The PhD programme in Economics at Maynooth University is built on the foundation developed in the MSc programme. While this programme provides the basic skills and technical knowledge base via taught courses and a directed thesis, the PhD programme builds on this to further students’ skills and knowledge to enable them to do world class research.

The four-year programme of study includes, in the first and possibly subsequent years, reading courses, taught courses, general skills seminars and independent research, while the second, third and the fourth years of the programme are dedicated primarily to general skills development and independent research. To remain at good progress the PhD candidate must write and present an original piece of research in each year of the programme, and this research must meet the approval of his/her committee.

Students who do not perform at the level required by the PhD programme during their studies may be eligible for an MLitt degree with a satisfactory MLitt thesis.

Career Options

- Lecturer and researcher in 3rd level institutions

- State institutions such as the Central Bank

- Research institutions such as ESRI, Central Statistics Office Ireland

- International institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF

- Private institutions such as commercial banks, stockbrokers, multinationals