If you’re a Leaving Cert student tackling your Economics Research Study, you’ve probably heard it counts for 20% of your final grade — and that it’s a chance to grab easy marks if you know what you’re doing.
As someone who has guided students through this process (and seen them walk away with A grades!), I’ve seen what separates the average project from an outstanding one. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to write your Leaving Cert Economics project — step by step, with tips, examples, and insights that examiners love.
🧭 What the Research Study Is (and Why It Matters)
The Economics Research Study is not just another essay. It’s your opportunity to think like an economist. You’ll choose a real-world issue — something happening in Ireland or internationally — and apply economic concepts to explain it.
According to the official guidelines from the State Examinations Commission (SEC), the research study is designed to assess your ability to:
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Research and process information and data
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Apply economic theory to real-life issues
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Analyse, evaluate, and make conclusions
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Reflect on what you’ve learned
It’s worth 20% of your total mark, so if you approach it strategically, this section can give your final grade a big boost before you even sit the exam paper.
✏️ Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Economics Project
Let’s break down the process clearly, from start to finish.
Step 1: Choose a Strong Line of Inquiry
Start with the annual SEC brief — it outlines the year’s research theme (e.g. inflation, government policy, sustainability, market structures).
Your line of inquiry is the specific question you’ll investigate within that theme.
👉 Example: If the topic is government intervention, your line of inquiry could explore how wage policies affect the Irish construction sector, or how tax incentives influence small business growth.
Tip: Pick something you care about! Students who connect the topic to their interests — say, the housing market, environmental economics, or youth employment — always write more passionately and score higher.
Step 2: Gather Reliable Sources (Quantitative & Qualitative)
You’ll need both quantitative data (numbers, graphs, statistics) and qualitative data (opinions, policies, media insights).
Great Irish sources include:
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CSO.ie – for official Irish data
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LabourCourt.ie or Central Bank of Ireland – for economic policies
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Irish Times, RTÉ, or The Journal – for current analysis
Avoid just copying and pasting. Instead, think:
“What does this data tell me about my question?”
Tutor Tip: A mix of 3–5 good sources, clearly referenced, will impress examiners more than ten random links.
Step 3: Apply an Economic Concept
Every research study must link back to at least one economic concept from the syllabus. This could be:
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Supply and Demand
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Elasticity
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Government Intervention
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Labour Market Economics
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Inflation or Unemployment Theory
When you apply a concept, explain it in your own words and then show how it fits your inquiry.
For example, if you’re exploring housing or wage changes, connect it to labor market equilibrium, cost-push inflation, or wage elasticity.
Step 4: Analyse and Evaluate
This is where the real marks are. Don’t just describe data — analyze it.
Instead of saying:
“Wages in the construction sector have risen by 11% over three years.”
Say:
“This wage increase, while improving living standards, has raised project costs, adding to the housing supply crisis — a classic example of cost-push inflation.”
That short analytical link is what examiners love. It shows you understand cause and effect, not just numbers.
Then, add a critical evaluation — highlight what the data might be missing or what other factors could influence your conclusion.
Step 5: Draw Clear Conclusions
Your conclusions should link directly back to your aims and line of inquiry.
Ask yourself:
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What did my data show?
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How does it answer my research question?
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What are the broader economic implications?
Pro Tip: Keep this section concise — 250–350 words — but make sure it answers the question fully. Avoid repeating data; summarise insights instead.
Step 6: Reflect on the Process
This is often the most underestimated section. In 150 words or less, explain what you learned and how your thinking changed.
Good reflections mention:
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How your understanding of economics developed
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Skills you gained (e.g. data analysis, critical thinking)
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Any challenges you faced and how you overcame them
Example:
“At first, I found it difficult to evaluate conflicting data, but as I compared multiple sources, I developed a better understanding of how economists interpret real-world trends.”
That’s the kind of reflective maturity examiners reward.
⚖️ Common Mistakes Students Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Even bright students lose marks on small details. Here are the top pitfalls to watch out for:
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Too descriptive, not analytical – Don’t just retell facts; always explain why they matter economically.
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Poor referencing – Every chart, figure, and quote must have a clear source. Follow the SEC referencing guide.
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Ignoring the brief – Stay 100% within the year’s theme; off-topic work gets marked down.
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Lack of coherence – Each section should flow logically: Aim → Data → Analysis → Conclusion → Reflection.
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Forgetting presentation marks – Use neat formatting, labelled graphs, and proper spacing. The layout matters more than students think!
💡 Example Insights (What an A-Level Project Gets Right)
While I can’t share any specific student’s project, the A-grade reports I’ve seen all share key traits:
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The topic feels current and Irish-based (like wages, housing, or inflation).
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They use CSO graphs and real government data to back up points.
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The student’s voice comes through — they don’t sound like ChatGPT or Wikipedia.
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Their reflection reads like genuine learning, not a formality.
If your project sounds like it was written by someone curious about how the Irish economy really works — not just someone copying theory — you’re already ahead.
🧩 Final Tips for Getting an A
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Start early. Projects done in a rush look it. Plan 6–8 weeks for research and writing.
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Keep a folder. The SEC recommends keeping a digital or physical folder of your sources and drafts.
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Use visuals. Graphs, charts, and tables make your work stand out (and are examiner-friendly).
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Link to the spec. Use terms like “market failure,” “elasticity,” “economic growth,” etc. to show you’re connecting to syllabus outcomes.
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Ask for feedback. A short review from a tutor can turn a good project into a great one.
🇮🇪 Why This Project Matters Beyond the Marks
This research study isn’t just about grades. It’s a chance to understand how real economics works in Ireland — from housing and inflation to labour markets and government budgets.
You’ll come away with a sharper understanding of how policies, markets, and people interact — skills that will serve you far beyond the Leaving Cert.
🎓 Get Expert Help from EconomicsGrind.ie
If you want to make sure your Leaving Cert Economics Project stands out, that’s exactly what I do at EconomicsGrind.ie.
I provide one-to-one and small group tutoring sessions that walk you through:
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Choosing a strong line of inquiry
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Finding credible Irish data sources
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Structuring your report for maximum marks
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Editing and feedback to polish your final submission
Many of my students have scored A grades using the exact approach outlined above — and you can too.
💬 Need help with your Economics Project?
Visit EconomicsGrind.ie and let’s turn your project into a top-grade success story.
❓FAQs about the Leaving Cert Economics Project
1. How long should my project be?
The total word count should be under 1,250 words (as outlined in the official SEC brief).
2. When is it due?
It’s normally submitted in Term 1 of sixth year (around December) — check your school’s internal deadline.
3. Can I use international data?
Yes, but always connect it back to the Irish economy where possible — that’s what makes your work relevant.
4. What’s the biggest thing examiners look for?
Clear analysis and reflection — they want to see you think like an economist, not just report like a journalist.
Final Thoughts
Writing your Leaving Cert Economics Project can actually be one of the most enjoyable parts of the course. It’s your chance to explore real issues shaping Ireland’s economy — and earn a solid 20% of your marks while you’re at it.
Approach it strategically, be analytical, and tell the story of your findings clearly. Do that, and you’ll already be in A-grade territory.
And if you’d like expert guidance along the way — you know where to find me:
👉 EconomicsGrind.ie — your guide to Leaving Cert Economics project.
