Master of Economics: MEcon

Earning a Master's degree in Economics from Otago equips you with the advanced knowledge and sophisticated skills needed for a career in Economics. This program is designed to develop the skills needed by professional economists working as high-level analysts in government agencies, large businesses, and consultancies. It also offers a path to Ph.D. studies.

The Master of Economics (MEcon, for short) is a one-year program that is most popular among domestic and international students. 

As the MEcon is a rigorous program designed to provide high-level skills, success requires a solid background in undergraduate economic theory and econometrics as well as a background in mathematics applied to economics.

Entry into the MEcon program normally requires a bachelor’s degree in Economics that includes ECON375 (Econometrics) and ECON377 (Mathematical Economics) or comparable coursework.

Preparation for success in the MEcon includes general skill in mathematics used in economics, a solid grounding in intermediate micro-and macro-economic theory (with calculus), a year of intermediate-level econometrics, as in ECON210, and ECON375, and more advanced mathematical economics as in ECON377.

A grade average of at least B for the best four 300-level papers that can count towards the Economics major subject requirement.

You need to complete credit hours to successfully obtain this degree. Please check detail of study units at https://www.otago.ac.nz/economics/study/postgraduate/masters/index.html

Earning the MEcon normally requires 12 months of full-time study and consists of Six 20-point papers at Master’s level (i.e., 400-level) in economics over two semesters.

Two papers in advanced economic theory (ECON410 and ECON411), at least one of two papers in applied econometrics (ECON412 and/or ECON413), plus at least two additional 400-level papers are required.

A research dissertation (ECON580) worth 60 points. The dissertation involves supervised, individual research in an approved topic area. Students typically write the dissertation over the summer months. However, earlier hand-ins are possible.

The MEcon can be studied full-time or part-time. You may start at the beginning of semester one (February) or semester two (July) each year, though starting in February is preferable.

You can join one of the following careers:

• Economist
• Economic Analyst