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?
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.
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.
Key features
Learn from economic researchers and renowned scholars.- Apply economic theory to policy and resources.
- Benefit from our industry connections across South Australian business and government agencies.
- Choose specialised courses in economic analysis, global food and agribusiness, international trade, and public economics and policy.
- Undertake a research project aligned to your career objectives.
- Complete an internship, a career development course or a research skills elective – shaping you for professional success.
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
You're required to complete 96 units to complete your degree, across a mix of core courses, elective and work integrated learning. A list of indicative courses is provided below.
Complete exactly 42 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Principles of International Trade and Development | IBUS5001 | 6 |
|
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Economic Principles | ECON5001 | 6 |
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Research Methods and Development | ECON6000 | 6 |
|
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Cost-Benefit Analysis | BUSI5017 | 6 |
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Global Food and Agricultural Markets | BUSI5035 | 6 |
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Research Project | BUSI6006 | 12 |
Complete exactly 6 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
HDR Research Skills | ECON2800 | 6 |
|
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College Professional/Career Development | ECON3802 | 6 |
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Microeconomic Theory | ECON5004 | 6 |
|
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Econometrics | ECON5006 | 6 |
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Public Economics | ECON5007 | 6 |
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Trends and Issues in the World Food System | ECON5011 | 6 |
|
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International Trade: Negotiations and Agreements | ECON5012 | 6 |
|
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Macroeconomic Theory | ECON5106 | 6 |
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Econometric Theory | ECON6002 | 6 |
|
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International Trade: Strategies and Opportunities | IBUS5004 | 6 |
|
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Global Food and Agricultural Policy Analysis | POLI5001 | 6 |
|
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Impact Evaluation Methods of Public Policy | POLI6000 | 6 |
Complete one Major from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Economic Analysis | ECOAMAERP | 48 |
|
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Global Food and Agribusiness | GLFAMAERP | 48 |
|
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International Trade | INTTMAERP | 48 |
|
|
Public Economics and Policy | PUBEMAERP | 48 |
Career outcomes
Our Master of Economics and Resource Policy will open doors across a range of careers and sectors. You might work in the public sector, in finance, in academia or for a not-for-profit. You may work for a high profile or global company in industries including health, tech, pharmaceuticals and automotive.
Opportunities also extend to food, agriculture and resource industries, consulting, and banking and financial services. Your analytic and modelling skills might even be channelled towards devising strategies for resource allocation in aid agencies.
Interested in a career as an economic analyst, evaluating corporate strategies? Want to be a government policy analyst, modernising or restructuring regulatory frameworks? Unlock these careers and more through our future-focused degree.
Other careers might include:
- Corporate policy adviser
- Consultant
- Data analyst
- Business analyst
- Economics researcher
- Economist.
Industry trends
In 2023, the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report predicted the largest job creation areas were likely to emerge from technological, environment and economic trends – all of which draw on economic learning.
In the technological space, digital technologies like big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are projected to shape job markets and business growth. Economics serves as the basis for firms to integrate these technologies and grasp digital transformation strategies, such as digitising commerce and trade.
In the environment and sustainability sector, economic tools such as costs-benefits analysis and mathematical modelling will be used to evaluate investments driven by concerns about climate change and the adoption of environmental technologies.
After digital and environmental, economic trends such as the rising cost of living, slow economic growth, geopolitical divisions and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to drive labour market disruption (World Economic Forum 2023).
With your knowledge in Economics and Resource Policy, you’ll be an appealing candidate across business and government roles as they adapt to emerging economic trends and consumer needs.
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.
