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PROGRAMMES & MODULES
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We are happy to consider PhD proposals on topics related to the specialisms in sports economics or interdisciplinary proposals at the intersection in sports economics and law. These proposals may extend to quantitative sports marketing or sport management topics. Sports finance may also be given consideration.
We recommend contacting an academic within CSEL most suited to your research interests if you are considering pursuing a CUBS doctoral programme.
At present, we deliver a MSc by research in sports economics. Participants in this programme are enrolled in the full-time MSc (Commerce) – Economics for one year.
The aim of the MSc by research in Sports Economics is to develop students research skills using economic theory and data from sport. The programme involves students crafting their own research through constructing and analysing new datasets. Through close interaction with a supervision team, the programme helps students improve quantitative and econometric techniques. The programme also aims to hone each students critical and creative thinking skills.
"I chose the MSc in Economics through research in Sports Economics as it gave me the opportunity for the first time in my academic life to study something that I was really interested in. I now have an opportunity to conduct original research on the economics of Formula One. I’ve learned how to review academic literature, gained data management skills and improved my econometrics. The course supervisors are very approachable and are more than happy to share their knowledge and experience. This programme has also presented me with the opportunity to tutor economics in UCC " - Ronan Fahy, MSc Student 2020/21
In addition, the programme offers transferable research, presentation and communication skills, preparing students for careers working in the sports industry or undertaking doctoral study. A strong emphasise is placed on the technical aspects of writing and communication.
In September 2020, CSEL welcomed it's first 5 Masters by Research (MSc) students. With the supervision team, the students are exploring economic theory using data from a range of sports including F1, golf, football and Gaelic games.
"Having completed a 5-credit module in sport economics as part of my undergraduate degree, I was keen to learn more about the subject. Sport provides unique opportunities to investigate economic theories and is also a lot of fun to research. Learning how to collect, manage and analyse large datasets has opened a lot of potential career routes for me. I'm very happy I decided to take the programme - it has shown me how to investigate topics in an analytical way and improved my critical thinking skills. I have enhanced many skills that will benefit me in the future while studying a topic I am both interested in and passionate about." - Colm Pearson, MSc Student 2020/21
Please contact Dr Robert Butler ([email protected]) or Dr David Butler ([email protected]) for full details on entry requirements to the MSc programme or for more information on MSc by research in sports economics.
In addition to the MSc by research, CSEL members have supervised many masters projects specialising in sports business via the MSc Business Economics. In EC6618 Business Economics Report (the BER), CSEL members have overseen reports on topics such as diversity in sports, gambling in sports, community-based sports programmes and sports particpation.
Since September 2016, Dr Robert Butler has delivered a module in sports economics to both Arts and Commerce students. 178 students registered for EC3219 - The Economics of Sport, making it one of the biggest electives in the University. More than 200 registered in 2017 and 2018. This module is offered in Semester 1 and its objective is to give students the opportunity of applying economic theories through the lens of sport.
In this research-led module, participants are introduced to economic concepts such as
Over the years, EC3219 has recieved excellent student feedback and has consistently attracted UCC and international students.
"I personally found this module flawless, entertaining and informative throughout," , " I think out of all my module's , this was one of the best in terms of how my lecturer approached online learning. I felt it was very clear and straight forward for me", "All parts of the module are easy to understand and well delivered with plenty supporting materials" - Feedback From the Class of 20/21
Students registerd for EC3219 are eligible for James Quirk Memorial Prize in Sports Economics. James Patrick Quirk (November 27, 1926 – June 4, 2020) was a Caltech Professor of Economics. He was also Professor of Economics at the University of Kansas and is widely regarded in the field of sports economics. Prof Quirk was one of the first ever “sports economists” and made his seminal contributions to the subject, as early as the 1970s, which continued for the next 40 years. Prof Quirk is of Irish decent and the Quirk estate are pleased to support an annual prize in University College Cork’s “Economics of Sport” module to remember the lifetime of contributions made to this field.This award is presented to the student with the best academic performance annually.
In addition to undergraduate teaching duties, CSEL members supervise many undergraduate dissertation's in sports economics that are developed in the BA (Hons) Economics through Transformational Learning degree programme. This involves undergraduate Arts students forming a research question on a topic important to sports economics and carrying out a 6,000 word undergraduate disseration in EC3144 with the consultation of a CSEL member.
“I’m examining the effect of the salary cap on competitive balance in two European professional rugby leagues, England's Premiership and France's Top 14. Over the course of my dissertation I’ll be collecting data on pro-rugby tournaments and applying quantitative tools such as the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI). I am looking forward to developing my research in the coming months and think it will make for interesting reading” – Conor Canavan, BA (Hons) Economics III Student, 20/21
From a Law perspective, Dr Aisling Parkes, co-ordinates a sports law module also delivered in Semester 1. The module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of the principles of all areas of Sports Law and how different areas of law react within the sphere of sport.
A range of topics are covered in the module including