Economics

About the major

Economics is a diverse, fascinating discipline that studies a wide range of issues that shape the broad framework of society – political, social and commercial. The School of Economics has a proud history as one of the most highly ranked centres in economics. This is reflected in our degrees, which promote a deep understanding of the key concepts of economics with a focus on contemporary issues of Australian and international importance. Our graduates are leaders in their fields – at the Reserve Bank, Treasury and other government departments, in global financial institutions, and with international agencies and NGOs. They also go on to further study at some of the finest institutions in the world.

The objective of the major in Economics is to equip students for the diverse range of careers which value the key skills of the discipline - understanding economic and social phenomena, analysing economic data, and exploring alternative choices in addressing key challenges. The major builds the training in economics incrementally. It addresses the essentials of the discipline early in the degree, which opens a wide range of choice at senior level. This allows students to shape concentrations in areas of interest – in macroeconomics, or in areas of applied economic policy.

Requirements for completion

The Economics major and minor requirements are listed in the Economics unit of study table.

Overlapping 1000 level core units of study

Where students are completing both an Economics major and a major in Financial Economics or Environmental, Agricultural and Resource Economics, where either or both of ECON1001 Introductory Microeconomics and ECON1002 Introductory Macroeconomics are core units for both majors, the overlapping 1000 level core unit can count towards the requirements for both majors. 

Students needs to complete 6 credit points in elective units of study to make up for the overlap and ensure the required total of credit points are completed for their degree. The elective unit can be from the School of Economics electives or from Table S. For more information please refer to the Economics Degree Subject Area.

Advanced coursework

Requirements and units of study for advanced coursework can be found on the advanced coursework units of study page.

Honours

Sydney’s School of Economics is one of a handful of schools that provide a dedicated Honours stream from second year, with smaller classes to facilitate greater interaction with academic staff and other students. Our program is built upon a core of advanced microeconomics and macroeconomics courses. We also require students to strengthen their mathematical and data analysis skills. This core of subjects prepares students for a wide range of electives in their Honours year. The courses are challenging, and as students undertake advanced coursework and conduct independent research they develop their analytical, problem solving, writing, presentation and time-management skills.

Preparation for the final honours year in Economics at the University of Sydney begins in the second year of the undergraduate degree, with dedicated honours program units in both the second and third year. Entry into the Economics honours program is also possible in the third and fourth years, but the entry criteria are higher for students who take this pathway than for students who begin in their second year. Students entering in later years will also need to complete some units from the second and third years of the honours program.
For details please see the School of Economics.

Honours admission requirements

Admission to Honours is via the Bachelor of Advanced Studies or Bachelor of Economics (Honours) or similar and requires an average of 70 percent or above in a major in Economics with:

• An average of 70 percent or above across 3000-level units in the Economics major; and
• An average of 70 percent or above across the following three units: ECOS3901 Advanced Microeconomics Honours; and ECOS3902 Advanced Macroeconomics Honours; and ECOS3903 Applied Microeconometrics or ECOS3904 Applied Macroeconometrics (if both units of study have been taken, the highest mark in either ECOS3903/3904).

Prior to commencing honours, you will need to ensure you have completed all other requirements of the relevant undergraduate degree, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units and, where undertaking the Bachelor of Advanced Studies, a second major.
Requirements and units of study for honours can be found on the Economics honours units of study page.

Contacts and further information

• Website: School of Economics
• Email: economics.enquiries@sydney.edu.au