Economics

Bachelor of Economics

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Duration

    3 years full-time or part-time equiv.
  • Start Dates

    February and July
  • Location

    North Terrace Campus

About Degree

Connect with your world

Economists study the world through the analysis of decision-making in households, businesses and broader society. They examine details and put pieces together, always striving to understand the ‘big picture’.

Armed with these insights, economists can give expert advice on business strategy, understand the background behind the news, influence public policy for a better world, and make informed personal financial decisions.

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Economics sets you up to understand and shape our economy's future. You will:

  • learn how to break down complex issues into resolvable questions
  • discover advanced techniques for analysing and managing data
  • study how maths and statistics are applied to economics
  • explore matters relating to the growth and stability of the whole economic system
  • investigate social issues such as inequality, housing affordability, environmental management and depleting natural resources.

There are also opportunities for professional internships in APSB, other Australian cities and overseas.

Where could it take you?

Economics graduates go on to all sorts of exciting careers. You might be a high-stakes stockbroker, banker, or financial planner, a data analyst in a government agency or health economist with a pharmaceutical group. You could be a demand planner in a big wine company. Perhaps you’ll end up working in journalism, foreign affairs or mobile game development.

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte. You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.


Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Admissions information

    SATAC Code314141
    2022 CSP ATAR68.4
    2022 CSP IB24
    Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR75
    Guaranteed Entry Score - IB26
    DefermentYes - 2 year
    IntakeFebruary and July
    Selection Criteria
    Recent Secondary EducationApplicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Higher Education StudyYou must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Vocational Education and Training (VET) studyYou must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Work and life experienceTo be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Other Entry Pathways


    2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR
    (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
    Lowest ATAR to receive an offer58.35
    Median ATAR to receive an offer79.65
    Highest ATAR to receive an offer98.75
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
    Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer68.4
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offer82.5
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer99.95
    Minimum eligibility score65
    Additional criteria consideredSelection rank only
    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    1836.7%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    <5N/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    1734.7%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    N/AN/A
    International students1326.5%
    All students49100.0%


    International applicants

    CRICOS002790D
    IntakeFebruary and July
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 6.5Reading 6Listening 6Speaking 6Writing 6





    TOEFLOverall 79Reading 13Listening 13Speaking 18Writing 21





    PearsonOverall 58Reading 50Listening 50Speaking 50Writing 50





    C1 AdvancedOverall 176Reading 169Listening 169Speaking 169Writing 169





    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Secondary School QualificationsAustralia – Selection Rank (International)70
    International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma24
    Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma65%
    Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation65%
    Canada – Alberta High School Diploma74%
    China – Gaokao60%
    Germany – Abitur3.70
    GCE A Levels7
    Hong Kong – HKDSE17
    India – ISC & CBSE65%
    India - Indian State Board Examinations75%
    Indonesia – SMA380%
    Kenya – Certificate of Secondary EducationB+
    Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate70%
    Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi2.67
    Malaysia – UEC25
    South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma300
    Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels8
    Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma64%
    Thailand – Certificate of Secondary Education3.2
    USA – SAT1100
    USA – Advanced Placement (AP)6
    Vietnam – Upper Secondary School8.00
    The University of APSB College Foundation Program70%
    Eynesbury Foundation Program339
    ANU College Foundation Studies59%
    Monash College Foundation Year MUFY64%
    Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne)70%
    UNSW Foundation Year6.40
    UQ College Foundation Studies Program4.00
    Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)6.50
    UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP)54%
    Non–Go8 Foundation Score70%
    Other QualificationsStudents who don't meet the academic requirements or who have other qualifications from the South Pacific Islands, Japan, Korea, Philippines or Taiwan may be eligible to apply for a Pre-University Pathway to prepare for or gain entry into the University's undergraduate academic programs. For additional information see Pathway Programs
    How to Apply
    Application information for international students
    Important application deadlines for international students

    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    1836.7%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    <5N/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    1734.7%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    N/AN/A
    International students1326.5%
    All students49100.0%


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $12,740

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

    Find a Scholarship.

    The Eric Smith Scholarship awards $1,500 to the commencing student with the highest overall selection rank who enrols in our single degree Bachelor of Economics program. Recipients must be Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia undertaking study as a Commonwealth supported student.


    International applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units)International student place: $43,500

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

    Find a Scholarship.

    The Eric Smith Scholarship awards $1,500 to the commencing student with the highest overall selection rank who enrols in our single degree Bachelor of Economics program. Recipients must be Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia undertaking study as a Commonwealth supported student.


Careers

Career Readiness

This degree provides a great foundation for a wide range of careers. Recent graduates have been employed by trading and merchant banks, stockbrokers, insurance companies, accounting firms, financial planners, infrastructure and utility companies, manufacturers and distributors and a wide range of federal and state government organisations. Other employment opportunities include journalism, teaching, foreign affairs and international consulting.

Completion of an honours degree opens up more options for specialist positions in economics, including in government and business.

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.

The University of APSB Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of APSB Graduate Attributes.

  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Industry Placement

Work placement can include internships.

Potential careers

Economic Researcher, Economist, Export / Import trade, Government or Corporate Policy Adviser, International Government and Trade Policy Adviser, International Trade or Business Analyst, Banker, Business Data Analyst, Commodities or Futures Trader, Diplomatic corps, Project Officer, Public Servant, Foreign Affairs, Business Manager, Data Analyst, Financial Analyst, Health Economist, Humanitarian / Aid Worker, Industrial Organiser, International Development Worker, Oil and Gas Analyst, Policy Adviser, ...


Degree Structure

The Bachelor of Economics program includes compulsory courses designed to give students a solid understanding of economics, plus a selection of optional courses.

The compulsory courses make up half of the program and include economic principles, applied economics and econometrics.

The other half of the program consists of optional or elective courses. Students can choose from further economics courses (for example big data, international economics, international trade, environmental economics, human resources economics, development economics, behavioural economics) or courses from other disciplines including accounting, finance, international studies, management, politics, marketing, geography, history, languages, mathematics, or computer science. In this way, the Bachelor of Economics will give students the opportunity to pursue one or more areas of interest outside of economics.

The optional Honours (fourth) year involves the writing of a research report or thesis together with advanced coursework in macroeconomics, microeconomics and econometrics.

Areas of Specialisation

In addition to the core studies for the Bachelor of Economics, a second major may be taken from the following:

  • Financial Economics
  • Public Policy
  • International Economic Development.

A minor in Financial Services is also available.

Example Study Plan

Indicative Study Plan
for students commencing in 2023
Year Level 1
Core coursesECON 1012 : Principles of Economics I
ECON 1008 : Data Analytics I
ECON 1005 : Introduction to Mathematical Economics I or ECON 1010 : Mathematical Economics I or approved Economics Level I mathematics course *
ECON 1002 : Australia in the Global Economy I or ECON 1009  International Financial Institutions & Markets I or ECON 1013  Using Big Data for Economic and Social Problems I
ElectivesFour level 1 electives not already taken and chosen from:

ECON 1002 : Australia in the Global Economy I
ECON 1009 : International Financial Institutions and Markets I
ECON 1010 : Mathematical Economics I
ECON 1013 : Using Big Data for Economic and Social Problems I

Courses from other disciplines offered within the University
Year Level 2
Core coursesECON 2507 : Intermediate Macroeconomics II
ECON 2513 : Global Economic History II
ECON 2514 : Managerial Economics II
ECON 2515 : Intermediate Applied Econometrics II
ElectivesFour level II electives not already taken and chosen from:

ECON 2500 : International Trade and Investment Policy II
ECON 2502 : East Asian Economies II
ECON 2508 : Financial Economics II
ECON 2511 : Behavioural Economics II
Courses from other disciplines offered within the University
Year Level 3
Core coursesECON 3525 : Economic Policy Analysis III
ECON 3530 : Applied Econometrics III

Plus two Level III courses from the Economics courses:

ECON 3500 : Resource and Environmental Economics
ECON 3501 : Development Economics III
ECON 3503 : Game Theory III
ECON 3506 : International Trade III
ECON 3508 : Public Economics III
ECON 3510 : International Finance III
ECON 3511 : Money, Banking and Financial Markets III
ECON 3519 : Advanced Mathematical Economics III
ECON 3528 : Human Resources Economics III

ElectivesFour level III electives from the Economics courses or from other disciplines offered within the University, including the following (subject to availability and approval):

PROF 3500 : Undergraduate Professions Internship
PROF 3501 : Undergraduate Professions Internship Overseas
Notes:

This is an indicative study plan and subject to change.

* Students who have not completed Year 12 Maths or equivalent should take Introduction to Mathematical Economics I concurrently with Principles of Economics I in the first semester of first year. Students who have completed Year 12 Maths or equivalent may enrol in Mathematical Economics  I or another approved Economics Level I mathematics course.

Assessment

Assessment is based on a range of methods. Typical examples of those methods include examinations, tests, individual or group assignments, projects, presentations, online quizzes, and tutorial work.


RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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