School of
ECONOMICS
MSc (Business Economics) CKL06
School of Economics
MSc Business Economics - CKL06
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.
MSc Business Economics - CKL06
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.
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.
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,
and attractiveness 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.
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 decisionmaking within a company, industry or country.
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.
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 businessrelated, but who have relevant professinal experience.
MSc Business Economics - CKL06
A word from our Graduates
Programme Director
“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”
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.
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.”
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:
[email protected]
Or
Ms. Joan Corcoran
MSc Programme Administrator, School of Economics,
Tel:+353 (0)21 - 4902126
E-Mail:
[email protected]
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.”
Application Information
The closing date for application is 1st August.
EU Applicants
Apply online at: http://www.pac.ie
Grainne Greehy
MBS Business Economics Graduate, 2007
Non EU Applicants
Contact the International Education Office, University
College Cork for application details.
Career Opportunities
For further information, visit
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:
For fee information, visit

Business, including Management & Economic
Consulting; the Financial and Banking Sectors; the
Public Sector; and the Education Sector.
http://www.ucc.ie/en/economics/
Information on programme fees is available from the
UCC
Finance
Office
as
follows:
http://www.ucc.ie/en/financeoffice/fees/