Master of Economics and Resource Policy

Postgraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

2 year(s) full-time

Program code

MAERP

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$52,200

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6.0 IELTS Listening 6.0 IELTS Speaking 6.0 IELTS Writing 6.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115906B

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and fulfil any essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) or bachelor honours (AQF level 8) degree or higher or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; OR
A completed nested or related graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

Why Master of Economics and Resource Policy?

Be at the forefront of shaping policies that will safeguard economic stability, protect our environment and promote social equity. Our degree will teach you to dissect the choices made by individuals, governments and businesses, and their repercussions for people and societies.

You’ll develop skills in the economics of resource allocation and policy development, using your knowledge to ensure access to vital resources such as water and sustainable energy. You’ll know how consumers behave and how their interactions shape economic outcomes. Explore economic issues like inflation and unemployment, examining their impact on economies and strategies for mitigating these effects.

You might be a graduate from a related discipline wanting to enhance your skills, or a professional looking to switch careers. No matter your background, tailor the Master of Economics and Resource Policy to your needs. Select courses from various majors that align with your career aspirations and interests and become an expert in your field.

Overview

The Master of Economics and Resource Policy is a flexible two-year degree built around core economic principles. Study topics in global food and agricultural markets, principles of international trade and development and cost-benefit analysis. Advise on business strategy to optimise company performance within economic environments. Unravel the context behind major economic events such as recessions and inflation. Shape public policy locally and internationally.

Tailor your studies to suit your needs by selecting courses from a range of majors. Choose topics in economic analysis, global food and agribusiness, international trade and public economics and policy. Through your chosen courses, you’ll develop specialised knowledge in fields that align with your career goals, including opening a pathway to a PhD.

In your final year, conduct your own comprehensive applied research project and have the option to complete an internship. These features will ensure you graduate with relevant experience to kickstart or progress your career. Find employment across diverse sectors including public service, industry, consultancies, not-for-profits or private business.

Key features

Learn from economic researchers and renowned scholars.
Apply economic theory to policy and resources.
Benefit from our industry connections across South Australian businesses and government agencies.
Choose specialised courses in economic analysis, global food and agribusiness, international trade, and public economics and policy.
Undertake a research project aligned to your career objectives.
Complete an internship, a career development course or a research skills elective – shaping you for professional success.

What you'll learn

In your first year, build your knowledge in core areas of Economics and Resource Policy. Learn about the economic principles, concepts, data and analytical frameworks that help us understand the world around us. Investigate economic and marketing theories in the context of global food and agricultural production. Discover the relationship between trade and economic development and trade policies. Get hands-on experience in applying modelling solutions to real problems of resource use and allocation.

In your second year, build knowledge and skills in research principles, including how to propose the investigation of real-world problems and strategic opportunities. Then choose four specialised courses in:

Economic Analysis
Global Food and Agribusiness
International Trade
Public Economics and Policy.

Interested in getting a head start on your career? Complete an internship and build important relationships with professionals in the field. You can also choose to develop your research and career skillset through specialised courses.

Whether you’re a busy professional or have just completed your undergraduate degree – we understand the need for flexible study arrangements.

This degree offers flexible hybrid delivery, which includes a mix of on-campus and online study.

Specialisations

The Master of Economics and Resource Policy is also available with specialisations in the following:

What courses you'll study

Complete 96 units for one of the following:

All of the following:
42 units for all Core courses, and
18 to 24 units for one Specialisation from Specialisations, and
30 to 54 units for Electives, or
All of the following:
42 units for all Core courses, and
6 units for all Work integrated learning - Global Food and Agribusiness specialisation only, and
18 to 24 units for one Specialisation from Specialisations, and
30 to 54 units for Electives, or
All of the following:
42 units for all Core courses, and
30 to 54 units for Electives

Complete 42 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Economic Principles	Course code ECON5001	Units 6
Course name Global Food and Agricultural Markets	Course code ECON5015	Units 6
Course name Cost-Benefit Analysis	Course code ECON5016	Units 6
Course name Principles of International Trade and Development	Course code ECON5017	Units 6
Course name Research Methods and Development	Course code ECON6000	Units 6
Course name MERP Research Project	Course code ECON6023	Units 12

Complete one Specialisation from the following:

Specialisation name
	Specialisation Economic Analysis
	Specialisation Global Food and Agribusiness
	Specialisation International Trade
	Specialisation Public Economics and Policy

Complete 30 to 54 units comprising:

30 to 54 units for all Program electives

	Course code	Units
Course name Advanced Development Economics	Course code ECONX400	Units 6
Course name Macroeconomic Theory	Course code ECONX402	Units 6
Course name Microeconomic Theory	Course code ECONX403	Units 6
Course name Public Economic Theory	Course code ECONX404	Units 6
Course name Monetary Economics	Course code ECON3011	Units 6
Course name Labour Economics	Course code ECON6001	Units 6
Course name Agriculture and Food in International Trade	Course code ECON6015	Units 6
Course name Services Trade	Course code ECON6016	Units 6
Course name MNCs, Trade and Sustainable Development	Course code ECON6017	Units 6
Course name Economics of International Trade	Course code ECON6018	Units 6
Course name Advanced International Trade	Course code ECON6020	Units 6
Course name Game Theory	Course code ECON6021	Units 6
Course name Economics of International Finance	Course code ECON6022	Units 6
Course name Time Series Econometrics	Course code ECON6101	Units 6
Course name Behavioural Game Theory and Experiments	Course code PSYCX400	Units 6

Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Experiences and Insights in Agri-food Systems	Course code ECON6012	Units 6

Notes

The Work Integrated Learning course is only to be undertaken by students enrolled in the Global Food and Agribusiness specialisation (GLFAMAERP).

Career outcomes

Our Master of Economics and Resource Policy will open doors across a range of careers and sectors. You might work in the public sector, in finance, in academia or for a not-for-profit. You may work for a high profile or global company in industries including health, tech, pharmaceuticals and automotive.

Opportunities also extend to food, agriculture and resource industries, consulting, and banking and financial services. Your analytic and modelling skills might even be channelled towards devising strategies for resource allocation in aid agencies.

Interested in a career as an economic analyst, evaluating corporate strategies? Want to be a government policy analyst, modernising or restructuring regulatory frameworks? Unlock these careers and more through our future-focused degree.

Other careers might include:

Corporate policy adviser
Consultant
Data analyst
Business analyst
Economics researcher
Economist.

Industry trends

In 2023, the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report predicted the largest job creation areas were likely to emerge from technological, environment and economic trends – all of which draw on economic learning.

In the technological space, digital technologies like big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are projected to shape job markets and business growth. Economics serves as the basis for firms to integrate these technologies and grasp digital transformation strategies, such as digitising commerce and trade.

In the environment and sustainability sector, economic tools such as costs-benefits analysis and mathematical modelling will be used to evaluate investments driven by concerns about climate change and the adoption of environmental technologies.

After digital and environmental, economic trends such as the rising cost of living, slow economic growth, geopolitical divisions and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to drive labour market disruption (World Economic Forum 2023).

With your knowledge in Economics and Resource Policy, you’ll be an appealing candidate across business and government roles as they adapt to emerging economic trends and consumer needs.

Ready to apply?

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

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.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

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: