Economics (through Transformational Learning) (BA (Hons))

The BA (Hons) Economics (through Transformational Learning) is a degree in Economics with a difference. The transformational learning approach means that you are an active participant in your learning.

Our goal is to develop exceptional graduates who:

• question, analyse and research issues in business, finance, government
• use economics as a way of thinking
• think independently
• are effective communicators and active team players
• are aware of their own capabilities and strengths and able to plan for their future careers

Classes are interactive, which enables us to work with you to create diverse learning experiences that enhance your understanding of Economics. You will be challenged and supported to develop your own ideas, views and perspectives using Economics, while targeting the expansion of your skills and workplace competencies.

Unique to this programme is the Transition to Professional Life module, helping you to plan and work towards your future career.

Modules

Year 1 Modules:

Core - 45 credits of Economics

• EC1113 The World of Economics: Cooperation in the Economic System (5 credits)
• EC1114 The World of Economics: Public Policy in the Economic System (5 credits)
• EC1115 The World of Economics: Coordination and Individual Decision Making (5 credits)
• EC1107 Reading Economists (5 credits)
• EC1108 Communicating Economic Reasoning (5 credits)
• EC1109 Transition to Professional Life I (10 credits)
• EC1111 Economic Data Collection (5 credits)
• EC1112 Economic Data as Evidence (5 credits)

Electives - 15 credits of another First Arts subject from Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 

Year 2 Modules:

The Changing Economy:  Recessions and Booms;  Money and Monetary Policy;  Government Spending and Tax;  Economic Journey through Life Decisions:  Economic Information and Uncertainty;  Firms in a World of Uncertainty;  Behavioural Economics;  Economic Modelling of Decision Makers;  Empirical Research Methods;  Reasoning and Problem Solving in Economics;  Research in Economics;  Transition to Professional Life 

Year 3 Modules:

The Economics of Creativity; The Role of Place in Innovation; The Wealth and Poverty of Nations: International Cooperation; Economic Growth and Development; Financial Institutions and Markets; Either Economics and the Labour Market or Health Economics or the Economics of Sport, Methods for Economic Investigation:  Survey Design and Implementation; Research Methods for Economic Investigation:  Empirical Econometrics; Undergraduate Dissertation;  Transition to Professional Life

See the College Calendar for additional information on the Programme and the Book of Modules for further details on modules.

• This degree invites you to participate actively in your study of Economics.
• You are supported and challenged to develop your ideas, your voice and your identity in the context of this dialogue with Economics.
• The Transition to Professional Life modules enable you to practically participate in your development while at university, in a unique three-way University-Industry Collaboration involving the Career Service UCC, lecturers in the Dept. of Economics and employers.
• The Transition to Professional Life modules won the AHECS (2017) Excellence in Employability Award. “This is a developmental, inspiration and incremental employability initiative that can act as template for other departments and other institutions”. 
• Shortlisted for the Irish Education Awards Best Career Impact Strategy Award in 2019.
• Highly renowned thinker in adult learning and development Prof Robert Kegan of Harvard University in the US, has praised the design of the programme in terms of its “thoughtfulness, originality and usefulness”.

The following work-based competencies are specifically targeted to improve your employability:

• problem-solving and analytical skills

• critical reasoning skills

• communication and presentation skills

• numeracy and IT skills

• group work/leadership skills

• planning and organizational skills

Graduates with Economics have traditionally gone into a wide variety of careers such as:

• economic consultancy
• data analyst
• junior economist
• project management
• advisory services
• accountancy
• marketing
• banking 
• postgraduate, doctoral and professional training

The capability to be reflective, self-aware, creative and to develop yourself is in keeping with the need today for self-motivated and independent graduates able to change and adapt throughout their working lives.

In the International Pathway, you have the option of studying abroad in Year 3. You will then return to UCC in Year 4 to complete the programme.

In the Work Placement Pathway, you have the option to complete a 6-month placement (arranged by UCC) in Year 3. Students who do not obtain a placement will undertake a research project. If you choose this option, you will complete the programme in 4 years.  

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

• Communicate and Work effectively to a Professional Standard
• Demonstrate analytical and problem solving skills associated with effective practice
• Engage in the application of frameworks and techniques in organisational practice
• Demonstrate independent research capabilities
• Demonstrate self-awareness of their strengths, capabilities and weaknesses
• Be personal leaders in their own education.

Expected lecture hours: Classes consist of interactive seminars/workshops in a highly supportive and challenging learning environment. In year 1 you will have about 12 hours on average per week; in years 2 and 3 you will have about 12 hours on average a week.

Expected lab/practical hours: Practicals are provided in the statistical packages in Empirical Research Methods, Econometrics and Survey Design and Implementation. 

Full module information is detailed in the section below.

Written exams will take place at the end of Semester 1 and Semester 2.  Not all modules will have formal examinations.  Many modules use other types of assessment including:

• group projects and individual assignments
• oral presentations, poster presentations, videos
• business and economic report writing, research dissertation, newspaper articles
• interactive blogs, reflective journaling interview preparation and performance

Leaving Certificate entry requirements: 

At Least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish. Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:

Mature students: Mature applicants should apply directly through the CAO and include a statement of interest. Leaving Certificate Mathematics is recommended.  Applicants will be required to attend for interview.  

Find out about the mature entry requirements here.

Other qualifications: EU/EFTA/UK students presenting an alternative school-leaving qualification (e.g. A-levels or International Baccalaureate) or QQI/FE course should visit our EU/EFTA/UK Applicants pages for further information. 

International Students should visit the International Education website.

Non-EU Candidates

Non-EU candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to Irish university primary degree level. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. To verify if you meet the minimum academic requirements for this programme please visit our qualification comparison pages.

For more detailed entry requirement information please refer to the International website .

EU Applicants: Application to Year 1 of the degree programme is made directly through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Applicants should apply online at www.cao.ie. The normal closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of entry.

Non-EU Applicants

Mature Applicants:  Application is made through the CAO and the closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of proposed entry.

Non-EU Applications

For full details of the non-EU application procedure please visit our how to apply pages for international students. In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

Not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above.

For more information please contact the International Office.