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 Adelaide, 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.

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.

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 Adelaide 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 Adelaide 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

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

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 ...

Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject.

IELTS: Overall 6.5 (Reading 6, Listening 6, Speaking 6, Writing 6); TOEFL: Internet-based: Total score of 79 with a minimum of 21 in Writing, 18 in Speaking and 13 in Reading and Listening; TOEFL Paper-based: Total score of 577 with a minimum of 4.5 in the Test of Written English (TWE); Pearsons: Overall 58 (Reading 50, Listening 50, Speaking 50, Writing 50); Cambridge: Overall 176 (Reading 169, Listening 169, Speaking 169, Writing 169).