Postgraduate | 2026

Master of Economics and Resource Policy specialising in Economic Analysis

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

2 year(s) full-time

Mode

Hybrid

Program code

MAERP

Study as

Full-time

Indicative fees

$49,700

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 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

International admissions by country

Country	Score
Australia - GPA 7.0 Scale	N/A

Why Master of Economics and Resource Policy?

Develop the specialised skills to analyse economic data that address complex issues – including unemployment, poverty and environmental sustainability. Interpret information that shapes government policies and changes lives. Our Master of Economics and Resource Policy degree develops strong quantitative skills and explores real-world issues. What factors lead to a drop in employment? What drives inflation and how will it affect people? You’ll learn to dissect choices made by individuals, governments and businesses - and the repercussions. With your specialisation in Economic Analysis, you’ll have expertise in using advanced analytical methods and reasoning, consistent with the role and functions of a professional economist. Designed to enhance your employability, you’ll unlock careers across a range of industries, including healthcare, technology, energy and natural resources, financial services and government.

Overview

As an Economic and Resource Policy student specialising in Economic Analysis, you’ll develop deep discipline knowledge of economics with a strong focus on analysing complex economic data and issues.

You will explore topics in economic principles, global food and agricultural markets, principles of international trade and development and cost-benefit analysis. These courses will introduce you to key economic principles, theories, methods, policies and disciplines.

As part of your specialisation in Economic Analysis, you’ll build advanced analytical skills specific to the world of economics. Learn about micro- and macroeconomic theory - economic behaviours of consumers, businesses and workers, and examining big-picture issues like unemployment and inflation. Dive into how individuals and groups make economic decisions under different conditions and incentives. Develop the skills to analyse economic data, test economic theories, investigate real-world problems and identify strategic opportunities.

Build practical skills with a research project in your final year, tailored to your career aspirations. You’ll be equipped to work across diverse sectors including public service, industry, consultancies, not-for-profits or private business, or continue with studies to a PhD.

Key features

Learn from renowned scholars and research economists.
Apply economic theory to complex policy development.
Connect with South Australian businesses and government agencies.
Analyse economic data, test economic theories, investigate real-world problems and identify strategic opportunities.
Complete a research project tailored to your career goals.
Choose to complete an internship, career development course or higher degree by research elective.

What you'll learn

In your first year, you’ll study core courses in Economics and Resource Policy. Discover economic principles, concepts, analytical frameworks and data used to understand our world. Explore economic theories in relation to global food and agricultural production. Discover the links between trade and economic development, with specific regard to trade policies. Assess and apply modelling solutions to problems of resource use and allocation. You’ll then explore topics relevant to your specialisation in Economic Analysis, such as fundamental methods of econometric analysis and microeconomic and macroeconomic theory.

In second year, you’ll study topics on how to effectively implement statistical software, time series methods in econometrics, measures for assessing policy in developing countries and fundamental findings in behavioural economics.

Choose elective courses to broaden your knowledgebase in areas such as:

Global Food and Agribusiness
International Trade
Public Economics and Policy.

Complete an internship, a Higher Degree Research course or a career development course, strengthening your career prospects. You’ll also undertake a comprehensive research project in an area of interest, where your expertise will drive a brighter, more sustainable future.

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:

Global Food and Agribusiness
International Trade
Public Economics and Policy.

You can also choose to study this degree without a specialisation.

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

Complete exactly 24 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Applied Econometrics	Course code ECON5006	Units 6
Course name Econometric Theory	Course code ECON6002	Units 6
Course name Microeconomic Theory	Course code ECON5004	Units 6
Course name Macroeconomic Theory	Course code ECON5106	Units 6
Course name Advanced Development Economics	Course code ECON6003	Units 6
Course name Time Series Econometrics	Course code ECON6101	Units 6
Course name Behavioural Game Theory and Experiments	Course code PSYC6003	Units 6

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 code	Units
Course name Monetary Economics	Course code BAFI6001	Units 6
Course name Game Theory	Course code BUSI6012	Units 6
Course name Microeconomic Theory	Course code ECON5004	Units 6
Course name Macroeconomic Theory	Course code ECON5106	Units 6
Course name Labour Economics	Course code ECON6001	Units 6
Course name Advanced Development Economics	Course code ECON6003	Units 6
Course name Public Economic Theory	Course code ECON6005	Units 6
Course name Agricultural Food and 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 Time Series Econometrics	Course code ECON6101	Units 6
Course name Advanced International Trade	Course code IBUS6000	Units 6
Course name Economics of International Finance	Course code IBUS6006	Units 6
Course name Behavioural Game Theory and Experiments	Course code PSYC6003	Units 6

Career outcomes

As a graduate, you’ll be qualified to work across a range of careers and sectors. You could work in government, the food, agriculture and resource industries, consulting or banking and financial services. You might embark on a career as a policy analyst, assessing economic data, developing policies and providing recommendations to governments, businesses or organisations. You may work as an international development specialist, designing programs to promote economic development, sustainable growth and poverty reduction in developing countries.

Other career opportunities may include:

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

Industry trends

In 2023, the World Economic Forum (WEF) Future of Jobs Report stated analytical thinking is one of the most important skills for workers. Analytical thinking was considered a core skill by more companies than any other skill. With your specialisation in Economic Analysis, you’ll have specialised skills in analytical thinking and reasoning, giving you a competitive edge in the employment market.

The report also predicted the largest job creation areas would emerge from technological, environment and economic trends (WEF, 2023). Each of these areas draw on economic learning and analysis. You might be employed to help integrate technologies that digitalise commerce and trade. You could use your skills in cost-benefit analysis and mathematical modelling to evaluate investments driven by climate change concerns and environmental technology adoption. You’ll be an economics expert, able to explain global trends from rising cost of living to slow economic growth that is driving labour market disruption. Your skills will be relevant across various sectors, including in business and government agencies.

How 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

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.

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. 

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: