University of Western Australia

What you'll study

The Master of Economics combines core training in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics with elective options that allow specialisation in areas such as resource and environmental economics, labour and public economics, health economics, and international trade. The programme emphasises rigorous quantitative methods, empirical analysis using real data, and the application of economic frameworks to public policy and business problems.

Typical core subjects include advanced microeconomic theory, advanced macroeconomic theory, and applied econometrics. Elective subjects commonly offered cover topics such as:

• Resource and environmental economics
• Economics of regulation and public policy
• Labour economics and human capital
• Development and international trade
• Industrial organisation and competition policy
• Financial economics and applied time series

Students undertake a mixture of lectures, seminars and computer-based workshops. Assessment typically includes problem sets, empirical assignments using statistical software, examinations and a capstone or research project option that emphasises applied policy analysis or empirical research.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor degree with a substantial quantitative component; this commonly means an economics degree with honours or a bachelor degree in a related discipline (for example, mathematics, statistics, commerce or finance) with demonstrable economics and quantitative coursework. Graduate entry may require a specified grade point average or equivalent academic standing.

Typical prerequisites include prior study in intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics and introductory econometrics or statistics. Applicants without all prerequisites may be admitted with the requirement to complete bridging or preparatory coursework.

International applicants must meet the University’s English language proficiency standards via recognised tests or equivalent qualifications. Professional experience in analytical roles can strengthen an application but does not replace academic prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Economics enter a wide range of roles where strong analytical and quantitative skills are valued. Common career outcomes include positions as economists and policy analysts in federal, state and local government agencies; research economists in central banks, regulatory bodies and think tanks; consultants in economic consulting firms; and analysts in financial institutions and industry groups.

The programme also prepares students for doctoral study and academic research careers, as well as specialist roles in sectors with a significant economic focus such as natural resources and energy, health, education and environmental management.

Why study at University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia offers the Master of Economics within a research-active School of Economics with strengths in applied econometrics, resource and environmental economics and public policy. Studying at UWA provides access to academic staff engaged in policy-relevant research, opportunities for collaboration with industry and government in Western Australia, and training in widely-used empirical techniques and data analysis tools.

Located in Perth, UWA benefits from proximity to major resource and energy sectors, public agencies and a dynamic regional economy, which can provide relevant case studies and professional connections. The programme combines rigorous theory with applied skills to equip graduates for analytical roles in a range of organisations or further research training.