Economics and Public Policy - Postgraduate Diploma

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Limerick

Program Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Economics and Public Policy at the University of Limerick (UL) is a one‑year full‑time (or two‑year part‑time) program designed for graduates who want to build expertise in economics and policy analysis. It suits students from diverse academic backgrounds, including those without prior economics training, and is ideal for careers in government, civil service, teaching, and consultancy.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Autumn Semester (Full‑time):
Students begin with the Induction Academy (EC5001), which sets expectations and introduces the program’s structure. Modules such as Decision Making with Scarce Resources (EC5003) and The National Economy (EC5005) provide a foundation in microeconomics and macroeconomic models, while Data Exploration & Analysis (EC5007) equips students with practical data skills for evidence‑based decision‑making.

Year 1 – Spring Semester (Full‑time):
The second semester emphasizes applied practice. Students study The Global Economy (EC5004), focusing on international integration and global dynamics, alongside Contemporary Issues in Economics and Policy (EC5006), which connects theory to pressing societal challenges. The Applied Economics and Public Policy Issues (EC5002) module explores developments in business, public policy, and the world economy.

Residential Academy (EC5008):
Held at the end of the spring semester, this two‑day academy synthesizes learning from all modules. Students apply their knowledge to real‑world case studies through interactive workshops, connecting economic concepts with public policy challenges.

Part‑time Pathway:
Year 1 includes Decision Making with Scarce Resources (EC5003) and The National Economy (EC5005), followed by Applied Economics and Public Policy Issues (EC5002). Year 2 covers Data Exploration & Analysis (EC5007), The Global Economy (EC5004), Contemporary Issues in Economics and Policy (EC5006), and the Residential Academy (EC5008).

Focus Areas

Public policy analysis, applied economics, global economic integration, data analysis, contemporary policy challenges.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to apply economic theory to real‑world policy issues, conduct data‑driven analysis, evaluate national and global economic systems, and communicate evidence‑based insights for decision‑making.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is a Level 9 NFQ Postgraduate Diploma, delivered by the Kemmy Business School at UL, and meets the Teaching Council’s requirements for teaching Economics at secondary level in Ireland.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Limerick is consistently recognized for its industry‑engaged teaching and applied research. Graduates of this diploma progress into roles in banking, fund management, insurance, civil service, central banking, and regulatory authorities, reflecting strong employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most valuable aspects of the Postgraduate Diploma in Economics and Public Policy at the University of Limerick (UL) is its strong emphasis on applied, practical learning. Students don’t just study economic theory — they actively engage with data analysis, policy simulations, and interactive academies that mirror the real demands of public policy work. The program is deliberately designed to ensure graduates leave with hands‑on skills in economics, data exploration, and policy evaluation, supported by UL’s modern teaching facilities and the Kemmy Business School’s applied research ethos.

To make this experiential learning concrete, here’s what you can expect:

Data Exploration & Analysis (EC5007): Students gain practical training in data analytics software and statistical tools, learning to handle real datasets for evidence‑based policy decisions.
Applied Economics & Public Policy Issues (EC5002): This module emphasizes group projects and case studies, where students collaborate to analyze contemporary economic and policy challenges.
Residential Academy (EC5008): A two‑day intensive workshop at the end of the spring semester where students apply their learning to real‑world case studies and policy simulations, working in teams to present solutions.
Induction Academy (EC5001): Early in the program, students participate in an interactive induction that introduces them to UL’s facilities, digital learning tools, and collaborative study methods.
Library & Digital Resources: Full access to the University of Limerick Library, including specialized databases in economics, public policy, and international affairs, supports coursework and research projects.
Kemmy Business School Facilities: Delivered through UL’s Kemmy Business School, students benefit from modern teaching spaces, research centres, and strong links to Irish and international policy networks.
Policy Engagement: Modules such as Contemporary Issues in Economics and Policy (EC5006) and The Global Economy (EC5004) integrate current policy debates, giving students exposure to real policy frameworks and international economic institutions.

This blend of data analytics training, group projects, residential academies, and policy engagement ensures that graduates of UL’s Postgraduate Diploma in Economics and Public Policy are not only academically accomplished but also practically prepared to thrive in government, consultancy, and international organizations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Economics and Public Policy at UL are well‑prepared for careers in government departments, civil service, teaching, consultancy, and regulatory authorities. The program’s applied focus on data analysis, policy evaluation, and global economics ensures that alumni can contribute meaningfully to decision‑making in both national and international contexts.

Here’s how the University of Limerick supports your career journey and why this program stands out:

University Career Services: UL’s Careers Service provides tailored employability support, including employer networking, CV workshops, and career mentoring, helping graduates secure roles in public policy, economics, and consultancy.
Employment Stats: UL consistently reports strong graduate outcomes, with alumni progressing into roles in banking, fund management, insurance, civil service, central banking, and regulatory authorities.
Industry Partnerships: Delivered through the Kemmy Business School, the program benefits from UL’s strong links with Irish government agencies and international policy networks, ensuring students gain exposure to real policy challenges.
Accreditation Value: Awarded as a Level 9 NFQ Postgraduate Diploma, the qualification is internationally recognized and also meets the Teaching Council’s requirements for teaching Economics at secondary level in Ireland.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni are prepared for careers in policy analysis, economic consultancy, teaching, and public administration, applying their skills to evaluate national and global economic systems.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Postgraduate Diploma, students may progress to the MA in Economics and Public Policy at UL, which builds on the diploma’s foundation with advanced modules and a dissertation. This pathway allows graduates to deepen their expertise, engage in applied research, and position themselves for leadership roles in economics, public policy, and academia.