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Bachelor of Economics B.Ec
2009

Program Outline | Related Programs | Admission Information | Areas of Specialisation | Study Plans | Career Opportunities | Graduate Attributes | Useful Links | Program Rules

Location: North Terrace Campus
Duration: 3 years (full-time or part-time? equivalent)
Degree/Award: Bachelor

Program Outline

The study of economics relates to the entire range of activities undertaken by a country’s organisations and focuses on the 'big picture'. Economics courses are primarily concerned with the economic welfare of a country’s population and the management of its public institutions and private business enterprises.

The study of economics at the University of Adelaide will help you understand how a market economy works. It will also help you to develop other important employment skills - critical and logical thinking, evaluation of argument and evidence, knowing where and how to find information, working with initiative and in teams, and communicating effectively both orally and in writing. These are the skills that employers constantly seek in graduates.

The typical Bachelor of Economics program combines a major in economics with a selection of elective courses. Half of the courses are in economics including economic principles, applied economics, statistics and economic history. Electives can be additional economics courses, including in the areas of environmental economics, international trade and development economics, and commerce courses such as marketing or management. Students can also choose courses from other disciplines, for example, geography, history, languages, philosophy, politics, applied or pure mathematics, science and computer science.

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Admission Information

Admissions information for domestic ? and international ? students.

Domestic

Selection criteria: ?
  • Year 12 applicants
    2008 Commonwealth-supported TER: 70.55
    You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You must have gained a 'Recorded Achievement' in four SACE Stage 2 HESS (Higher Education Selection Subjects) General subjects (or interstate/International Baccalaureate equivalents). For a full list of SACE subjects and their HESS status please refer to the SATAC Tertiary Entrance Booklet. You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).
  • Higher Education applicants
    You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent university study. 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.
  • VET applicants
    You must have completed an AQF Diploma or above. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award.
  • Special Entry applicants
    You must meet the following criteria: you must be 21 years or over on January 1st of the year that you will be studying*, you must not hold a completed higher education level award, and if you have been enrolled in a course leading to a higher education level award in the last 3 years, you must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is weighted such that the verbal component contributes 35% and the quantitative component contributes 65% to your overall score. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements will not contribute to your rank. *The age restriction is 19 years or over if you have completed either the Flinders Foundation course or the UniSA Foundation Studies program or the UniSA Program for Adult Learners. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
How to apply: ?
SATAC Code: 314141
Apply through SATAC SATAC application dates Application and Admission
Mid-year entry? Subject to availability
Annual tuition fees: ?
Commonwealth-supported place: $8,677
General enquiries: Student Centre

International

Selection criteria: ?
IELTS Total
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
6
5.5
5.5
6
6
International TER 75
How to apply:
Mid-year entry? Yes
Annual tuition fees: ? International student place: $22,000
General enquiries: Student Centre
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Areas of Specialisation

As only about half of the Bachelor of Economics program is made up of compulsory courses, it is possible to choose elective courses which will complement a specialisation in a particular area of economics, such as a focus on international or environmental economics.

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Study Plans

The study plans ? given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

Students who have not completed mathematics to at least SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Studies (or equivalent) must complete Mathematics for Economists I before attempting level II economics core courses. The course assumes no previous study of mathematics and covers topics relevant to economics undergraduates.

For students commencing Level 1 in 2009:

Level I
  • ECON 1004: Principles of Microeconomics I
  • ECON 1000: Principles of Macroeconomics I
  • ECON 1008: Business and Economics Statistics I
  • ECON 1005: Mathematics for Economists I or Economics Level I course

Plus four Level 1 Electives chosen from:

  • ECON 1009: International Financial Institutions & Markets I
  • Courses from other disciplines offered within the University
Level II
  • ECON 2506: Intermediate Microeconomics II
  • ECON 2507: Intermediate Macroeconomics II
  • ECON 2504: Intermediate Econometrics II
  • Economics Level II course

Plus four Level II Electives from the Economics courses or from other disciplines within the University. 

Level III
  • Four Economics Level III courses 

Plus four Level III Electives from the Economics courses or from other disciplines within the University.  

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Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Economics is designed primarily as an education for future managers and decision makers in all areas of the economy - private firms, government departments, consultancies and private and public interest groups. Economics graduates are employed by trading and merchant banks, stockbrokers, manufacturers and distributors, insurance companies, and a wide range of government organisations. Other options include journalism, teaching and international consulting.

After completion of an Honours or higher degree, graduates may call themselves a professional economist and usually work for companies, governments, international agencies, or as university lecturers. The Bachelor of Economics is also the first step for those who would like to take more advanced studies in economics and related fields.

Potential careers

Market Researcher, Foreign Affairs, Political Advisor, Stockbroker, Business Consultant, Economic Researcher, Economist, Export / Import trade, Government or Corporate Policy Adviser, International Government and Trade Policy Adviser, International Trade or Business Analyst, Journalist, Accountant, Banker, Business Analyst, Business Data Analyst, Commodities or Futures Trader, Consultant, Development Officer, Diplomatic corps, Project Officer, Public Servant, Research Assistant, Environmental Consultant, Government officer

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Program Rules

School of Economics

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The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Monday, 22 Dec 2008

Program Talks

Economics: A degree for life!

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The University of Adelaide offers the widest range of degree and subject offerings in the field of Economics within South Australia. The single and double degrees promote the development of employment skills including critical and logical thinking, evaluation of argument and evidence and the ability to research global issues. These programs provide an excellent foundation for a wide range of careers within the private or public sector.