Programme Purpose

Programme Purpose

The MSc Business Economics is an integrated programme applying Economics to the business environment. Designed in consultation with leaders from the business community and public sector organisations, this unique programme equips participants with the key skills for career development in the ever-changing business world. The programme also provides a good foundation for participants wishing to undertake further study at PhD, DBA or professional development level.

This is a research orientated programme which is both theoretically grounded and evidence-based. The focus is on analysing, understanding and explaining business performance in a competitive environment.

Programme Description

The MSc (Business Economics) is a one year full-time programme of study which includes taught courses and applied business research. The programme is also available on a part-time basis over 2 years.

The programme is divided into two parts: in Part 1 from mid-September to the following March, you will focus on the taught modules and learn how to explain and apply: core theories, empirical methods and analytical tools that are relevant and transferable to a range of fundamental business issues.In part 2, from April to early September, you will undertake your own research on a business or industry, culminating in a business economic consultancy report.

This programme will give you a competitive advantage in the job market. The emphasis is on: the preparation and presentation of quality business reports; techniques of data analysis that include forecasting and scenario analysis and survey analysis; team-working for assignments to enhance interpersonal relationships, and a problem-solving approach using case studies. Our market research has indicated that these skills are very highly rated by employers.

Programme Strengths

• This programme incorporates both taught courses and action research, and uses economic theory and analysis explicitly applied to business.

• A dedicated programme teaching team, drawn from the School of Economics, is committed to helping you reach your potential.

• Your research and consultancy capabilities are specifically developed through the business research report under the guidance of a Programme Supervisor.

• All modules are structured so that participants are actively involved in using what they learn as they learn it

• A special module is dedicated to preparing participants for future careers in business by enhancing professional business skills.

• Programme delivery includes the use of lectures, interactive workshops, case study discussion groups and guest speakers to guide student learning and allow participants explore fundamental business issues.

• There is a strong emphasis on coursework including presentations, written reports, in-class assessments, team projects, etc.

• An excellent employment track record and every year, our graduates pursue challenging careers in the private and public sectors.

• An External Business Advisor provides guidance and advice to ensure relevance and effectiveness of skills developed during the programme.

Programme Content

Participants take taught modules in Semester 1 and Semester 2, and complete an individual business economics consultancy report during the summer months. The programme modules are as follows.

Economics of Business Strategy

This module introduces the core theories and frameworks that allow students analyse business performance at organisation, industry, and regional levels.

Business Relationships and Business Strategy

The module examines competitive dynamics in a business setting: the interactive nature of players in the market, including government, is explored. Key issues and concerns of small businesses are also examined, including access to finance, availability of suitable investment opportunities, and managerial capacity.

Analysing General Business Conditions

This module offers the opportunity to acquire an understanding of the macroeconomic environment and other methods for analysing business conditions that impact on firm profitability, competitiveness, strategy,andattractiveness of locations (regions and countries).

Macroeconomic Data Analysis for Strategic decision

In this module, participants understand, use, analyse, and manipulate macroeconomic data for strategic decision making in the business environment.

Financial Economics and Business Strategy

The links between financial markets and business strategy are explored in this module. Techniques relevant for analysing business performance and formulating business strategies are examined.

Corporate Treasury Management

This module develops participants’ skills and knowledge of the principal financial instruments and strategies used by corporate treasury managers within businesses. Issues addressed include: the strategic objectives of corporate treasury, evaluating interest rate and foreign exchange rate risk.

Scenario Planning for Strategic Decision-making

An examination of business forecasting techniques, including expert judgment and scenario planning for the development of strategic decision-making are explored.

Research Methods for Business Economics

The main elements of the research process are analysed in this module including: the nature of the research questions; the need for an underlying economic theory or framework; data collection and analysis; and the preparation and delivery of preliminary research reports.

Fieldwork Methods for Business

This module focuses on the application of techniques in survey design to gather economic data on business enterprises. Topics include research problem formulation, research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, survey interviewing, and questionnaire design.

Analysis of Business Survey Data

Participants use and interpret survey data for business decision-making and present the findings of their research. Topics include coding and data entry, descriptive statistics, tests of indifferences. Also, the module provides an opportunity to develop data analysis skills through SPSS.

Professional Business Skills

This module helps develop participants’ professional business skills and augment professional development with a view to enhancing employability and promotion prospects. Workshops and seminars are organised at appropriate stages throughout each semester.

Business Economics Report (BER)

A significant feature of the programme is the BER. Directed by a supervision team, participants undertake their own research, based on issues addressed in the programme and involving applications of techniques and frameworks introduced. The BER provides experience of applied research focussed on supporting business/strategic decision-making within a company, industry or country.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible to apply, applicants must have a second class honours degree (or equivalen) in a business-related discipline.

Consideration will be given to applicants with no primary degree or those with a primary degree that is not business-related, but who have relevant professinal experience.

A word from our Graduates

“I felt the MBS in Business Economics thoroughly engages students in the application of economics to a business environment. Undertaking economic research to address real-life business issues helped me develop an excellent aptitude in business analysis and really enhanced my employment opportunities in business, finance, management and many other fields”

Manuel Cornejo

MBS Business Economics Graduate 2012

“With completing the MBS (Business Economics) course, it has developed my professional skills which have helped to enhance students’ prospects of gaining employment in this difficult economic climate”.

Niamh Lenihan, UCC Lecturer

MBS Business Economics Graduate, 2012

“The MBS was for me an extremely positive experience. It allows for the development of an excellent skill set, notably research and analytical skills, primarily through the practical utilisation of core economic theories and empirical methods to analyse key issues.”

Emily Whelton

MBS Business Economics Graduate, 2009

“I thought my year pursuing the MBS was very interesting and useful for increasing my knowledge of economics. The presentations were a very important part of MBS as they increased communication skills and confidence levels, skills that are very important for future career prospects.”

Grainne Greehy

MBS Business Economics Graduate, 2007

Career Opportunities

MSc graduates have obtained employment and gone on to have very successful careers in a wide range of areas all over the world, for example:

• Business, including Management & Economic Consulting; the Financial and Banking Sectors; the Public Sector; and the Education Sector.

Programme Director

Dr. Catherine Kavanagh is the Programme Director. She is a Lecturer in Economics at UCC and received her PhD from the University of Aberdeen. Her research areas include compensation in the workplace, labour market policies, the skills and qualifications of workers, income distribution and measures of progress.

Contact Details

If you are interested in the MSc (Business Economics) programme and would like to discuss it further, please contact:

Dr. Catherine Kavanagh

MSc Programme Director, School of Economics,

Tel:+353 (0)21 - 4901868

E-Mail:

Or

Ms. Joan Corcoran

MScProgramme Administrator, School of Economics,

Tel:+353 (0)21 - 4902126

E-Mail:

Application Information

The closing date for application is 1stAugust.

EU Applicants

Apply online at:

Non EU Applicants

Contact the International Education Office, UniversityCollegeCork for application details.

For further information, visit

For fee information, visit

Information on programme fees is available from the UCC Finance Office as follows: