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.
Why Master of Economics and Resource Policy?
The food and agriculture industry is essential to our wellbeing. It dictates whether societies have access to the most vital natural resources.
With our Master of Economics and Resource Policy specialising in Global Food and Agribusiness, you’ll learn how to shape the global policies that promote sustainable agriculture, food security and rural development. You’ll use your knowledge in modelling solutions and economic theory to solve real-world problems.
Whether you’re from a purely food, resource, agricultural, business or economics background – this degree will help you delve deeper into the economic analysis of these areas.
You’ll graduate with a solid understanding on the forces, trends and policies that impact businesses, households, producers, retailers, consumers and governments.
Overview
In our Master of Economics and Resource Policy, you’ll acquire the skills to dissect the choices made by individuals, governments, and businesses, along with their repercussions on individuals and the wellbeing of societies.
Develop knowledge and insights that will enable you to offer business strategy advice, provide context behind global economic trends and events, and shape public policies.
Through the Global Food and Agribusiness specialisation, you’ll come to understand the complex and critical issues in global food and agricultural business systems through an economic lens. Delve into issues including environmental sustainability, water security and managing global food chains.
Benefit from hands-on learning with opportunities to complete a research project, internship and fieldtrip. Graduate ready to work in roles across public service, industry, consultancies, not-for-profits, private business, or continue your studies with a PhD.
Key features
Be taught by renowned scholars and active researchers. - Apply economics theory and methods to resourcing and policy development.
- Graduate with a competitive edge with your specialisation in Global Food and Agribusiness.
- Complete an internship, career development course or Higher Degree Research skill-building course.
- Undertake a research project in an area of interest.
- Go on a fieldtrip that explores South Australia’s food industry systems.
What you'll learn
Your core courses will explore fundamental knowledge in economics and resource policies. You’ll complete courses on Economic Principles, Global Food and Agricultural Markets, Principles of International Trade and Development, and Cost-Benefit Analysis. These courses will teach you key economic frameworks, theories, methods and policies, and introduce you to food and agricultural production.
As part of your Global Food and Agribusiness specialisation, you’ll build your knowledge on food systems and their impact on economies. Examine the policies affecting food and agriculture through using economic frameworks. Analyse the impacts of evolving markets, socioeconomic trends and policies on food systems
You’ll then deepen your knowledge by choosing two courses from the following list:
- Experiences and Insights in Agri-food Systems fieldtrip
- Water Security and Governance
- Management and Performance of Global Food Chains
- Globalisation and Agriculture in Emerging Economies
- Agricultural Decision Making
- Resource and Environmental Economics.
You’ll also choose one of the following courses:
- Internship
- Career development course
- Higher Degree Research skills course.
Other opportunities to tailor your studies to suit your career goals will include a research project on a topic of your choice and four elective courses.
Specialisations
The Master of Economics and Resource Policy is also available with specialisations in the following:
- Economic Analysis
- 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 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 name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Resource and Environmental Economics
|
Course code
ECON6004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Water Security and Governance
|
Course code
ECON6011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Experiences and Insights in Agri-food Systems
|
Course code
ECON6012
|
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
Management and Performance of Global Food Chains
|
Course code
BUSI6032
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Trends and Issues in the World Food System
|
Course code
ECON5011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Global Food and Agricultural Policy Analysis
|
Course code
POLI5001
|
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 name | 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 have the expertise to work in the broader field of economics or in a specialist role within the food and agriculture industry.
You might be an agricultural economist, interpreting and analysing data on agricultural markets, policies and systems. Or perhaps you’ll become an international development specialist, supporting agricultural development, food security and rural livelihood.
Other career opportunities may include:
- Policy adviser
- Sustainability consultant
- Data analyst
- Business Analyst
- Supply Chain Manager
- Economic researcher.
Industry trends
The global food and agriculture industry is evolving. There is a noticeable increase in food products labelled ‘clean’ and a surge in agricultural technology developments and adoption (L.E.K 2017). As these trends continue to shape how food is grown, raised and produced, companies will need to drive and adapt to industry disruptions (L.E.K 2017).
As the World Economic Forum (WEF) Future of Jobs Report projected in 2023, the largest net-job creators will emerge from technological, environment and economic trends. As an economics expert with specialised knowledge in global food and agribusiness, your skillset will be highly regarded. Companies, businesses and governments will rely on your expertise to analyse economic data, assess risk and formulate policies that help the global food and agricultural industry flourish in a modern world.
How to apply
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
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.
