Economics
Coursework
Economics is a dynamic social science concerned with the decision-making of individuals, businesses, and governments as they face trade-offs and respond to incentives. Economic thinking plays a crucial role in crafting innovative solutions to major problems and challenges such as global warming, poverty, development, and recession.
The Economics program is designed for both recent graduates and professionals seeking further training in economics for career progression or a career change. It accommodates individuals with or without prior economics education. The program equips graduates with the critical-thinking, data-analysis, and problem-solving skills required for a rewarding career in a diverse range of roles in the public and private sectors.
The structured program comprises a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, and master’s, allowing students the flexibility to enter or exit at any of these levels, subject to meeting the relevant criteria. The program does not include a substantial research component and thus does not provide a pathway to PhD studies in economics. Students interested in a PhD pathway should consider the Economic Analysis program.
Students complete units of study in the following categories, as appropriate to their level of study:
- Foundation: in-depth introduction to microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and quantitative methods – appropriate for those with little or no background in the discipline.
- Core: advanced study in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, as well as communication in an economic context.
- Selective: choice of study in a broad range of economic applications, including at least one specialisation (Econometrics, Economics, Financial Economics).
- Capstone: application of the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course to a short research project.
Mathematics assumed knowledge
Mathematics is an essential tool in the study of economics. Students admitted to a course in the Economics program are assumed to have, at least, knowledge of algebraic manipulation and coordinate geometry.
Awards and requirements
Please refer to the course resolutions in this handbook for information on the specific admission requirements for different coursework award courses.
The units of study available in the program are listed in the unit of study table.
Master of Economics
Candidates for the Master of Economics are required to complete 96 credit points, including:
- 24 credit points of foundation units of study
- 24 credit points of core units of study
- 42 credit points of selective units of study, including at least one specialisation. A maximum of 6 credit points may be taken from postgraduate units of study elsewhere in the University of Sydney with prior permission of the relevant delegate. Students must be able to demonstrate that the unit is relevant to their studies and/or career development.
- 6 credit points of capstone units of study
Specialisations are available in Econometrics, Economics, and Financial Economics.
Graduate Diploma in Economics
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Economics are required to complete 48 credit points, including:
- 24 credit points of foundation units of study; and
- 24 credit points of core units of study
Graduate Certificate in Economics
Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Economics are required to complete 24 credit points of foundation units of study.
Degree planning
The degree plan below is intended as a guide only but indicates the recommended sequence of units of study for a full-time student.
Master of Economics
| Year | Semester | Units of study | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | ECON5001 | ECON5002 | ECMT5001 | ECON5005 |
| 2 | ECON6001 | ECON6002 | ECMT6002 | ECON5004 | |
| 2 | 1 | Selective | Selective | Selective | Selective |
| 2 | ECON7030 | Selective | Selective | Selective | |
Reduced volume of learning (RVL)
Candidates who have completed previous study in a relevant discipline may be eligible for a reduction in the requirements for the Master of Economics in accordance with the table below.
| Level of prior learning | Full-time duration | Credit points to complete |
|---|---|---|
| AQF Level 7 (e.g., a bachelor's degree with a major in Economics) | 1.5 years | 72 |
| Relevant professional experience equivalent to a Graduate Certificate | 1.5 years | 72 |
| AQF Level 8 (e.g., Honours in Economics) | 1 year | 48 |
AQF: Australian Qualifications Framework
Course learning outcomes
On successful completion of the Master of Economics, students will be able to:
| No. | Course learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of advanced concepts in economics and econometrics; |
| 2 | demonstrate an understanding of high-level technical issues that arise when analysing and interpreting economic and financial data, and an understanding of potential solutions; |
| 3 | demonstrate the ability to communicate high-level economic reasoning effectively to a variety of audiences, including those in academic, policy, and private sectors; |
| 4 | apply economic skills and knowledge to real-world policy problems; |
| 5 | work both independently and collaboratively to develop and articulate an argument based on advanced economic reasoning; |
| 6 | demonstrate skills in ethical research, critical thinking and the analysis of complex disciplinary problems. |
Contacts and further information
