Why study with us?
-
Top graduates
Our graduates are highly sought after, with our alumni including leaders in the Reserve Bank, the Treasury and other government departments, international agencies, financial institutions and NGOs.
Study economics with us
Overview
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely during 2022 if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
The Bachelor of Economics (Honours) is highly desirable for students seeking employment as professional economists and for those who wish to pursue advanced postgraduate study in economics.
The Bachelor of Economics (Honours) is an additional year of intensive study that high achieving students may undertake after completing a Bachelor of Economics (or equivalent). The course may be suitable for applicants with a single undergraduate major in economics or econometrics. Applicants with two undergraduate majors should apply for the Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours).
The Bachelor of Economics (Honours) provides a supportive environment where students develop their skills as economists. These skills are highly valued by demanding employers: analytical ability; problem solving; quantitative methods; data analysis; research; and communication. Students take five semester-length units of study in classes that are usually smaller than 25 students.
In the Honours subject area of Economics, coursework accounts for 62.5% of the final Honours grade. Students also write a thesis not exceeding 15,000 words under the supervision of one or two members of the academic staff. The thesis accounts for 37.5% of the final Honours grade. The structure of the course enables a high level of attention from academic staff and close interaction with fellow students. A few students are admitted to the Honours subject area of Econometrics, where coursework and the thesis each account for 50% of the final Honours grade.
Many Bachelor of Economics (Honours) graduates pursue careers in economic or management consulting; the financial sector; the Reserve Bank of Australia; APRA; Productivity Commission; ACCC; and government departments such as Treasury, Finance and the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Some have proceeded to academia, politics, and journalism.
Subject areas
Shared pool
Admission, fees and how to apply
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
The details on this page based on your selections are a guide only, and are subject to change.
English language proficiency
Find out if you need to prove English language proficiency (depends on your country of origin and educational background).
Your fee
Your funding & scholarships
How to apply
For standalone honours degrees, apply directly to the University via the online application portal before the closing date. Before you apply, visit the How to Apply information for honours (and the faculty page for specific information). When you are ready to apply, select the `Apply' button on the right-hand side of this page.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year.
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year.
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Starting date
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
For standalone honours degrees, apply directly to the University via the online application portal before the closing date. Before you apply, visit the How to Apply information for honours (and the faculty page for specific information). When you are ready to apply, select the `Apply' button on the right-hand side of this page.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year.
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year.
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Starting date
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
Further course information
Typical workload and assessment
Honours involves a mix of seminars and a thesis. Seminar work is marked by the academic staff member leading the class. A thesis is read by at least two academics in the field other than the student's supervisor. Examiners write detailed reports on each thesis, which the student receives, and assign a tentative grade.
The final grades for each thesis are decided by the department or program staff collectively. Each department or program ranks all honours candidates based on their thesis and seminar results. These departmental results and nominations for the University Medals are then considered by the Faculty Honours Board, which includes the Honours Coordinators from every department in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Honours awards and classes
The classes of honours awarded are:
- Honours Class I (where the Honours mark is in the range of 80-100)
- Honours Class II Division 1 (75 - 79)
- Honours Class II Division 2 (70 - 74)
- Honours Class III (65 - 69)
- Pass (50 - 64)
Sample study plan
Admission requirement
Admission to the Bachelor of Economics (Honours) requires:
- completion of a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification;
- a minimum weighted average mark of 70;
- Economics subject area: minimum average mark of 70 in advanced units of study in microeconomic theory; macroeconomic theory; mathematical economics; and econometrics. Econometrics subject area: intermediate-level training in microeconomics and macroeconomics and a minimum average mark of 75 in advanced units of study in econometrics; and
- evidence of support from the School Honours Coordinator, such as email correspondence.
NOTE: Admission to this course requires completion of a single undergraduate major (in economics or econometrics). If you have completed or are on track to complete two majors (the equivalent of a University of Sydney double major), you should apply for the Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours).
Career Pathways
Our graduates can be found in 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
- Social policy adviser
Domestic students
International students
