University of Queensland
Master of Economics
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Develop advanced economic analysis, modelling and research skills to inform business and policy decisions, with opportunities to specialise in applied econometrics, public policy or health economics.
Course overview
The University of Queensland's Master of Economics is designed for graduates seeking to develop advanced economic knowledge and analytical skills, whether transitioning into economics from another discipline or building on previous study. The program offers specialisations in Applied Econometrics, Economics and Public Policy, and Health Economics, alongside a general economics pathway.
You'll develop knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, economic evaluation and research methods. Depending on your chosen pathway, you'll explore statistical modelling and data analysis, the economic foundations of public policy, or the evaluation of health systems and healthcare decisions. Elective options allow you to investigate areas such as financial markets, behavioural economics, international trade, environmental economics and machine learning, with opportunities to apply economic theories to practical challenges.
Delivered at UQ's St Lucia campus, the program can be completed in two years of full-time study or the part-time equivalent. Learning combines lectures, workshops, case studies and research activities, with opportunities to undertake a research thesis or graduate placement. Graduates can pursue analytical, advisory and research roles across business, government, consulting and related sectors.
Key facts
26th July, 2027
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 Master of Economics, you must successfully complete 32 units, as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth two units.
The course structure below is based on the two-year pathway. Students eligible for the 1.5-year pathway complete 24 units of study, with eight units recognised as approved prior learning. The shorter pathway does not require the foundational courses.
Foundational courses
Complete eight units from all of the following:
- Foundations in Microeconomics
- Foundations in Macroeconomics
- Mathematical Techniques for Economics
- Statistics for Business & Economics
Core courses
Complete six units from all of the following:
- Elements of Econometrics
- Cost Benefit Analysis & Project Evaluation
- Research Methods in Economics
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
Two-year pathway
To be eligible for this course, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in any discipline, with a minimum GPA of 4.5 on UQ's 7-point scale.
- A Graduate Certificate in Economic Studies from UQ, with a minimum GPA of 4.0.
- A Graduate Diploma in Economics from UQ, with a minimum GPA of 4.0.
1.5-year pathway
Applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline, with a minimum GPA of 4.5 on UQ's 7-point scale.
- A Graduate Certificate in Economics from UQ, with a minimum GPA of 4.0.
Relevant disciplines include economics, business and commerce. Other bachelor's degrees may be accepted if they include at least four courses across microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics or mathematics.
English language requirements
Applicants who are required to demonstrate English language proficiency must meet the following requirements:
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in listening, reading, writing and speaking.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 87, with a minimum of 19 in listening, reading and speaking, and 21 in writing.
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 64, with a minimum of 60 in each communicative skill.
- Cambridge English Scale (CES): Overall score of 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component.
- Bridging English (BE): Minimum overall grade of 4, with at least a C in each macro skill.
The Occupational English Test (OET) is not accepted.
Other ways of meeting English language requirements may be available. Contact the university for further information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Applicants with a relevant previous qualification may be eligible for the 1.5-year pathway, which includes eight units of approved recognised prior learning. This reduces the number of units students are required to complete from 32 to 24. Additional credit or exemptions may be available depending on previous studies and individual circumstances.
Contact the university for further information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Graduates may pursue career opportunities in roles such as:
- 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.