Why Master of Economics and Resource Policy?
Income support, health systems, education funding and affordable housing – these are all examples of public policies influencing our lives.
In our Master of Economics and Resource Policy specialising in Public Economics and Policy, you’ll gain the skills to shape and coordinate these policies. Make a positive impact on the lives of millions of people, particularly those in disadvantaged communities and developing countries.
Why are certain policies implemented? What makes a successful policy? What is the impact of these policies on individuals and society? Answer these questions and more through curated coursework taught by economics scholars and professionals in the field. Apply your learning to real-world issues including climate change and rising inflation rates and be prepared to tackle the modern economic environment.
Overview
Learn how to analyse, interpret and inform government policies and interventions that address contemporary global issues. Build core knowledge across courses in economic principles, global food and agricultural markets, principles of international trade and development, and cost-benefit analysis.
In your Public Economics and Policy specialisation, you’ll learn the processes of how economic decisions are made by governments and organisations. Discover how individuals and organisations can shape and govern economic interactions and policies that impact society. Build the knowledge required to understand how decisions and policies impact societal objectives.
Your courses will include topics like evaluation methods of public policy, labour economics and public economic theory. Build practical skills in your final year through an internship, research elective or undertake a professional career development opportunity. Lay the groundwork for your chosen profession by completing a research project, strengthening your knowledge in economics and resource policy. Graduates can expect to work in sectors like public service, industry, consultancies, not-for-profits and private businesses, or may continue to a PhD.
Key features
Learn from economic scholars and research-active economists.- Apply economic theory and methods to issues of resourcing and policy.
- Gain a competitive edge in future careers with your specialisation in Public Economics and Policy.
- Complete an internship, research or career development opportunity elective.
- Undertake a personalised research project aligned to your career goals.
- Study alongside a cohort of professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
What you'll learn
During your first year of study, you’ll build foundational knowledge in key areas of economics and concepts and theories that help explain the world around us. Dive into economic theories in global food and agricultural production markets. Learn about analytical frameworks used by economists to better understand how a business can meet chosen objectives. Study current trade and economic development policies affecting global communities.
Learn how to apply modelling solutions to real-world problems. You’ll also start exploring topics specific to your specialisation through courses focused on the practical implementation of quantitative and qualitative methods and the role of the public sector on public welfare.
In your second year, continue exploring your specialisation with courses that will teach you how to evaluate public policy, make predictions on the impact of public policy and how to apply advanced theoretical foundations of public economics to everyday issues. You’ll also have a choice of elective courses and complete an applied research project.
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 18 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
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
Impact Evaluation Methods and Applications
|
Course code
POLI6000
|
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
Work in the diverse field of economics or in a specialist role within public economics and policy. Become a leader in the dynamic intersection of economics and resource policy.
You could work as a government economist, providing advice, evaluating policies and conducting research for government agencies or ministries. You might be a government policy analyst, predicting the effectiveness of policies, evaluating their success and giving recommendations for improvement.
Other careers you might like to pursue include:
- Policy adviser
- Public sector manager
- Public finance specialist
- Public policy analyst
- Public affairs specialist
- Economic policy researcher.
Industry trends
The largest job creators will likely emerge from technological, environment and economic trends –all drawing on economic learning. Economic trends including rising cost of living, slow economic growth, geopolitical divisions and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will likely continue disrupting the labour market (World Economic Forum, 2023). With disruptions predicted to rock global economies, your skillset will be in high demand. Governments will need your expert advice to inform the policies that will stabilise economic markets through challenging times and periods of rapid change.
Ready to apply?
Ask 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.
