, quantitative and qualitative economic analysis, public policy evaluation, international economics, research and communication skills.

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to interpret and analyse economic data, apply economic frameworks to real-world problems, communicate complex ideas clearly, and engage critically with economic and policy issues in both public and private sector contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
This programme leads to an NFQ Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree, reflecting Ireland’s recognised undergraduate qualification standards and providing a strong platform for employment or postgraduate study.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Limerick is internationally recognised, with strong employability outcomes for graduates across disciplines. The Economics degree benefits from the university’s research-active faculty and emphasis on analytical and professional skills valued by employers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the University of Limerick gain a combination of academic knowledge and practical experience from the start. The programme includes a Cooperative Education work placement, a six‑to‑eight‑month professional experience embedded in the degree, allowing students to apply classroom learning in real-world economic, public policy, or industry settings. This is complemented by opportunities for study abroad at partner universities, broadening students’ cultural and academic perspectives. Throughout the programme, students engage in research projects, data analysis, and group assignments, building skills highly valued by employers.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Cooperative Education work placement — a mandatory placement that builds professional experience and sector understanding.
International study abroad semester — opportunity to study at UL’s global partner universities.
Mini research projects and analytical coursework — embedded in key economics modules to strengthen empirical and research skills.
Access to modern library and digital learning resources — including study spaces and research tools tailored for economics and quantitative analysis.
Economics and Investments Society involvement — participation in industry insight events, guest speakers, and a student-managed fund offering practical investing experience.

Why This Programme Matters
Graduates leave with strong analytical and communication skills that are highly valued in public policy, financial services, research, government, and international organisations. The practical placement experience, independent research, and international study opportunities ensure students are academically prepared and professionally ready to enter the workforce with meaningful experience.

Department and Academic Support
The programme is delivered through the Department of Economics within the Kemmy Business School, which provides experienced faculty, academic support, and strong industry connections. Students benefit from a vibrant economics community on campus, designed to support professional and intellectual growth.

Facilities and Support at University of Limerick
Students on the BA in Economics have access to:

Comprehensive library resources, including academic texts, databases, electronic journals, and study environments.
Digital learning tools and statistical software used within modules to analyse data and model economic scenarios.
Career services and placement support that prepare students for industry placements and graduate employment.
Clubs and societies such as the Economics and Investments Society, where students can extend their learning beyond the classroom and gain practical skills in investment and economic discourse.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Limerick Bachelor of Arts in Economics gain a deep understanding of economic theory, policy, and quantitative analysis, equipping them to work across business, finance, government, and research sectors. Alumni are prepared for roles that require critical thinking, data interpretation, and strategic decision-making, enabling both immediate employment and long-term career advancement.

Typical graduate roles include: Economist, Financial Analyst, Policy Analyst, Market Research Analyst:

University employability services: University of Limerick Careers Services supports students with career guidance, CV and interview preparation, employer networking events, and access to graduate recruitment programmes.
Graduate outcomes and earning potential: Graduates achieve high employment rates in economics-related fields, with competitive starting salaries across financial services, consulting, and public sector roles.
University–industry connections: The programme benefits from strong partnerships with multinational companies, government agencies, and research organisations, offering guest lectures, internships, and applied project opportunities.
Accreditation and academic reputation: A University of Limerick BA in Economics carries international recognition and long-term professional credibility.
Graduate success: Alumni are employed across finance, consultancy, government, and research organisations, demonstrating the programme’s strong practical and analytical foundation.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates may pursue postgraduate studies in Economics, Finance, Public Policy, Data Analytics, or International Business, or continue to research-focused master’s or doctoral programmes, providing a pathway to specialised academic or professional careers.