Postgraduate | 2026

Master of Economics and Resource Policy

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Start date icon
Start date
Start date
The month you will commence your studies. Exact start date is outlined in the course timetable.
February, July
Duration icon
Duration
Duration
Duration is approximate and based on a full-time study load. Part-time study is not available for international students.
2 year(s) full-time
Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your study will be a mix of online and on-campus classes.
Hybrid
Program code
Program code
MAERP
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Study as
Full-time
Fees
Indicative fees
Indicative fees
Published fees are indicative for 2025 , including the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and appropriate yearly indexation. This is based on the total number of units studied for this program on an annual full-time basis. Please note that your tuition fees may be subject to an annual increase.
$49,700
Prerequisites icon
Prerequisite
Prerequisite
A prerequisite is a required course or/subject that you must have successfully completed before you can enrol into this program.
None
Assumed knowledge icon
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge, while not essential, is where you have a minimum level of understanding in the relevant course area.
None
English Language Requirements icon
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 icon
CRICOS code
115906B
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and fulfill any essential criteria for admission:

  • A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) or bachelor honours (AQF level 8) degree with an overall Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher (or equivalent academic performance) or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; OR
  • A completed nested or related graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher with an overall Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher (or equivalent academic performance) 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. Delve into 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 you may be 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.

program overview

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.

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:

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

What courses you'll study

Complete 96 units comprising:

  • 42 units from Core courses, and
  • Either:
  • 24 units for one Specialisation from Specialisation, or
  • 24 units from Discipline courses, and
  • 30 units for Electives

Complete exactly 42 units from the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Course code
BUSI5017
Units
6
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Course name
Global Food and Agricultural Markets
Course code
BUSI5035
Units
6
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Course name
MERP Research Project
Course code
BUSI6006
Units
12
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Course name
Economic Principles
Course code
ECON5001
Units
6
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Course name
Research Methods and Development
Course code
ECON6000
Units
6
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Course name
Principles of International Trade and Development
Course code
IBUS5001
Units
6

Complete exactly 24 units from the following:

Course name Course code Units
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Course name
Microeconomic Theory
Course code
ECON5004
Units
6
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Course name
Applied Econometrics
Course code
ECON5006
Units
6
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Course name
Public Economics
Course code
ECON5007
Units
6
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Course name
Trends and Issues in the World Food System
Course code
ECON5011
Units
6
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Course name
International Trade: Negotiations and Agreements
Course code
ECON5012
Units
6
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Course name
Macroeconomic Theory
Course code
ECON5106
Units
6
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Course name
International Trade: Strategies and Opportunities
Course code
IBUS5004
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Global Food and Agricultural Policy Analysis
Course code
POLI5001
Units
6
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Course name
Monetary Economics
Course code
BAFI6001
Units
6
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Course name
Game Theory
Course code
BUSI6012
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Management and Performance of Global Food Chains
Course code
BUSI6032
Units
6
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Course name
Labour Economics
Course code
ECON6001
Units
6
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Course name
Econometric Theory
Course code
ECON6002
Units
6
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Course name
Advanced Development Economics
Course code
ECON6003
Units
6
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Course name
Resource and Environmental Economics
Course code
ECON6004
Units
6
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Course name
Public Economic Theory
Course code
ECON6005
Units
6
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Course name
Water Security and Governance
Course code
ECON6011
Units
6
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Course name
Experiences and Insights in Agri-food Systems
Course code
ECON6012
Units
6
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Course name
Globalisation and Agriculture in Emerging Economies
Course code
ECON6013
Units
6
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Course name
Agricultural Decision Making
Course code
ECON6014
Units
6
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Course name
Agricultural Food and International Trade
Course code
ECON6015
Units
6
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Course name
Services Trade
Course code
ECON6016
Units
6
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Course name
MNCs, Trade and Sustainable Development
Course code
ECON6017
Units
6
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Course name
Economics of International Trade
Course code
ECON6018
Units
6
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Course name
Time Series Econometrics
Course code
ECON6101
Units
6
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Course name
Advanced International Trade
Course code
IBUS6000
Units
6
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Course name
Economics of International Finance
Course code
IBUS6006
Units
6
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Course name
Impact Evaluation Methods for Economic Policy
Course code
POLI6000
Units
6
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Course name
Behavioural Game Theory and Experiments
Course code
PSYC6003
Units
6

Complete one Specialisation from the following:

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

Complete 30 units for either of the following:

  • Both of the following:
  • 6 units from Free electives, and
  • 24 to 30 units from Program electives, or
  • 24 to 30 units from Program electives

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Monetary Economics
Course code
BAFI6001
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Game Theory
Course code
BUSI6012
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Microeconomic Theory
Course code
ECON5004
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Macroeconomic Theory
Course code
ECON5106
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Labour Economics
Course code
ECON6001
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Advanced Development Economics
Course code
ECON6003
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Public Economic Theory
Course code
ECON6005
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Agricultural Food and International Trade
Course code
ECON6015
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Services Trade
Course code
ECON6016
Units
6
course icon
Course name
MNCs, Trade and Sustainable Development
Course code
ECON6017
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Economics of International Trade
Course code
ECON6018
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Time Series Econometrics
Course code
ECON6101
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Advanced International Trade
Course code
IBUS6000
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Economics of International Finance
Course code
IBUS6006
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Behavioural Game Theory and Experiments
Course code
PSYC6003
Units
6

How to apply

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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.

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Gather your relevant documents

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

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Complete and send your application

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

How to Apply

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.

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.


From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.

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, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat 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 (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
  • Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights 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 our Academic calendar. 

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: 

  • Case studies  
  • Essays and assignments  
  • Examinations  
  • Group projects  
  • Internships and placements  
  • Practicals  
  • Presentations  
  • Reports and project documentations 
  • Research projects 
  • Workplace and classroom contributions. 
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