Master of Applied Economics

What you will study

To earn the Master of Applied Economics, students must complete 16 courses in the program, totalling 96 units of credit (UOC), comprised of:

• Core courses (30 UOC)
• Prescribed electives (54 UOC)
• Economics practicum (12 UOC)

Each course is valued at six UOC.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

You will need to have graduated with a recognised bachelor's degree from an Australian university or equivalent overseas institution with a minimum overall grade of 65 per cent, as determined by UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Calculator.

For students with prior work experience of at least one year in the private or public sector (for example, clerical or administrative work in a commercial, not-for-profit or public service organisation, supervisory or management, banking, finance or marketing experience or other business-related positions) the prescribed economics practicum may be waived.

Additionally, students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Economics with a minimum WAM of 65 per cent can apply to articulate into this Masters coursework program and will receive 24 UOC of Advanced Standing.

English language requirements

If English isn’t your first language, you may be required to provide evidence that your English language ability meets our requirements. Contact the university for further information. If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application.

You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• English language tests and university English courses.
• Prior study in the medium of English.
• Other qualifications.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you are applying for a masters’ degree, up to five courses, or 30 UOC may be awarded based on your previous business studies (bachelor's or higher). An additional 12 UOC for the Economics Practicum may be awarded for having at least one year of prior work experience in the private or public sector. You’ll be notified of the credits in your official letter of offer.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

Jobs in economics include:

• Health economist
• Behavioural economist
• Financial economist
• Labour economist
• Macroeconomist
• Credit analyst
• Business analyst
• Financial analyst
• Insurance analyst
• Data analyst
• Policy analyst
• Actuary
• Business reporter
• Economic researcher
• Economic consulting
• Financial consultant
• Financial controller
• Financial services
• Human resource manager
• Investment analyst
• Management consultant
• Market research analyst

Learning outcomes

• Leadership development: Graduates will develop the capacity to take initiative, encourage forward thinking and bring about innovation, while effectively influencing others to achieve desired results.
• Business communication: Graduates will be able to harness, manage and communicate business information effectively using multiple forms of communication across different channels.
• Business and economic knowledge: Graduates will be able to make informed and effective selection and application of knowledge in a discipline or profession, in the contexts of local and global business.
• Problem solving: Graduates will be able to define and address business and economic problems, and propose effective evidence-based solutions, through the application of rigorous analysis and critical thinking.
• Teamwork: Graduates will be able to interact and collaborate effectively with others to achieve a common business purpose or fulfill a common business project, and reflect critically on the process and the outcomes.
• Responsible business practice: Graduates will develop and be committed to responsible business and economic thinking and approaches, which are underpinned by ethical professional practice and sustainability considerations.
• Global and cultural competence: Students will be aware of business systems in the wider world and actively committed to recognise and respect the cultural norms, beliefs and values of others, and will apply this knowledge to interact, communicate and work effectively in diverse environments.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative first-year full fee in 2025: $40,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Indicative full fee in 2025: $82,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than one Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 UOC per year).

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

• The number of units studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of units.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.