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Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
60
Economists aim to develop theories of human behaviour and
test them against the facts. These theories are summarised
in economic models that best explain the events we observe.
An important part of the work of an economist is collecting
and analysing data about economic phenomena – prices,
employment, costs, etc. The art of the economist is to blend
together theory, data and statistical techniques to arrive at a
new understanding of economic problems or to make policy
recommendations that hopefully will improve the welfare and
living standards of our society.
Is this the right course for you?
Economics at Trinity College appeals to students with a wide
range of interests. If you are interested in current economic
affairs, both national and international, in understanding how
government action might be used to pursue economic and social
goals such as lowering unemployment, reducing poverty or
assisting the Third World, you will find the Economics curriculum
stimulating. If you enjoy abstract thinking and are considering
engineering or physics, for example, you should also consider
Economics as a degree option.
Course content
The Freshman years
Economics teaching in the Freshman (first two) years
emphasises the understanding of the basic principles of
economics and the acquisition of the quantitative skills in
mathematics and statistics necessary for more in-depth study. In
the Junior Freshman year, students have approximately 7 hours
of lectures and 3 hours of tutorials per week in economics. In the
Senior Freshman year students also study the main features,
performance and associated policy issues of the Irish economy
in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Students have approximately
6 hours of lectures and 3 hours of tutorials per week in
economics. Students will, of course, have a somewhat similar
amount of lectures and tutorials in their other subject.
The Sophister years
The great strength of the Sophister (third and fourth year)
programme in economics is its flexibility. There is a wide range
of courses on offer and, within the framework of either a single
or joint honors degree, you can put together a package that best
reflects your interests and future career goals. Those interested
in banking, finance or accountancy can choose a finance-
orientated set of options; those interested in a career in politics,
journalism or the public sector will find a range of courses that
integrate analysis and policy; those intent on a business career
or a position in industry can opt for a package emphasising
courses in industrial economics and industrial organisation; while
those wishing to pursue a research or academic career might
wish to choose the more quantitative and analytical courses.
Within the Junior Sophister (third) year students have
approximately 6 hours of lectures and 2 hours of tutorials per
week in economics. Within the Senior Sophister (fourth) year,
students have approximately 4 hours of lectures and 1 hour of
tutorials per week in economics. Students will, of course, have a
somewhat similar amount of lectures and tutorials in their other
subject. Those students specialising exclusively in economics
have approximately 8 hours of lectures and 2 hours of tutorials
per week in the Senior Sophister year.
Assessment
All courses in the first three years are assessed by a
combination of continuous assessment (tests or essays) and
the formal end-of-year examination. Fewer courses are required
in the Senior Sophister year so as to facilitate time for more
independent work. Project work is a very important component
of almost all courses within the Senior Sophister year; this
project work allows students to achieve a very high level of
expertise in a number of specific areas and greatly facilitates
students when setting out on their career paths. In addition,
students specialising exclusively in economics in the Senior
Sophister year may choose to complete a dissertation on a
chosen topic.
Study abroad
Students have the opportunity to spend some time in their
third year studying in partner institutions in Australia, France,
Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands for either an academic
year or for half an academic year; the majority of outgoing
students go abroad for half an academic year.
Career opportunities
About a third of graduates go on to further study either in Ireland
or abroad. Over the years Trinity College’s economists have
made distinguished careers all over the world in business,
finance, journalism, law, politics, the public service, and in
leading universities.
Did you know?
n
The courses and programmes offered by the
Department reflect its excellent record of research
and publication, particularly in international
macroeconomics, applied economics, economic
history, and the history of economic thought.