University of Queensland

Graduate Diploma in Economics

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Diploma

Turn economic theory and data into informed decisions through rigorous study in microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematics and econometrics, with pathways to advanced master’s study at UQ.

Course overview

Economic forces shape decisions across business, government and society. The University of Queensland’s Graduate Diploma in Economics offers graduates without previous economics study a rigorous introduction to the theories and quantitative methods used to interpret markets, policy choices and changing economic conditions.

You will progress from foundations in microeconomics and macroeconomics to mathematical techniques, statistics and econometrics. This integrated study strengthens your ability to examine incentives, evaluate evidence and apply economic reasoning to complex questions. An elective allows you to investigate a specialised area such as health, environmental or development economics, financial markets, public policy or advanced econometric analysis.

Delivered face-to-face at UQ’s St Lucia campus, the qualification can be completed in one year of full-time study or part-time equivalent. Lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops connect economic theory with analytical application, supported by research-active academics in Queensland’s largest School of Economics. The graduate diploma can also provide a pathway to UQ’s Master of Economics or Master of International Economics and Finance.

Key facts

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Graduate Diploma
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
12 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $5,543
More Information
The estimated fee is determined by individual units of study and the year the course was commenced.
Campus
St Lucia
Intake
22nd February, 2027
26th July, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
8
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

At UQ, a unit represents the value of individual courses that contribute to the total unit requirements of a program. Most UQ courses have a value of two units, though some may vary depending on the program or course structure.

To earn the Graduate Diploma in Economics, you must complete 16 units or eight courses, as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth two units.

Core units

Complete 14 units from all of the following:

  • Foundations in Microeconomics
  • Foundations in Macroeconomics
  • The Macroeconomy
  • Consumer and Firm Behaviour
  • Mathematical Techniques for Economics
  • Statistics for Business & Economics
  • Elements of Econometrics
Elective units

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

To be eligible for entry into the Graduate Diploma in Economics, applicants must:

  • Hold UQ’s Graduate Certificate in Economic Studies, or
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline.

Applicants must also have achieved a GPA of at least 4.0 on UQ’s seven-point scale in the qualification used to meet the entry requirements.

For qualifications completed outside Australia, UQ will determine the equivalent GPA when assessing the application.

English-language requirements

Applicants must meet UQ’s English-language proficiency requirements. Published minimum scores include:

  • IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each component
  • TOEFL iBT: 87 overall, including 19 in listening, 19 in reading, 21 in writing and 19 in speaking
  • PTE Academic: 64 overall, with at least 60 in each communicative skill
  • Bridging English: an overall grade of at least 4, with at least a grade of C in each macro skill
  • Cambridge English Scale: 176 overall, with at least 169 in each skill

OET is not accepted for this course. Other approved qualifications and pathways may also be used to meet UQ’s English-language requirements. Contact the university for further information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of units that you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

Potential career outcomes include:

  • Strategy and Economics Analyst
  • Economic Policy Analyst
  • Infrastructure and Investment Adviser
  • Policy and Research Analyst
  • Quantitative Behavioural Strategist
  • Data Analyst

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative annual fee in 2026: $44,344 (Full-fee paying place)

Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.

A student’s annual fee may vary by:

  • The number of units studied.
  • 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.