University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The honours year combines advanced coursework with a substantial independent research project (honours thesis). Core study areas typically include advanced microeconomic theory, advanced macroeconomic theory, applied and theoretical econometrics, and research methods in economics. Students also choose from elective topics that reflect staff expertise and research strengths, such as health economics, environmental and resource economics, labour economics, development economics, behavioural economics, and monetary and financial economics.

• Advanced theory: in-depth micro and macro modules that develop analytical tools for modelling individual and aggregate economic behaviour.
• Econometrics and quantitative methods: rigorous training in estimation, inference and applied techniques used for empirical research.
• Research methods and thesis: supervised preparation of an honours thesis on an original piece of research, including literature review, data collection/analysis and presentation of findings.
• Electives and seminars: specialised seminars and elective units allowing students to apply theory and methods to policy-relevant problems.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need an approved bachelor degree in economics or a related discipline with substantial economics and quantitative coursework. Admission is competitive and based on academic performance in prior study; applicants are generally expected to have achieved a strong upper‑level weighted average or equivalent. Relevant background units typically include intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics and introductory econometrics or statistics. In some cases the School may require applicants to demonstrate research potential and fit with available supervisors.

Career prospects

Graduates of the honours programme are well placed for roles that require advanced analytical and empirical skills. Typical career pathways include economic analyst or adviser in government departments and regulatory agencies, research positions in think tanks and policy centres, consultancy roles in private sector firms, and analyst or quantitative roles in banking and finance. The honours year is also the usual pathway into doctoral research and academic careers for students who wish to undertake a PhD in economics or related fields.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide's School of Economics offers a research-led environment with strengths across applied and theoretical economics, and close links to industry and public policy institutions. Honours students benefit from small cohort sizes, dedicated supervision from academic staff, access to training in advanced econometric software and data sources, and opportunities to engage with research centres and seminars. This combination of rigorous training and research support equips graduates for demanding analytical roles or further postgraduate study.