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:
You can also choose to study this degree without a specialisation.
What courses you'll study
Complete 96 units for either of the following:
- All of the following:
- 42 to 54 units for Core courses, and
- 12 to 24 units for one Specialisation from Specialisations, and
- 30 to 54 units for Electives, or
- All of the following:
- 42 to 54 units for Core courses, and
- 30 to 54 units for Electives
Complete 42 to 54 units comprising:
- 42 units for all Program core courses, and
- One of the following:
- 12 units from Program selective courses - Economic Analysis, or
- 12 units from Program selective courses - International Trade, or
- 6 units from Program selective courses - Public Economics and Policy
| Course name | 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
|
| Course name | 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
Time Series Econometrics
|
Course code
ECONX407
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Behavioural Game Theory and Experiments
|
Course code
PSYCX400
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Agriculture and Food in International Trade
|
Course code
ECON6015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Services Trade
|
Course code
ECON6016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Trade Theory and Applications
|
Course code
ECON6018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Economics of International Finance
|
Course code
ECON6022
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Trade
|
Course code
IBUSX400
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Labour Economics Analysis and Applications
|
Course code
ECON6001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Game Theory and Applications
|
Course code
ECON6021
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Public Economic Theory
|
Course code
ECONX404
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Econometric Analysis and Applications
|
Course code
ECON5006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Econometric Theory
|
Course code
ECONX401
|
Units
6
|
Complete 30 to 54 units comprising:
- 0 to 6 units from University-wide electives, and
- 24 to 54 units for all Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Monetary Economics in Theory and Practice
|
Course code
BAFI6001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Econometric Analysis and Applications
|
Course code
ECON5006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Public Economics Analysis and Applications
|
Course code
ECON5007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Trends and Issues in the World Food System
|
Course code
ECON5011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Trade: Negotiations and Agreements
|
Course code
ECON5012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Trade: Strategies and Opportunities
|
Course code
ECON5019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Development and Growth Economics
|
Course code
ECON5020
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Labour Economics Analysis and Applications
|
Course code
ECON6001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental and Resource Economics and Applications
|
Course code
ECON6004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Water Security and Governance
|
Course code
ECON6011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Globalisation and Agriculture in Emerging Economies
|
Course code
ECON6013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Agricultural Decision Making
|
Course code
ECON6014
|
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
International Trade Theory and Applications
|
Course code
ECON6018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Game Theory and Applications
|
Course code
ECON6021
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Economics of International Finance
|
Course code
ECON6022
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Management and Performance of Global Food Chains
|
Course code
ECON6024
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Development Economics
|
Course code
ECONX400
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Econometric Theory
|
Course code
ECONX401
|
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
Time Series Econometrics
|
Course code
ECONX407
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Trade
|
Course code
IBUSX400
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Impact Evaluation Methods and Applications
|
Course code
POLI6000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Behavioural Game Theory and Experiments
|
Course code
PSYCX400
|
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.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to 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.
