Program Overview

Master of Economics

The Master of Economics is a one-year program that delivers advanced training for early and mid-career professionals seeking to sharpen their skills, broaden their expertise, and take on greater professional responsibility across government, industry, and academia.

Overview

The program is designed to accommodate commitments while maintaining the highest standards of academic rigour and impact. It enables students to deepen their expertise in areas that align with their professional focus and strategic goals, strengthening their capacity for responsible economic and business decision-making.

Key Features

• Advanced, specialised coursework: Building on foundational knowledge in economics, the Master of Economics delivers first-class training in both theoretical and applied dimensions of modern economics and econometrics.
• Aligned with public and private sectors: Designed and delivered by globally recognised economists, the program develops advanced analytical and leadership skills essential for success in today's complex economic environment.
• Hybrid learning to accommodate work schedules: The program is offered in both face-to-face and online modes, giving students the flexibility to balance study, work, and life.

Why Study at UNSW?

• Join a global top 20 university: Recognised for academic excellence, world-class research, and global impact, UNSW is ranked as a global top 20 university.
• Practical, hands-on learning: Students apply their knowledge to real-world challenges, defining economic and business problems, analysing data, and proposing optimal, evidence-based solutions.
• Expand your professional network globally: Join a diverse community of current and emerging leaders in economics and econometrics, benefiting from a supportive network and access to prestigious industry connections.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have at least one of the following qualifications:

• An honours degree (or equivalent) in Economics or a cognate discipline, with a minimum WAM of 70.
• A double bachelors degree (or equivalent) where one major or degree is in Economics and the other in a cognate discipline, with an overall WAM of at least 70.
• A bachelors degree (or equivalent) with a major in Economics or a cognate discipline, with an overall WAM of at least 70, plus a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience.

Assumed Knowledge

A level of knowledge equivalent to a first-year undergraduate mathematics subject is assumed. Students without such knowledge are advised to contact the Postgraduate Program Coordinator in Economics and complete a mathematics bridging course where appropriate.

English Language Requirements

International students are required to satisfy the UNSW Business School English Language requirement of IELTS 7.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in each subtest) or equivalent.

Program Structure

The Master of Economics is a one-year program comprising eight courses, including both core courses and electives. Students develop rigorous analytical and critical thinking skills to address complex economic issues and inform evidence-based decision-making.

Full Program Structure

• Core Courses: Four core courses (24 units of credit) provide a solid foundation in advanced economic theory and quantitative analysis.
  • Microeconomic Theory I
  • Macroeconomic Theory I
  • Mathematical Economics
  • Empirical Method for Causal Inference
• Elective Courses: Four elective courses (24 units of credit) allow students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals, covering the full breadth of economics.

Future Careers

Graduates of the Master of Economics have the knowledge, skills, and perspective to influence economic policy and business practice at the highest level, shaping more resilient and sustainable futures. Potential careers include:

• Health economist
• Behavioural economist
• Financial economist
• Labour economist
• Macroeconomist
• Data & Quantitative Analyst
• Economic researcher
• Economic consulting
• Financial consultant
• Management consultant
• Policy advisor
• Pathways towards academic careers

Potential Employers

• Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)
• Australian Treasury and state treasuries
• Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
• Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)
• Productivity Commission (PC)
• International organisations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank (WB), Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
• Private-sector employers including NERA Economic Consulting, Deloitte Access Economics, Frontier Economics, Macquarie Group, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), BlackRock.

Fees & Scholarships

• 2026 Indicative First Year Full Fee: $42,000*
• 2026 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree: $42,000*
• Scholarships: UNSW awards over $83 million in scholarships each year, with a range of scholarships available for domestic and international students.

UNSW Business School Career Accelerator

The Career Accelerator provides work experiences and professional development opportunities to help take careers to the next level, including up to two for-credit industry experiences such as internships or global business practicums.