University College Cork

Business and Financial Economics (Hons) – International Direct Entry at University College Cork (UCC) is a 180-credit honours degree designed to build strong foundations in economics, finance, and business decision-making. Depending on scholarship status, students complete the programme over one year (scholarship) or two years (non-scholarship), with study at UCC in Second and Third Year.

Alongside core economic and financial training, the programme integrates sustainability themes and develops career-ready skills through structured workshops and support from UCC’s Skills Centre and Careers Office.

Key facts

• Credits: 180 ECTS
• Duration: 1 year (scholarship) or 2 years (non-scholarship) prior to entry to UCC; Second and Third Year are completed at UCC
• Study load rule at UCC: students may not register for more than 60 credits in any one academic year
• Academic focus: finance, economic analysis, business strategy, and quantitative methods
• Career development: professional writing, presentation, and teamwork workshops

Sustainability embedded in learning: modules consider Planet, People, Profit and Innovation, including dedicated environmental economics and applied topics such as labour and health economics, corporate strategy, and regional economics.

• Programme level: Honours Bachelor’s degree
• Total credits: 180 ECTS
• Delivery: International Direct Entry pathway with study at UCC in Second and Third Year
• Duration: 1 year (scholarship) or 2 years (non-scholarship) prior to entering the programme at UCC; Second and Third Year completed at UCC
• Credit limit at UCC: maximum 60 credits per academic year
• Language of instruction: English
• Tuition fees: Please check the programme page for the latest fee information (fees vary by applicant category)
• Application & start dates: Please check the programme page for current intake dates and deadlines

Programme structure

The curriculum is delivered across Second and Third Year at University College Cork, with modules totalling 60 credits in each year. The programme combines economic theory, finance, business and quantitative foundations, supported by career-focused skills development.

Indicative module areas

• Finance
• Economic analysis
• Business management
• Entrepreneurship
• Marketing
• Quantitative foundations (e.g., Calculus)

Sustainability and applied economics

• Environmental economics (dedicated sustainability-focused module)
• Labour economics
• Health economics
• Corporate strategy (profit and business decision-making)
• Regional economics (innovation and regional development)

Assessment and progression

Assessment typically includes a mix of written assignments, problem-based work, presentations, and examinations (exact assessment formats vary by module). You will also complete structured skills activities to support professional communication and teamwork.

Check the full curriculum: Visit the programme website for the latest module list and module descriptions.

English requirements

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PTE Academic PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) is a language test that enables students to demonstrate their writing, listening, speaking, and reading skills when applying to study in English. The score refers to a total score which ranges between 10 and 90.

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140

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Documents: You will typically be asked to submit academic transcripts and certificates, proof of English proficiency (if required), and any documents requested for the International Direct Entry pathway. Please confirm the exact document list and deadlines on the programme website.

Check for any work restrictions