Economics is more than just markets, models and capital. It’s the study of people, how we make decisions, how we organise our societies, and how we can predict human behaviour. If you're interested in understanding power, opportunity and society – read on.
- The Bachelor of Economics is a three-year program that will teach you how to question, analyse, model and predict behaviour. Economics is central to decision-making in business, markets, trade, government, health, and a range of other areas.
- Choose to study either one or two majors. Majors span topics from economic theory, applied economics and econometrics. Majors are also optional – if you prefer, you can study a mix of courses. For details, see the Majors tab.
- Complete a list of compulsory courses that will build your knowledge about key economic principles, theories and tools. You'll study topics including microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematics, statistics, econometrics, and more.
- Study at one of the largest, most influential and most prestigious schools for economics in Australia. The school is home to more than 70 staff, including experts in energy and climate change, productivity and efficiency analysis, and development economics.
Learn to think like an economist and understand how people make decisions, how markets operate and how the world works.
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Fast Facts
Global standing
UQ’s School of Economics is consistently ranked in the top two per cent of research-intensive economic departments in the world. Our economics researchers also ranked in the top three in Australia in the 2015 ERA Outcomes.
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Fast Facts
We're one of a kind
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.
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Teaching staff
Our teachers are tops
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.
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Professional experience
Link up with industry and the profession
The Faculty of Business, Economics and Law's award-winning Student Employability Team (SET) helps students develop their careers with a range of professional opportunities. These include internships, mentoring programs, inspirational guest speakers and career planning advice.
Majors for this program
There are 5 majors available in the Bachelor of Economics.
View all majors for this programCareer outcomes
Graduates of the Bachelor of Economics are employed across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.
Past graduates have worked for employers including:
- Financial institutions, stockbroking firms and merchant banks
- International organisations, including the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Health Organization
- Governments, providing policy advice and expertise on economic development and infrastructure projects
- Multinational corporations and local firms
- Public sector government departments and agencies, including the Productivity Commission, Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and Australian Prudential Regulation Authority
- Utilities
- Industry associations and consultancies, including market research and advertising organisations, and trade unions.
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.
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Alumni
"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 graduate (2013), MSc graduate (Economics) (University of Oxford, 2015)
Economist, Overseas Development Institute, United Kingdom -
In the classroom
Get a little help from your friends
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.
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Professional experience
Research opportunities
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.
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Beyond the classroom
International experience – UQ Abroad
Find out moreWe 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.
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Alumni
“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 graduate (2009)
Associate, Linklaters, London, United Kingdom -
Professional experience
Research opportunities
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.
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Professional experience
Give back and grow your network
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.
Summary
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Program code2029
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714001
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Faculty
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Duration
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CommencingSemester 1 (19 Feb, 2018)
Semester 2 (23 Jul, 2018) -
Program levelUndergraduate
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Units48
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Delivery locationSt Lucia
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AQFLevel 7
Entry requirements
Prerequisites
Queensland Year 12 (or equivalent) English, Mathematics B.
Program structure
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.
CoursesThe 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.
Professional memberships
Graduates may be eligible for membership with the following professional bodies:
- Australian Computer Society
- Australian Human Resources Institute
- Australasian Institute of Banking and Finance
- Australian Institute of Management
- Australian Marketing Institute
- Economic Society of Australia
- Financial Services Institute of Australasia
- Market Research Society of Australia
- Securities Institute of Australia
Dual programs
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:
Concurrent diplomas
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:
Further study options
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.
Courses and Programs
Majors
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.
Business and Industry
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.
Career outcomes
Graduates of the Business and Industry major typically work for industry bodies, government departments, consultancies and private enterprise.
Economics and Public Policy
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.
Career outcomes
Graduates of the Economics and Public Policy major typically work in public policy, government bodies, not-for profit organisations, private enterprise and politics.
International Trade and Finance
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.
Career outcomes
Graduates of the International Trade and Finance major typically work in financial institutions, government agencies, consulting firms, and Australian and international private enterprises.
Natural Resources and Environment
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.
Career outcomes
Graduates of the Natural Resources and Environment major typically work in public policy, environmental agencies, private enterprise, and mining and energy companies.
Quantitative Methods
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.
Career outcomes
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.
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Undergraduate Study Guide 2018
An introduction to studying at UQ as an undergraduate student, including information about our programs, entry requirements, how to apply, living costs, accommodation and much more.
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Entry Options Guide 2017
Find the best pathway to gain entry to the UQ program that's right for you. This guide includes explanations of different application processes and ways to upgrade your skills and qualifications.
Download (PDF, 1.6MB)