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According to Research Papers in Economics (RePEc), the UQ School of Economics is in the top 25 per cent of research institutions in the world – ranked 49th in the world and 2nd in Australia (April 2018).
UQ is the only university in Queensland to offer a Bachelor of Economics. We're also one of the few universities to offer the program in Australia.
UQ is home to some of Australia's leading economics researchers who have earned a large number of prestigious awards, competitive research grants and fellowships. We also have specialist research centres including the Centre for Efficiency and Productivity Analysis.
The Faculty of Business, Economics and Law's award-winning Student Employability Team (SET) helps students develop their careers through internships, mentoring programs, inspirational guest speakers and career planning advice.
There are 5 majors available in the Bachelor of Economics.
View all majors for this programGraduates of the Bachelor of Economics are employed across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.
Past graduates have worked for employers including:
Other graduates choose to further their research ambitions and enrol in an honours year, where they develop their research skills and make significant contributions to knowledge.
"I can't recommend economics highly enough. At UQ you'll learn invaluable skills that will stick with you for a lifetime, be it analytical, mathematical or political." Nichola Kitson, BEcon (2013), MSc (Economics) (University of Oxford, 2015)
Economist, Overseas Development Institute, United Kingdom
Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) are supportive study sessions for first-year students run by other students. PASS leaders have recently studied (and done well) in economics courses – and provide advice about studying and student life.
During semester breaks, UQ's Summer and Winter Research Programs provide you with research experience working alongside some of the University’s leading academics and researchers. You just need to find a project relevant to your interests and apply.
We strongly encourage our students to spend time abroad with one of our international partner universities to diversify their knowledge and experience. Partner universities include the University of Wisconsin, University College London, and the National University of Singapore.
“Economics has given me a diverse and marketable skill set and global perspective that set me up to take on an interesting, exciting and worthwhile international career.” Verity Doyle, LLB (Hons I) / BEcon (2009)
Associate, Linklaters, London, United Kingdom
The Community Engagement Program (CEP) gives you opportunities to work on real-life projects with not-for-profit and community organisations. In small groups, you'll apply your classroom knowledge and experience, and develop your leadership and networking skills.
All international applicants need to meet the minimum entry score for this program.
Queensland Year 12 (or equivalent) English, Mathematics B.
View the Prerequisites guide for more information about subject equivalents for interstate high schools, overseas high schools, university subjects and pathways and bridging programs.
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL IBT - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19. TOEFL PB - Overall 570, listening 54, reading 54, writing 59/5. Pearsons - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands. BEP - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills. CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands. OET is not accepted. View the English proficiency policy
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Bachelor of Economics are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa.
The Australian Government has simplified the visa application process. Now, all international students apply for the Student Visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted. Find out more about the visa application process.
The courses offered in the Bachelor of Economics are set out in the course list. Each course is allocated a certain number of units (#). A standard full-time study load is 8 units per semester.
Courses Program RulesThe Program Rules explain what is required to complete the Bachelor of Economics. These requirements include the total number of units you need to complete in order to graduate.
Program RulesTo have your degree conferred, you also need to comply with UQ’s policies and rules.
Graduates may be eligible for membership with the following professional bodies:
Dual programs let you study two degrees at the same time. Each dual program has a single set of Program Rules.
The following dual programs are available with the Bachelor of Economics:
A concurrent diploma is a diploma-level qualification (AQF 5) that you can study alongside your bachelor's program.
All diplomas are made up of 16 units. You can spread these units across the duration of your bachelor's program, or you can complete these units in an accelerated period.
Concurrent diplomas are available in:
Graduates of the Bachelor of Economics have the opportunity to progress into the following programs:
Eligibility for honours is based on your GPA. For details refer to the Program Rules for the honours program.
If you're a current student who has already commenced study at UQ, refer to Programs and Courses in my.UQ for full information about your program structure, rules and requirements.
The following is a list of majors available in the Bachelor of Economics.
When you graduate, any majors, dual majors and extended majors you have completed will be listed on your degree certificate.
If you're ready for the challenges of a fast-paced career, this major is for you. The Business and Industry major concentrates on economic decision-making in the business sector. It covers areas like managerial economics, industrial and labour economics, the regulatory environment, and benefit/cost analysis techniques. As a student in this major, you'll develop critical skills and knowledge relevant to businesses in all sectors and industries.
Graduates of the Business and Industry major typically work for industry bodies, government departments, consultancies and private enterprise.
The Economics and Public Policy major is an economics-centred, multidisciplinary major for anyone curious about how government intervention can affect economies in a globalised world. The major focuses on the analytical tools you'll need to design and evaluate public policies. Core courses examine public finance and regulatory economics, while electives include advanced microeconomics, macroeconomics, applied econometrics and a range of policy-oriented courses.
Graduates of the Economics and Public Policy major typically work in public policy, government bodies, not-for profit organisations, private enterprise and politics.
The International Trade and Finance major focuses on the economic aspects of financial systems and emerging issues in the globalised world economy. As a student in this major, you'll study banking and international trade theories, and understand financial systems and the roles they play in economies. You'll also get to choose from advanced-level electives in areas including macroeconomics, econometric tools, financial management and the political aspects of economic globalisation.
Graduates of the International Trade and Finance major typically work in financial institutions, government agencies, consulting firms, and Australian and international private enterprises.
The effective and efficient use of natural resources is a pressing social and political issue. The Natural Resources and Environment major will teach you how to apply economic tools to analyse problems associated with the allocation of renewable and non-renewable natural resources, including fish and marine resources; forests; agricultural and recreational land; river systems; and energy and minerals. As a student in this major, you'll develop the analytical abilities to understand the enormous challenges facing business, governments and the community at large.
Graduates of the Natural Resources and Environment major typically work in public policy, environmental agencies, private enterprise, and mining and energy companies.
The Quantitative Methods major will allow you to contribute to better decision-making within the public and private sectors. As a student in this major, you'll learn about scientific methods of inquiry to measure, analyse, predict and model a broad range of economic scenarios. The major has a strong mathematical and modelling focus and will allow you to provide clear and evidence-based economic analysis. Advanced-level elective courses cover areas including econometric theory, productivity and efficiency analysis, statistics, and benefit-cost analysis.
Graduates of the Quantitative Methods major typically work in research consultancies, management organisations, private business, and government-orientated enterprise.
You should refer to the Program Rules for more information. Full definitions of majors are available in the Policies and Procedures Library.
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
Find out more about financial aid, including scholarships and financial aid programs.
The "indicative annual fee" is the cost of enrolling in the Bachelor of Economics for the 2020 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load.
A standard full-time study load is 16 units per academic year.
If you enrol in a larger or smaller study load, your fees will be calculated on a proportionate basis.
All fees are reviewed annually.
Visit Tuition fees for more information.
International students are eligible to apply for a number of scholarships and prizes. These may be offered by the University, the Australian Government, foreign governments, or private organisations.
Many scholarships have specific eligibility criteria and are very competitive. More information, including information about how to apply, is available on the Scholarships website.
How you apply for the Bachelor of Economics depends on what type of applicant you are.
Apply now to QTACSubmit your application to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) if you are an international student who is currently:
If you’re not currently studying Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Australia, submit your application directly to UQ using our online application form or through an approved UQ agent in your country.
Find out more about applying for undergraduate study.
Apply now to UQThere are a number of dates and deadlines you need to meet when applying for university.
If you’re studying year 12 in Australia, a good resource is the QTAC website, which has information about the application process and closing dates. Note: what QTAC calls a “course” we call a "program".
If you’re applying directly to UQ, the closing date for the Bachelor of Economics is:
A full list of dates relevant to UQ students is available on the Student Matters Calendar.
What would you like to know? Browse some of our popular topics or search our frequently asked questions to find answers to some common questions.
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View UQ AnswersDownload our UQ guides for more information on programs, events, scholarships, upcoming important dates and much more.
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