Economics of Public Policy

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
ECON 3017
Course ID icon
Course ID
205994
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Campus
Online, Adelaide City Campus West
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Economics
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
John Wilson
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Course level
3
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

This course will provide students with an understanding of some of the major issues facing modern societies. Using economic theory and drawing on published literature, students will examine the causes and nature of these problems, the role of government policy in addressing them and critically analyse different policy options. Major policy challenges, including environmental degradation, competition policy, the provision of health care, taxation, public goods, education; analysis of the causes and implications of these issues; analysis of the variety of methods by which public policy aimed at alleviating these problems can be evaluated (for example, cost-benefit analysis); the political economy of policy formation; understanding the relevant theoretical concepts and application to a variety of case studies.

Course learning outcomes

  • Conceptualise some of the major policy challenges facing society.
  • Critically evaluate policy options available to address societal issues.
  • Apply analytical tools to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of various policy responses.
  • Apply economic theory in assessing the causes and consequences of these issues.
  • Demonstrate UniSA Business Enterprise Skills in the context of the Economics discipline: i) Problem Solving (advanced level); and ii) Written Communication (advanced level).

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 04/09/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 21/08/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 18/09/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 16/10/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus West

Class number
Class number 57263
Section
Section WS01
Size
Size 35
Available
Available 35
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
5 Aug - 23 Sep Wednesday 10:10am - 1pm Adelaide City Campus West Barbara Hanrahan, BH4-23
14 Oct - 11 Nov Wednesday 10:10am - 1pm Adelaide City Campus West Barbara Hanrahan, BH4-23

Prerequisite(s)

  • must have completed ECON2012 Economic Analysis of Business Decisions

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed ECON3009 Game Theory OR must not have completed ECON3007 UO Economics of Public Policy

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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.