Economics

Economics (group 4 subject) CAO Code: MH101 | CAO Points 2021: 338

For full details about entry requirements see p. 42. You do NOT need have taken Leaving Certificate Economics to study this subject at Maynooth University but we recommend O4/H7 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics.

> Economics is a social science that helps us to understand the behaviour of decision makers such as consumers, firms, workers, governments, investors, central banks, policy makers. > Economists are not defined by the subject matter that they study but rather by the way they approach a given topic. Economics provides a framework for understanding problems and learning how to solve them. > There is a misconception about economics. People tend to think that economics is all about money and profits, but economics is much more than that. It is about understanding the past, predicting the future, and making evidence-based policy recommendations. > Economists aim to find feasible solutions to help improve people's lives. This involves tackling important societal problems such as: how to reduce gender inequality and racial discrimination, how to create international cooperation to protect the environment, how to break the poverty trap in less-developed countries, how to reduce crime. > Economists use game theory to analyse strategic interaction to answer questions such as: What is the optimal pricing and advertisement strategy for a firm? How should we set political campaign financing rules to improve the quality of our democracy? How should patents be designed to foster innovation but not curtail competition? > Economists use statistical techniques to understand the market and how people respond to incentives. By determining causal relationships, economists can make evidence-based policy recommendations at the firm and state level.

Course structure

1st year

BA Bachelor of Arts – Economics Double Major, Single Major, Major/ Minor or as a Minor

> 15 credits of Economics

> Choose up to 3 other subjects including Critical Skills from the 5 groups available (maximum 1 subject per group – see groups table p. 45) 2nd year and beyond

At the beginning of the second year, you can decide to continue as a BA Arts (MH101) student, or you can transfer into MH401 FIN, MH401 IFE, MH403 or MH415:

> As a BA Arts student, you can take Economics as a single major, as a double major, as a major/minor or as a minor with one of your other 1st year subjects. The threshold for progression into the single major route is 50% in Economics. > You may also transfer into MH401 (BA Finance) if you attain 50% in Economics and pass Accounting. > You may transfer into MH401 (BA International Finance and Economics) if you attain 50% in Economics and pass 15 credits in Mathematics. > You may also transfer into MH403 (BA Accounting and Finance) if you take 22.5 credits in Accounting and attain 60%. > You may also transfer to MH415 (BSc Economics) if you attain 60% in Economics and 60% in Mathematical Studies.

Erasmus/Study Abroad option exists after the 2nd year. Students will be in Maynooth University campus for their final year.

For MH101 subject groups table go to p. 45

Possible topics

Core subjects

> Microeconomics

> Macroeconomics

> Game Theory > Quantitative Methods/ Econometrics > Environmental Economics

> Economics of Inequality > Health Economics > Competition and Regulation > Economics of Work and Life

Decisions

> Money and Banking > International Macroeconomics > Economics of the EU

> Public Economics

> International Trade

Optional subjects

Economics (group 4 subject) (continued)

Why choose this subject? > Economics is a fascinating broad discipline that helps us interpret today's headlines and make forecasts about the coming years.

> Economics provides students with outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities, including numerical and computing ability, as well as enhanced communication and presentation skills.

These skills are highly valued by employers– medium-sized or large, in all sectors from government to financial services.

> The Economics Department at MU is made up of a vibrant group of academics with an international reputation for excellence in research.

They publish in leading international journals and play an influential role in social and economic development at national level. The Economics

Department is among the top 8% of European research institutions in economics.

> The department has strong links with business and the wider economics community including the Central Bank, the ESRI, hedge funds and fund management companies.

Options after graduation?

> Our alumni are in a wide variety of public and private sectors such as banking, financial services, management consultancy, economic consultancy, journalism, teaching, politics. You can also pursue further study.

Postgraduate study options in Economics at Maynooth currently include:

> MSc in Economics

> MSc in Economic and Financial Risk Analysis > PhD in Economics

Economics is also available in

MH107: BSocSc Social Science p. 170 MH109: BA Media Studies p. 171 MH415: BSc Economics with integrated MSc Economics p.139 “ Studying at MU was one of the best decisions

I've ever made and studying economics even more so. During my studies, I had the opportunity to learn about interesting and exciting concepts that are relevant in the real world. The Economics

Department is filled with friendly, knowledgeable lecturers who do their utmost to support you in reaching your academic goals. As well as gaining new knowledge and skills, I made many friends in the warm atmosphere at the University. I am leaving

Maynooth with many fond memories and a broad set of skills that will open the door to so many new opportunities. I would thoroughly recommend that you choose to study at Maynooth University, so that you too can enjoy a great personal and academic experience.”

Tara Louise GuNNiNG BA ArtS douBle MAjor ecoNoMicS ANd GerMAN 2021

Contact us

Maynooth University Department of Economics, Rhetoric House  + 353 1 708 3728  sandra.doherty@mu.ie  www.maynoothuniversity.ie/economics @EconomicsMU @MU_Econ www.linkedin.com/school/mueconomics @maynooth_economics

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Finance p. 66 BSc Economics MH415 p. 139