This degree plan is for those students who wish to keep open the option of entering postgraduate study in Economics. It is also advisable to have studied Mathematics, Calculus and Modelling in Year 13.
Year 1
Core
- Introduction to Microeconomics
- Introduction to Macroeconomics
- Statistics I
- Mathematics 1A
Recommended
- Personal Finance
- Accounting and Financial Information
Students who take ACCT 102 keep open the option of a Finance major.
Year 2
Core
- Intermediate Macroeconomics
- Intermediate Microeconomics - Households and Government
- Intermediate Microeconomics - Firms and Markets
- Introduction to Econometrics
Year 3
Core
- Microeconomic Analysis
- Econometrics
- Macro and Monetary Economics
15 further points in ECON courses
Postgraduate Research in Economics
Economics is offered under the following research-focused Master's degrees: MCom, MSc and MA.
There are two pathways leading to the MCom in Economics.
A. For students with an undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in economics or another approved subject
MCom in 180 points – students complete 12 months of further study comprising 120 points of 600-level papers (from ECON 601-379) and a research dissertation (ECON 691; 60 points). For fulltime students requiring no additional preparatory work, this pathway can be completed in approximately 12 months: two semesters of coursework followed by the research dissertation over the summer.
Requirements for admission to this pathway are:
(i) B+ average in final-year economics courses
(ii) Successful completion of core papers in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory and econometrics, at both the intermediate- and advanced-undergraduate levels.
B. For students with an honours degree, or equivalent, in economics or another approved subject
MCom by thesis - students complete two further years of study with the second year being by thesis. This pathway is designed for students who have previously completed a graduate-level coursework programme, and consists solely of a thesis (ECON 695; 120 points) on some topic in economics. The main purpose is to demonstrate an ability to undertake a significant piece of independent research (under the supervision of two academic staff members), using the established methods of research appropriate to economic analysis.
Requirements for admission to this pathway are:
(iii) Award of honours, or equivalent, at the second class (division 1) level or better (approximately B/B+)
(iv) Availability of an appropriate supervisor.
The Graduate Studies Coordinator (Economics) will help students who qualify under (iii) to establish if there is a suitable staff member able to act as their supervisor. This cannot be guaranteed. The minimum study period for full-time students is 7 months, and the thesis must be submitted within 12 months to be eligible for Honours, and within 24 months to be eligible for a pass. Part-time students have twice the time limits of full-time students. Most full-time students take approximately 12 months.
Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc)
For students with an honours degree or equivalent who wish to do a thesis-only (120 point) masters degree, the MA (Economics) and MSc (Economics) are also available. Requirements and prerequisites are very similar to those for the MCom. For more information, contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator (Economics).
Applications are welcome at any time. NOTE: international students should apply at least four months before the desired semester start date. The University Calendar contains the regulations for all study undertaken at the ҕl, and should be consulted carefully by all students.
Admission
There are three requirements for admission into Part II (Masters by Thesis) of the Masters degree.
- Applicants shall normally have qualified for an Honours degree or passed Part I of the Masters degree, in Economics,with at least a B average. Applicants for the MCom degree must have passed at least two graduate papers from the three core subjects of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory and econometrics.
- The candidate shall normally have demonstrated their ability to write in clear and accurate English by providing an original essay or research project written by the candidate as part of a graduate course in economics.
- The candidate shall have obtained the agreement of an academic staff member of the Department to provide direct supervision of the research. This may involve agreement on a proposed direction for the candidate's research programme.
The Graduate Studies Coordinator (Economics) will help students who qualify under points 1 and 2 to establish if there is a suitable staff member who is willing to act as their supervisor. Note that some staff members may not be available because they are due to take overseas sabbatical leave, or because they already have substantial supervising responsibilities. Therefore the Department cannot guarantee that an applicant will be allocated his or her first choice of supervisor.
Duration
A candidate for Part II of a Masters degree is expected to be a full-time student. Part-time study is permitted for employment, health, family or other reasons, but requires approval by the Academic Board. The minimum time for full-time study for Part II of the MA degree is 1 year; and a full-time student must submit his or her thesis within 2 years to be eligible for Honours, and within 3 years to be eligible for a pass. The minimum time for full-time study for Part II of the MCom degree is 7 months, and the thesis must be submitted within 12 months to be eligible for Honours, and within 24 months to be eligible for a pass. Part-time students have twice the time limits of full-time students.