If you have taken Economics to a pass level in your primary degree, the programme aims to enhance and develop your analytical skills and enhance your existing knowledge of Economics.

If you are a graduate of a related discipline, with or without basic Economics, the programme aims to provide you an opportunity to undertake postgraduate study in Economics, giving you a solid foundation in a subject that has relevance in almost all business sectors, where you may find work.

If you are contemplating undertaking one of the M.A./Master of Economic Science programmes at NUI Galway but do not currently meet the entry requirements, the programme aims to provide you with introductory training in Economics that will enable you to apply for a place on one of these M.Econ Science programmes.

Choose this programme as the next step in your career path. Regardless of what your current qualifications are, completing this Higher Diploma programme will give you a professional qualification from a department that has an enviable reputation among employers, in both the public and private sector. The solid grounding in Economics and the analytical skills that you gain on this programme are valuable assets in today's rapidly changing economy.

During your primary degree, you may have developed an interest in Economics, in economic and public policy and in the central role economics plays in driving business, influencing the marketplace and influencing international politics. But you may not have had the opportunity to acquire the formal qualification in Economics that allows you to proceed to postgraduate degree in Economics. Choose the Higher Diploma as your stepping stone to a postgraduate degree in Economics, in particular, to one of the three Master in Economic Science programmes here at NUI Galway.

Admission is open to graduates who have obtained a pass degree in Economics and to honours graduates from related disciplines who have taken a principles course in Economics. Applications are also accepted from graduates with no previous training in Economics but with a strong academic record of achievement.

All students also complete two research papers. Details about the optional subjects are available from the course director.

Check out the Current Students section for more information about each of these subjects.

Successful graduates will possess analytical and quantitative skills that will be invaluable in a wide variety of different sectors. Students who achieve honours standard in the Higher Diploma in Economic Science are eligible to apply for a place on one of the M.A./Master of Economic Science programmes at NUI Galway .

The first graduates from the Higher Diploma in Economic Science graduated in Autumn 2005 and many of the graduates since then have progressed to one of the four Masters programmes in Economics at NUI Galway.

"I had studied a little Economics as an undergraduate and was looking for an opportunity to enhance my knowledge of Economics so that I would be in a position to undertake a master's in Economics. The Higher Diploma in Economic Science provided me with a comprehensive focus on the fundamental elements and skills needed for the study of economics. I completed my Master of Economic Science: Economic Policy Evaluation and Planning in 2006."

James Curtin, H.Dip. in Economic Science (2005) M.Econ.Sc. (2006)

Apply for this programme online Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) web site.

The Programme Board evaluates each applicant’s academic record to date at the time of application and assesses the applicant’s level of motivation as per the Statement of Intent submitted with the application form.

Offers to successful applicants begin to be issued in July. To secure a place on the programme, successful applicants must accept the offer online (using the PAC web site) by the date stipulated, together with a non-refundable deposit of €500, made payable to NUI Galway. This amount is allowable against the course fee.

The programme fee for the academic year 2009-2010 for EU students is approximately €5,905 and for non-EU students is €12,500 (subject to change).

Please note: fees are correct at the time of online publication, but are subject to change (E&EO): non-EU fees must be paid in full prior to registration.

There are twenty places available for EU citizens and five places for non-EU citizens.

The programme begins in the first week in September each year, and runs as a full-time programme until May.

Examinations are held at the end of each semester, in December and May. The research papers are also included in the overall assessment.

Dr. Aidan Kane