Program Overview

ECON 305 Advanced Macroeconomics

Course Description

Causes and consequences of Economic Growth, viewed both narrowly in terms of GDP, and more broadly in terms of the progress of societies. The roles of monetary and fiscal policy in shaping Macroeconomic outcomes. Individual, in-depth analysis of these issues for a selected economy.

Course Details

• Dates: 6 Jul 2026 to 8 Nov 2026
• Starts: Trimester 2
• Fees:
  • NZ$1,020.00 for domestic students
  • NZ$4,693.20 for international students
• Lecture start times:
  • Tuesday 10.00am
  • Thursday 10.00am
• Campus: Pipitea
• Estimated workload: Approximately 150 hours or 8.3 hours per week for 18 weeks
• Points: 15

Entry Restrictions

• Prerequisites: ECON 202, QUAN 111 or (MATH 141, MATH 142, MATH 151)
• Corequisites: None
• Restrictions: None

Taught by

School of Economics and Finance — Wellington School of Business and Government

Disclaimer

This course outline may be subject to change.

Key Dates

Find important dates—including mid-trimester teaching breaks—on the University's key dates calendar.

Course Learning Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Present and discuss macroeconomic theory at an advanced level.
2. Analyse the short run dynamics of macroeconomic aggregates in presence of nominal rigidities.
3. Explain the theoretical basis for central bank inflation targeting and use of monetary rules, and the consequences of alternative monetary policies.
4. Explain the trade-offs faced by fiscal authorities between output and debt stabilisation
5. Articulate and discuss sources of economic growth in dynamic macroeconomic models.

How this Course is Taught

Lectures are in person, on campus. Lectures are recorded and have no restrictions on recording availability. Lecture recordings are intended as a useful supplement to learning but not as a full substitute for lecture attendance.

Assessment

• IN PERSON Final exam (during end of trimester assessment period) Type: Individual Mark: 50%
• Short assignments (seven assignments) Mark: 10%
• Two IN PERSON 50 min tests (in weeks 6 & 10) Mark: 20%
• Two mini-quizzes Mark: 5%
• Written report Mark: 10%
• IN PERSON Presentation Mark: 5%

Mandatory Requirements

In addition to achieving an overall pass mark of at least 50% students must:

1. Student must average >=35% on the two tests and the exam.
2. Average is calculated as a weighted average where the weights reflect the contributions of the two tests and exam to the final grade.

Group Work

A few hours of group work may be required.

Lecture Times and Rooms

• 6 July 2026 to 16 August 2026
• 31 August 2026 to 11 October 2026

What You'll Need to Get

Course material and information will be conveyed mostly via the University's online learning environment.

Course Coordinator

Dr Robert Kirkby