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Subject overview

Economics is a broad discipline that seeks to answer the biggest questions that we face in both business and society. For example, why are some countries rich whilst others remain poor? Or when should policymakers intervene in people’s lives in order to minimise crime? Economics provides us with a framework and philosophy from which we can construct answers to such questions. Economics is about developing models that help us to understand the past, so we can create a better future.

Our Programmes

Undergraduate

BSc Economics
BSc Economics with Finance
BSc Economics with French
BSc Economics with Spanish
BSc Economics and Accounting 
BSc Business Economics
BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics 

Postgraduate

MSc Economics
PhD Economics

Our Research

The Economics Subject Group covers three main areas:

  • Our economic theory cluster has interests in game theory, networks and mechanism design.
  • Our applied economics cluster has interests in economic history, labour economics, regional economics and economic growth.
  • Our econometrics cluster has interests in theoretical and applied econometrics, including panel data and financial econometrics.

Meet our staff

Read our working papers

Apply for a PhD

Why study Economics at Queen’s?

  • We offer a dynamic syllabus that has been updated to reflect the various lessons of the Great Recession of 2008. In practical terms, this means students are never taught mainstream economic theory in isolation; students are instead exposed to real-world economic problems and applications of competing economic theories.
  • In addition to working with Queen’s own expert faculty, students have the opportunity to learn from external international experts in their fields who come to Queen’s to give seminars and master classes.
  • You will cover all the core elements (compulsory modules) you need for an advanced understanding of economics and to develop you analytical and quantitative skill set, but you will also have the flexibility to tailor the course to your personal interests and career aspirations.
  • BSc Single Honours Economics students have the option of completing their degree with an independent research project where they will receive intensive one-on-one supervision from members of the economics faculty.

Alan Bridle, BSc Economics

Head of Economics & Market Analysis, Bank of Ireland

Alan is responsible for providing strategic insight into the Bank of Ireland’s key product markets in the UK and for all the Bank’s economic and market research, briefings and presentations in Northern Ireland. Prior to this Alan held a number of positions within the Bank in their treasury, corporate & business, and strategic marketing divisions.

Where could Queen's take you?

Understanding the global economy

Economics is about how people make choices in conditions of resource scarcity and the results of these choices for society. It’s about understanding the world around us and our place in it. 

Careers

An economics qualification opens many doors. Potential career opportunities include:

Economist; Accountant; Civil servant; Investment Banker; Researcher; Teacher; Marketing executive; Consultant; Director; Legal professional

Graduate employers include:

PwC; EY; Bank of Ireland; NI Civil Service; Oxford Economics; Ulster Bank; Barclays; Invest NI; Kainos; Mercer

Explore our courses