Bachelor of Economics

Economists study the world through the analysis of decision-making in households, businesses and broader society.

They examine details and put pieces together, always striving to understand the ‘big picture’.Armed with these insights, economists can give expert advice on business strategy, understand the background behind the news, influence public policy for a better world, and make informed personal financial decisions.

The Bachelor of Economics program includes compulsory courses designed to give students a solid understanding of economics, plus a selection of optional courses. The compulsory courses make up half of the program and include economic principles, applied economics and econometrics. The other half of the program consists of optional or elective courses. Students can choose from further economics courses (for example big data, international economics, international trade, environmental economics, human resources economics, development economics, behavioural economics) or courses from other disciplines including accounting, finance, international studies, management, politics, marketing, geography, history, languages, mathematics, or computer science. In this way, the Bachelor of Economics will give students the opportunity to pursue one or more areas of interest outside of economics.The optional Honours (fourth) year involves the writing of a research report or thesis together with advanced coursework in macroeconomics, microeconomics and econometrics.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

You can find the academic program rules for this degree under the Faculty of the Professions rules.

Areas of Specialisation

In addition to the core studies for the Bachelor of Economics, a second major may be taken from the following: Financial Economics Public Policy International Economic Development. A minor in Financial Services is also available.

Example Study Plan

For students commencing Level 1 in 2020 Indicative Study Plan Year Level 1 Core courses ECON 1012: Principles of Economics IECON 1008: Data Analytics IECON 1005: Introduction to Mathematical Economics I or ECON 1010: Mathematical Economics I or approved Economics Level I mathematics course *ECON 1002: Australia in the Global Economy I or ECON 1009 International Financial Institutions & Markets I or ECON 1013 Using Big Data for Economic and Social Problems I Electives Four level 1 electives not already taken and chosen from:ECON 1002: Australia in the Global Economy IECON 1009: International Financial Institutions and Markets IECON 1010: Mathematical Economics IECON 1013: Using Big Data for Economic and Social Problems ICourses from other disciplines offered within the University Year Level 2 Core courses ECON 2507: Intermediate Macroeconomics IIECON 2513: Global Economic History IIECON 2514: Managerial Economics IIECON 2515: Intermediate Applied Econometrics II Electives Four level II electives not already taken and chosen from: ECON 2500: International Trade and Investment Policy IIECON 2502: East Asian Economies IIECON 2508: Financial Economics IIECON 2511: Behavioural Economics IICourses from other disciplines offered within the University Year Level 3 Core courses ECON 3525: Economic Policy Analysis IIIECON 3530: Applied Econometrics IIIPlus two Level III courses from the Economics courses:ECON 3500: Resource and Environmental EconomicsECON 3501: Development Economics IIIECON 3503: Game Theory IIIECON 3506: International Trade IIIECON 3508: Public Economics IIIECON 3510: International Finance IIIECON 3511: Money, Banking and Financial Markets IIIECON 3519: Advanced Mathematical Economics IIIECON 3528: Human Resources Economics III Electives Four level III electives from the Economics courses or from other disciplines offered within the University, including the following (subject to availability and approval):PROF 3500: Undergraduate Professions InternshipPROF 3501: Undergraduate Professions Internship Overseas Notes:This is an indicative study plan and subject to change. * Students who have not completed Year 12 Maths or equivalent should take Introduction to Mathematical Economics I concurrently with Principles of Economics I in the first semester of first year. Students who have completed Year 12 Maths or equivalent may enrol in Mathematical Economics  I or another approved Economics Level I mathematics course.

Assessment

Assessment is based on a range of methods. Typical examples of those methods include examinations, tests, individual or group assignments, projects, presentations, online quizzes, and tutorial work.

For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.

For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2020 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses.

Career Readiness

This degree provides a great foundation for a wide range of careers. Recent graduates have been employed by trading and merchant banks, stockbrokers, insurance companies, accounting firms, financial planners, infrastructure and utility companies, manufacturers and distributors and a wide range of federal and state government organisations. Other employment opportunities include journalism, teaching, foreign affairs and international consulting.

Completion of an honours degree opens up more options for specialist positions in economics, including in government and business.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

Adelaide Graduate Attributes

1. Deep discipline knowledge
2. Critical thinking and problem solving
3. Teamwork and communication skills
4. Career and leadership readiness
5. Intercultural and ethical competency
6. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Industry Placement

Work placement can include:

• Professions Internships

Potential careers

Business Consultant, Economic Researcher, Economist, Export / Import trade, Government or Corporate Policy Adviser, International Government and Trade Policy Adviser, International Trade or Business Analyst, Banker, Business Analyst, Business Data Analyst, Commodities or Futures Trader, Diplomatic corps, Project Officer, Public Servant, Foreign Affairs, Business Manager, Data Analyst, Financial Analyst, Health Economist, Humanitarian / Aid Worker, Industrial Organiser, International Development Worker, ...