MSc Behavioural Economics

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University College Dublin

Program Overview

The MSc in Behavioural Economics at UCD equips students with the tools to understand human decision-making by combining economics and psychology. It is designed for graduates who want to apply behavioural insights to business, policy, and regulation, making it ideal for those aiming to work in government, consulting, finance, or international organizations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Semester 1)
Students begin with rigorous training in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics, alongside core modules in Behavioural Economics. These courses provide the theoretical and empirical foundation for understanding how individuals and groups make decisions, while introducing experimental methods used in behavioural research.

Year 1 (Semester 2)
The focus shifts to applied modules such as Public Economics, Development Economics, and Experimental Methods, where students design and run behavioural experiments. Students also engage with the Behavioural Science and Policy Group at UCD’s Geary Institute, attending interdisciplinary seminars and conferences with leading researchers and policymakers.

Focus Areas

Behavioural Economics, Experimental Methods, Public Policy, Regulation, Applied Microeconomics.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will master behavioural economic theory, experimental design, and econometric analysis, enabling them to evaluate policy, design interventions, and provide evidence-based solutions in business and government.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc is awarded at NFQ Level 9, ensuring international recognition and alignment with Ireland’s national qualifications framework.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UCD is ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide and is Ireland’s leading economics department. Graduates of the MSc in Behavioural Economics have secured roles with the Behavioural Insights Team, Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES), Central Bank of Ireland, ESRI, and consultancies such as KPMG and Accenture.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most exciting aspects of UCD’s MSc in Behavioural Economics is how it blends academic study with hands-on practice. Students don’t just learn behavioural theory — they actively apply it through experiments, policy projects, and research in Ireland’s only dedicated behavioural economics laboratory. The program ensures you graduate with both the intellectual depth and the practical skills employers and research institutions demand.

To show you how experiential learning is embedded in this program, here are the specific opportunities and facilities available:

Behavioural Science and Policy Lab (BSP Lab): Students gain direct experience in Ireland’s only experimental economics laboratory, running behavioural experiments and analyzing decision-making data.
Software Training: Practical training with econometric and statistical tools such as Stata and R, essential for designing experiments and evaluating behavioural interventions.
Group Projects: Coursework emphasizes applied problem-solving, with collaborative assignments that mirror the teamwork required in consulting, government, and policy roles.
Internship Option: In the summer trimester, students can choose a professional internship, applying behavioural insights in government agencies, financial institutions, or research organizations.
Supervised Research Thesis: Alternatively, students may undertake a thesis project, working closely with faculty to design and execute original behavioural economics research.
Seminars & Workshops: Students participate in interdisciplinary seminars hosted by the Geary Institute for Public Policy, engaging with leading researchers and policymakers on behavioural science applications.
Library Access: Full access to UCD’s James Joyce Library and specialized economics collections, providing extensive datasets, journals, and digital resources.
Networking Opportunities: Departmental events and alumni connections provide valuable pathways into careers with organizations such as the Behavioural Insights Team, IGEES, and consultancies like KPMG and Accenture.

This experiential framework ensures that graduates leave not only with advanced theoretical knowledge but also with the ability to apply behavioural insights, conduct independent research, and engage confidently with professional and academic communities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of UCD’s MSc in Behavioural Economics are uniquely positioned to work at the intersection of economics, psychology, and policy. Typical career paths include roles as behavioural policy advisors in government, consultants in firms applying behavioural insights, financial analysts in banks or regulatory bodies, and research associates in think tanks or universities. The program is designed to ensure strong employability outcomes and clear pathways into advanced study:

University Career Services: UCD’s Careers Network provides tailored support, including employer events, one-to-one guidance, and access to the Graduate Outcomes Survey, which tracks employment and further study nine months after graduation.
Employment Stats: According to UCD’s Graduate Outcomes data, the majority of graduates are employed or in further study within nine months of completing their program.
Industry Partnerships: The program benefits from UCD’s strong links with the Geary Institute for Public Policy, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), and the Central Bank of Ireland, giving students exposure to real-world behavioural research and policy environments.
Accreditation Value: The MSc is awarded at NFQ Level 9, ensuring international recognition and long-term career portability.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni have progressed into roles with the Behavioural Insights Team, Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES), consultancies such as KPMG and Accenture, and international organizations.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc in Behavioural Economics, students are exceptionally well-prepared to continue into PhD-level research either at UCD or at other leading international universities. The program’s emphasis on experimental methods, econometrics, and supervised thesis work provides the foundation for doctoral study in economics, behavioural science, or public policy. Many graduates leverage this pathway to pursue academic careers, advanced policy research, or specialized consultancy.