Why study Economics?

Studying a Bachelor of Economics (BEc) means learning the fundamental principles of economics, as well as how to critique them. The level of analytical thinking encouraged within the degree will help you interpret the world on a deeper level.

We're ranked top five in Australia for Economics* and our graduates include a former Prime Minister, several Premiers, and leaders in the World and Reserve Banks.

Studying with us means studying one of Australia’s leading economics degrees from world-renowned experts and researchers. We can't wait to see you.

What's the difference between Commerce and Economics?

In Commerce you'll learn how businesses operate and the factors that influence their decisions.

Economics is wider in scope: you'll study the behaviour of businesses and industries, governments and countries, and the globe as a whole.

And... what is Econometrics?

Econometrics is the deep analysis of complex data. It allows for economic predictions and informs policymaking.

In Econometrics you'll develop mathematical and statistical techniques to analyse social, financial, business and economic data, i.e. you'll learn to make sense of big data.

How many majors can I fit in a Bachelor of Economics and what can I choose from?

You'll complete a program in Economics which includes a major from the list below, and a second major or a minor from the shared pool.

(Btw: If you do a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Advanced Studies, you have to take a second major).

What's the difference between a major and a minor? Check out this handy page.

Does a Bachelor of Economics lead to an accreditation?

Yes, but you need to major in Accounting.

By completing a major in Accounting, and a sequence of units including accounting, commercial law and ﬁnance, you may be eligible for professional accreditation with Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Australia, and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).

Depending on the units you choose, professional recognition is also available from the Australian Human Resources Institute.

What sort of jobs will I be qualified for if I do a Bachelor of Economics?

One of the big advantages of being a Bachelor of Economics graduate is the ability to work across both the private and public sectors.

You'll gain the skills to develop economic and social policy, to work in business, banking, financial markets and consulting.

This means a broad range of careers and roles, including: accountant, banker, business consultant, business information systems analyst, economic analyst, economist, financial manager, human resource manager, industrial relations specialist, researcher and social policy adviser.

How can I study Economics?

Undergraduate courses and majors/minors

Undergraduate degrees

The Bachelor of Economics introduces you to a diverse, fascinating discipline that addresses a range of big issues in modern life and plays a central role in shaping the broad framework of society at every level. It provides undergraduate training in theoretical and applied aspects of modern economics, econometrics and financial economics.

Majors and minors

Below is a list of our economics majors and minors, available to students in the Bachelor of Economics (except where indicated) and numerous other undergraduate courses - click on the links for further details.

What's the difference between a major and a minor? Check out this handy page.

Econometrics

Economic Policy*

*Not available to Bachelor of Economics students

Economics

Environment, Agricultural and Resource Economics

Financial Economics

Honours

Honours is an additional year (full time) of study on top of a three-year bachelor’s degree. It provides an opportunity to develop research skills in your undergraduate major by conducting an independent research project and preparing a thesis. An Honours year adds greater depth to your undergraduate studies and is a pathway to postgraduate research courses such as the PhD.

If you have completed your bachelor’s degree with a major in economics at the University of Sydney or another recognised institution, you can undertake Honours through one of the following courses. Your choice of course depends on whether you completed one or two majors in your bachelor’s degree.

One major

Two majors

Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours)

Undergraduate diploma

Diploma of Social Sciences (major/mior in Economic Policy)

This part-time course allows holders of a bachelor's degree in another discipline to complete a major or minor in Economic Policy.

Non-degree study

Arts Undergraduate Non-degree

Non-degree study allows you to take undergraduate units of study (subjects) without committing to a full award course (e.g., bachelor’s). Successfully completed units may be credited towards a relevant award course at a later date.

Cross-institutional study

Arts Undergraduate Cross-institutional

If you are enrolled in an undergraduate award course at another Australian education institution you can take units of study (subjects) with us for credit towards your course (subject to the approval of your home institution).

Postgraduate coursework

Master of Economics

Whether you’re an economics graduate or have no background in economics, the Master of Economics will provide you with the skills to apply economic methods and knowledge to practical, contemporary problems in business and government. The duration of the course depends on your background in economics.

Master of Economic Analysis

If you have a strong background in economics and/or mathematics and are looking to receive advanced training or a pathway to higher degree by research study, (e.g., PhD), the Master of Economic Analysis is the perfect choice.

If you don't have time to commit to a master's or prefer to 'test the waters' first, you can take a shorter program of study in the above areas through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma.

Economics specialisation in the Master of Commerce

Economics is offered as a specialisation in the Master of Commerce and Master of Commerce (Extension) courses offered by the Business School.

Non-award study

Arts Postgraduate Non-award

Non-award study allows you to take postgraduate units of study (subjects) without committing to a full award course (e.g., master’s). Successfully completed units may be credited towards a relevant award course at a later date.

Cross-institutional study

Arts Postgraduate Cross-institutional

If you are enrolled in a postgraduate award course at another Australian institution you can take units of study (subjects) with us for credit towards your course (subject to the approval of your home institution).

Postgraduate research

We offer the following higher degree by research (HDR) courses to economics graduates, depending on their academic background and choice of course duration.

Prospective students should refer to our course pages for the most up-to-date information.