Economics & Finance
If you have a strong interest in financial markets and economics, and enjoy working with numbers, data, and analytical challenges, the BSc Economics and Finance is an ideal choice.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
3 Years (4 years with optional Internship)
Specific Subjects or course requirements
To meet minimum entry requirements (matriculation) on the results of the Leaving Certificate, a student must present at least six recognised subjects selected according to course requirements and must obtain at least Grade H5 in two subjects and Grade O6/H7 in the remaining four subjects.
Leaving Cert Subject Entry Requirements
H4 in Mathematics
O6/H7 in English, Irish, a third language, and two other recognised subjects
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
• To meet minimum entry requirements (matriculation) on the results of the Leaving Certificate, a student must present at least six recognised subjects selected according to course requirements (see Entry Requirements for each course) and must obtain at least Grade H5 in two subjects and Grade O6/H7 in the remaining four subjects.
• A student may normally combine the results of Leaving Certificate examinations obtained in different years to meet minimum entry requirements. This concession applies to minimum entry requirements registration only; it does not apply to the calculation of points. However, it should be noted that students seeking to enter Medicine must meet the minimum entry requirements, including both Leaving Certificate points and Matriculation, in the same sitting of the Leaving Certificate.
Acceptable subjects
All subjects of the current Leaving Certificate examination are accepted with the following exceptions and qualifications:
1. Gaeilge – Bonnleibhéal (Irish – Foundation Level) will not be accepted for Matriculation Registration purposes.
2. Mathematics Ordinary Alternative/ Foundation Level will be accepted for Matriculation Registration purposes, but not as a substitute for the subject Mathematics in courses for which Mathematics is an entry requirement. Leaving Certificate points are not awarded for either of these subjects.
Applicants presenting Leaving Certificate results from previous years, which include subjects no longer offered, should contact www.ucd.ie/askus for advice with regard to acceptability and any exclusions that may apply.
Combination of subjects not permitted
• The subject “Physics and Chemistry” may not be presented with either “Physics” or “Chemistry”.
• “Agricultural Economics” may not be presented with “Economics”.
• “Classical Studies” may not be presented with “Latin” or “Greek”
Laboratory science subjects
The following subjects in the Irish Leaving Certificate are recognised laboratory science subjects:
• Agricultural Science • Biology • Chemistry • Physics and Chemistry (Joint) • Physics.
For Science (DN200) only, Applied Mathematics, Geography or Computer Science may also be used as a laboratory science subject.
Assessment of applications
Admission to most undergraduate courses is extremely competitive. Entry is based on the points system for students presenting Irish Leaving Certificate examinations.
Notes
• Minimum points requirements can change from year-to-year as they are dependent on demand for each course, as well as the number of places available.
• 25 additional points will be awarded for a grade H6 or better in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, where that subject is one of the six subjects being counted for points purposes.
• Applicants’ performance in the Leaving Certificate examination is scored on their best results in no more than six individual subjects taken in the Leaving Certificate examination of any one year. This does not preclude an intending applicant from taking school-leaving examinations in two or more years. In this event, the choice of year for scoring purposes will be such as to ensure that each applicant is credited with the maximum possible score.
• It is still possible to achieve matriculation and subject requirements over more than one year. However, for admission to Medicine, applicants must achieve both the required subject grades and the points in the same sitting.
• The subjects and combinations of subjects not permitted for matriculation also apply when computing an applicant’s points score.
• Please see www.myucd.ie/medicineaddreq for points scoring for Medicine.
• Note: If you were born outside the Republic of Ireland, you do not require Irish as a subject for entry to UCD. However, you may present Irish as a subject for matriculation to fulfil the requirement to present a language other than English
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Grade Points
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28
Leaving Certificate Applied Programme LCAP
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
This highly regarded degree offers graduates exceptional prospects for future employment and study. Employment options may include: Analytics or Risk Analysis, Stock Brokering, Fund Management, Investment Banking, Insurance, Corporate Finance and Economics, FinTech and Data Science. It also provides a strong platform for postgraduate study in economics, finance, or related disciplines.
Further information
September 2026
Mature Applicants
UCD has a mature entry pathway for anyone who is at least 23 years of age on 1 January of the proposed year of entry and whose school-leaving qualifications are insufficient for admission. For admission in September 2026, your date of birth must be on or before 1 January, 2003.
How do I apply?
For all full-time and some part-time undergraduate degree courses, mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). The application can be completed online at www.cao.ie. For some courses you must also register for a specific test (HPAT and NMBI Nursing/ Midwifery Assessment test) for details of what is required for each course. For most of our courses, the closing date for application is 1 February 2026. Late applications up to 1 May are not normally considered on grounds of mature years - any exceptions are highlighted on the mature student website.
What information should I provide?
You must complete the mature section on the CAO form fully as this forms a large part of the assessment of your application. You must send supporting documents, such as copies of qualifications to CAO as soon as your application is complete. If you wish you can also send an additional statement of interest or CV. Visit the website below for further information on how to apply and how your application will be assessed.
For more information:
www.ucd.ie/maturestudents
Other School-Leaving Examinations
Every EU country is currently represented amongst UCD’s student body. Applicants must meet normal matriculation and entry requirements. Further information is available at www.ucd.ie/eu
Non-EU applicants
UCD welcomes applicants from non- EU countries. Further information on application and entry requirements is available at www.ucd.ie/global
Note: If you were born outside the Republic of Ireland, you do not require Irish as a subject for entry to UCD. www.ucd.ie/myucd/apply
Other School Leaving Examinations
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
University Access
See www.myucd.ie/universityaccess
Entry 2026
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Why is this course for me?
If you have a strong interest in financial markets and economics, and enjoy working with numbers, data, and analytical challenges, the BSc Economics and Finance is an ideal choice. This rigorous, quantitatively-focused course develops analytical skills and equips students with the expertise to understand complex economic and financial systems. Delivered by expert faculty and informed by leading research, it is one of the most highly regarded undergraduate degree courses of its kind in Ireland. With a strong international reputation and a proven record of exceptional graduate outcomes, the course is suited to ambitious students who want to challenge themselves academically and prepare for an impactful career in the financial or economic sectors.
First Year
During first year of this course, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of core principles, concepts, methods and theories relevant to the study of Economics and Finance. The emphasis initially will be on quantitative methods (Maths and Statistics) and Economics to build solid academic foundations on which competencies in Business and Finance will be advanced throughout the course.
Analysis • Introduction to Finance • Differential & Difference Equations • Business in Society • Business Analytics • Financial Accounting • Statistical Modelling • Linear Algebra • Advanced Calculus • Principles of Macroeconomics.
Second Year
You will learn to apply this knowledge to practical and important problems faced by businesses and policy makers in a broad range of settings in the financial industry.
Introduction to Programming • Probability • Intermediate Macro & Microeconomics • Game Theory • Optimisation in Finance • Corporate Finance • Econometrics of Financial Markets • Financial Mathematics • Inferential Statistics.
Final Year
In final year, depending on your area of interest you can specialise in either Economics, Finance or Maths and Statistics.
The Finance stream places emphasis on problems and applications relevant to the financial industry and corporate financial management. With the Economics or Maths & Statistics stream, the emphasis will instead be on economic analysis and quantitative methods needed to support decision-making in a corporate or policy-making setting.
Modules include: Applied Portfolio & Risk Management • Advanced Microeconomics • Financial Economics • Research Topics in Finance.
Internship Opportunity
An optional one-year, paid internship opportunity is available after second year, giving students the chance to gain realworld experience with leading companies in Ireland and abroad. These placements allow students to apply their learning in a professional environment, develop key business and workplace skills, and explore potential career paths. This is an extremely popular opportunity with over 90% of eligible students choosing to complete an internship.
Business Mentoring Programme
In second year, students can participate in the Quinn Mentoring Programme, gaining industry knowledge, advice and support from the College of Business alumni community.
International Study Opportunities
In second year, students have the opportunity to study abroad for a trimester at one of our exchange partner universities in countries such as Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Finland, Hong Kong and Singapore. Students also have access to short-term global opportunities, including international case competitions, summer schools abroad, and overseas study trips.
myucd.ie/economics-finance
UCD Lochlann Quinn
School of Business
+353 1 716 4833
ucd.ie/quinn/getintouch/