Why Bachelor of Economics?
Enjoy tackling complex problems? Are you interested in how important economic and policy decisions are made? Want to use your analytical skills to make a positive impact on societies? If yes, our Bachelor of Economics is for you.
Economists are expert communicators who analyse, predict and navigate policies and decision-making. The job demands a comprehensive understanding of data and analytical skills. As an economist, you’ll analyse key factors that influence how households, industries, governments and businesses make choices and operate. Your deep understanding of micro- and macroeconomics will help you tackle economic challenges, minimising their impact on individuals and societies.
With your Adelaide University degree, you’ll gain a valuable skillset that prepares you for exciting, resilient and diverse careers.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Economics will give you a comprehensive and analytical understanding of economics. Learn how governments, industries and businesses allocate resources to meet individual and societal needs. Develop essential communication and analytical skills to inform decision-making and policy development.
Your studies will give you a deep understanding of microeconomics – examining economics from an individual and business perspective. Explore macroeconomics, looking at large-scale factors, such as national income, employment and international trade. Learn about econometrics, where you’ll use your analytical skills to understand economic data and test theories. You’ll also complete elective courses on a wide range of economics topics – from environment and development economics to using big data to solve economic and social problems. Undertake an internship or career development opportunity in your final year to prepare you for the workforce. Graduate ready for a career in the private sector, not-for-profit organisations or in government.
Key features
Tailor your studies to your interests with a wide range of economics elective courses.- Study microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics.
- Sharpen your analytical and data skills.
- Build transferrable skills, applicable to various industries and roles.
- Complete an internship or career development opportunity in your final year.
- Pursue an impactful career supporting complex decision-making and policy development.
What you'll learn
Over three years of full-time study, you’ll examine key principles and theories across microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. A combination of economics elective courses and common core courses will build transferable skills that’ll help you navigate the modern world.
Common core courses in First Nations knowledges, data, ethics, artificial intelligence, cultural competency, entrepreneurship and design thinking will extend your foundational knowledge. Meanwhile, first year topics in economic principles, data analytics, and mathematical economics will begin to develop your specialised expertise. In second year, you’ll go deeper with courses on applied econometrics, microeconomics, macroeconomics and global economic history. In your third year, you’ll undertake your own investigation in economic policy analysis, explore courses in applied economics and complete a professional career development opportunity.
Throughout your studies, you’ll complete a wide range of economics elective courses. Available topics will depend on how far along you are in your degree, but will include:
- Australia in the global economy
- Behavioural economics
- Economic growth and development
- Economics of international finance
- Economics of international trade
- Financial economics
- Game theory
- Impact evaluation methods for economic policy
- International financial institutions and markets
- International trade and investment policy
- Labour economics
- Mathematical economics
- Monetary economics
- Public economics
- Resource and environmental economics
- Rethinking capitalism
- Using big data for economic and social problems.
Majors
The Bachelor of Economics is also available with majors in the following:
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 42 units for Core courses, and
- Either:
- 30 units for one Major from Major, or
- 30 units for Discipline courses, and
- 6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 66 units for Electives
Complete 42 units comprising:
- 18 units for all Common core, and
- 24 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 1
|
Course code
AUXX1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 2
|
Course code
AUXX2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 3
|
Course code
AUXX3000
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Principles of Economics
|
Course code
ECON1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Analytics
|
Course code
ECON1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Intermediate Macroeconomics
|
Course code
ECON2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Global Economic History
|
Course code
ECON2001
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Principles of Economics
|
Course code
ECON1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Analytics
|
Course code
ECON1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Intermediate Applied Econometrics
|
Course code
ECON2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Intermediate Applied Microeconomics
|
Course code
ECON2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Intermediate Macroeconomics
|
Course code
ECON2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Economic History
|
Course code
ECON2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Career Development
|
Course code
ECON3802
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Applied Econometrics
|
Course code
ECON3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Economic Policy Analysis
|
Course code
ECON3800
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 30 units comprising:
- 24 units for all Discipline courses, and
- 6 units from Discipline selective courses
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Intermediate Applied Econometrics
|
Course code
ECON2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Intermediate Applied Microeconomics
|
Course code
ECON2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Applied Econometrics
|
Course code
ECON3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Economic Policy Analysis
|
Course code
ECON3800
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Mathematical Economics
|
Course code
ECON1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mathematical Economics
|
Course code
ECON1003
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Principles of Economics
|
Course code
ECON1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Analytics
|
Course code
ECON1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Intermediate Applied Econometrics
|
Course code
ECON2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Intermediate Applied Microeconomics
|
Course code
ECON2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Intermediate Macroeconomics
|
Course code
ECON2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Economic History
|
Course code
ECON2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Career Development
|
Course code
ECON3802
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Applied Econometrics
|
Course code
ECON3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Economic Policy Analysis
|
Course code
ECON3800
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete one Major from the following:
| Major name | |
|---|---|
|
|
Major
Advanced Analysis
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Principles of Economics
|
Course code
ECON1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Analytics
|
Course code
ECON1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Intermediate Applied Econometrics
|
Course code
ECON2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Intermediate Applied Microeconomics
|
Course code
ECON2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Intermediate Macroeconomics
|
Course code
ECON2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Economic History
|
Course code
ECON2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Career Development
|
Course code
ECON3802
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Applied Econometrics
|
Course code
ECON3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Economic Policy Analysis
|
Course code
ECON3800
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Career Development
|
Course code
ECON3802
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Principles of Economics
|
Course code
ECON1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Analytics
|
Course code
ECON1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Intermediate Applied Econometrics
|
Course code
ECON2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Intermediate Applied Microeconomics
|
Course code
ECON2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Intermediate Macroeconomics
|
Course code
ECON2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Economic History
|
Course code
ECON2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Career Development
|
Course code
ECON3802
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Applied Econometrics
|
Course code
ECON3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Economic Policy Analysis
|
Course code
ECON3800
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 66 units comprising:
- 36 units from University-wide electives, and
- 6 units from Program electives - year 1, and
- 6 units from Program electives - year 2, and
- 18 units from Program electives - year 3
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Mathematical Economics
|
Course code
ECON1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Australia in the Global Economy
|
Course code
ECON1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Financial Institutions and Markets
|
Course code
ECON1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Using Big Data for Economic and Social Problems
|
Course code
ECON1006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Behavioural Economics
|
Course code
ECON1013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Financial Economics
|
Course code
ECON2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Trade and Investment Policy
|
Course code
ECON2011
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Public Economics
|
Course code
ECON1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Resource and Environmental Economics
|
Course code
ECON3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Labour Economics
|
Course code
ECON3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Impact Evaluation Methods for Economic Policy
|
Course code
ECON3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Rethinking Capitalism
|
Course code
ECON3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Economic Growth and Development
|
Course code
ECON3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Game Theory
|
Course code
ECON3009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Money and Finance
|
Course code
ECON3010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Monetary Economics
|
Course code
ECON3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Economics of International Trade
|
Course code
ECON3012
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Principles of Economics
|
Course code
ECON1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Analytics
|
Course code
ECON1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Intermediate Applied Econometrics
|
Course code
ECON2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Intermediate Applied Microeconomics
|
Course code
ECON2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Intermediate Macroeconomics
|
Course code
ECON2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Economic History
|
Course code
ECON2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Career Development
|
Course code
ECON3802
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Applied Econometrics
|
Course code
ECON3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Economic Policy Analysis
|
Course code
ECON3800
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Studying the Bachelor of Economics at Adelaide University will give you critical skills to work in government, private and not-for-profit sectors. Use your analytical skills and reasoning to work as a government policy analyst, developing key economic policies for local or international government agencies. Perhaps you’ll be a research economist, analysing the economic impact of policies and issues affecting the environment, international trade and the future of work. You might work as a consultant, providing your clients with the insights and tools to help them make strategic financial decisions. Maybe you’ll generate social change working inside charities to reduce inequality and improve healthcare and education.
You could also pursue the following careers:
- Corporate policy adviser
- Data analyst
- Economic researcher
- Economist
- Information analyst
- Government policy adviser
- International trade or business analyst
- Research associate
- Economic communicator.
Industry trends
In a 2023 survey with the world’s largest employers, analytical thinking was the most consistently sought after skill (World Economic Forum, 2023). Economics is a discipline closely associated with analytical skills and reasoning. It requires data analysis, problem solving and analytical acumen to understand market dynamics, consumer behaviour and investigate government intervention. This means as a graduate, your skills will be in-demand across various industries.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Ask Adelaide University
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
