Bachelor of Economics (Honours)

Delve deeper into big ideas and strengthen your research and analytical skills in economics. Set yourself apart through a one-year Honours degree.

Faculty

UNSW Business School

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face (includes blended)

Award

Bachelor of Economics (Honours)

Commencing Terms

Term 1, Term 2

Duration (Full Time)

1 Year(s)

Economics is an influential social science that explores human behaviour and decision-making, with a focus on the roles played by incentives, resource constraints, laws, customs, and institutions. When you study Economics at UNSW, you’ll explore how the decisions of institutions and individuals interact to determine outcomes for the economy and society.

This one-year Honours program is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate (pass) degree at UNSW or another institution and want to deepen their expertise to gain a competitive edge. Through a significant research thesis, you will develop analytical, problem-solving and research skills highly sought after in business and government. The Honours degree can act as a springboard to further study and research, such as a PhD.

Key features

Develop strong analytical skills and lateral thinking

Undertake advanced coursework that will challenge the way you think and develop highly transferable problem-solving skills

Conduct independent and original research

Discover research that inspires you and synthesize your analytical, creative, and communication skills to create an independent and original research project from start to finish.

Become highly sought after by industry, government, and post-graduate institutions

Acquire a broad set of skills that are in high demand by employers and academic institutions looking for the next generation of bright young scholars and leaders.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

UNSW Business School has been ranked the #1 business school in Australia by AFR BOSS for the last two years in a row*. That means our business education leads the way in career impact, quality and reputation.

Our School of Economics ranks in the global top 40 for Economics and Econometrics** and received the top research rating by the ERA in Economic Theory, Applied Economics and Econometrics. You’ll have the opportunity to conduct research alongside thought leaders from across the globe, who have diverse expertise in macroeconomics and forecasting, international trade, technology and labour markets, public policy, health economics, development economics, culture and historical institutions, behavioural and experimental economics, decision making theory and applications, market design, political economy, and econometrics and data science.

Our strong industry connections ensure the knowledge, skills, and experience you gain will be relevant and in-demand. Alongside a rigorous education, you'll grow professionally and socially through Career Accelerator networking, mentoring and internship opportunities and diverse student-led societies.

^{*AFR BOSS 2023 Best Business School Rankings}

Program Code

4502

CRICOS Code

085136C

Campus

Kensington

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

Indicative Enrolments

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Entry requirements

This degree is open to students that have completed an undergraduate (pass) degree at UNSW or another institution. Entry to the program is competitive and offers are made based on academic merit and availability of supervisors.

A student must have an overall Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 70 with a discipline/major WAM of at least 70. Students with equivalent degrees, majors and average marks from other universities are eligible to apply. Among recent successful applicants, the median Weighted Average Mark (WAM) across all subjects is 80 and the median WAM in economics subjects is 82.

Typically, applicants will have completed Microeconomics 2, Macroeconomics 2, Mathematical Economics, and a third-year Econometrics course; or the equivalent courses of. Students who have not completed one or more of these courses are still welcome to apply, but successful applicants will typically have completed more math-based courses or have achieved higher WAMs.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

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Program structure

The Honours program in the School of Economics is designed to be completed in one year.

During this year, students complete coursework (4 courses) at the Honours level, which include Advanced Microeconomic Analysis, Advanced Macroeconomic Analysis, a methods course, and an elective course. These courses build on undergraduate foundations to develop strong analytical skills and lateral thinking that serve students pursuing a wide array of careers.

In addition to coursework, students complete an Honours thesis. The thesis is an independent and original research project completed under the guidance of a supervisor. The thesis is the capstone of the undergraduate and honours degrees, requiring a synthesis of theory, methods, creativity, and effective communication skills.

Find out more information on previous Honours thesis questions and how to identify a research topic and question.

Visit the Bachelor of Economics (Honours) Handbook for detailed information. 

Study areas

Economics

Econometrics
Business Economics (under the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours))

Go to the handbook

Future careers

Our graduates are highly sought after by both public and private sector employers and by prestigious masters and doctoral program. Employers of our recent graduates include the Reserve Bank of Australia, the NSW and Federal Treasury, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Deloitte Access Economics, BIS Oxford Economics, HustonKemp, McKinsey & Company, Alphabeta, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, KPMG, and Commonwealth Bank.

Recent graduates have enrolled in PhD programs at MIT, UC Berkeley, Northwestern, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt, Yale, University of British Columbia, Oxford, and the London School of Economics.

Business analyst

Economic forecaster

Graduate economist

Management consultant

Policy adviser

Statistical analyst

Wealth management analyst

Academic in Economics

Explore careers

How to apply

Students are encouraged to submit applications for Term 1 by the first week of December as rolling conditional offers will begin to be made in mid-December. Term 2 and Term 3 entry is typically not recommended but may be allowed in certain cases. Although full-time study is most common and offers advantages, part-time study is possible.

Applications should include:

- a current academic transcript in electronic format

- a 300-600 word thesis proposal,

- a cover letter or statement of purpose highlighting research interests and academic strengths (optional),

- other relevant supporting documents, e.g. awards (optional).

The thesis proposal should identify a specific research question and explain why the question is interesting and important (motivation) and address how the question might be answered (feasibility). The proposal is a starting point for the thesis and may be modified later. Applicants are encouraged to become familiar with faculty members and their research interests and to speak with potential supervisors. Applicants are encouraged but not required to nominate a supervisor.

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Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$15,140*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 4

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.