Bachelor of Economics (Honours)

Turn high-achieving into a higher degree

An honours degree is a one-year program that builds upon undergraduate study by introducing the challenge of an extended research project.

There are many reasons we encourage graduates to apply for an honours year. You might want to build the necessary foundations for postgraduate research at masters or doctorate levels. You could be seeking answers to economics questions no one else has asked. Perhaps you’re pursuing advanced skills for specialist positions in economics, including in government and business.

What will you do?

  • Attend regular classes for advanced coursework.
  • Complete a major research dissertation on a topic of your choice.
  • Partner with an academic supervisor who’ll support and encourage your progress.
  • Develop marketable skills in research design, data analysis and project management.

Brian Gray Scholarship Program


  • Ranked #1 in SA for Economics
  • Strong links to industry leaders
  • Career opportunities in diverse sectors

Entry Requirements

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I am a:

An Honours Nomination Form must be submitted at the following website: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/study/honours. Further information on Honours in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics can also be found at this site: https://able.adelaide.edu.au/study-with-us/honours

Domestic applicants

Admissions information

SATAC Code 3BH007
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February
Selection Criteria
Higher Education Study A completed Bachelor degree or equivalent.
Other Entry Pathways

Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $15,040

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

The Bachelor of Economics is designed primarily as an education for future managers and decision makers in all areas of the economy - private firms, government departments, consultancies and private and public interest groups. Economics graduates are employed by trading and merchant banks, stockbrokers, manufacturers and distributors, insurance companies and a wide range of government organisations. Other options include journalism, teaching and international consulting.

Completion of an Honours degree opens up more options for specialist positions in economics, including in government and business. Honours graduates have also taken the first step towards more advanced studies in the field.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Professional Accreditation

A wide number of our courses have met the competence area requirement for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Market Researcher;  Banker;  Business Analyst;  Business Consultant;  Commodities or Futures Trader;  Political Adviser;  Development Officer;  Diplomatic corps;  Project Officer;  Economic Researcher ...

Degree Structure

During the Honours year, students will write a thesis and undertake coursework.

  • In Semester 1 there are three core coursework courses in advanced level Macroeconomics, Microeconomics and Econometrics. Students will also choose one Level IV elective.
  • In Semester 2, students choose one more Level IV elective and will also complete their thesis.

Throughout the year, students are also expected to attend the Honours Workshops.

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan
Semester 1
Core Courses ECON 4011 Microeconomic Theory IV (H)
ECON 4012 Macroeconomics IV (H)
ECON 4014 Econometrics IV (H)
Electives One Level IV elective
Semester 2
Core Courses ECON 4010 Honours Economics Thesis
Electives One Level IV elective
Electives may include:
ECON 4007 Economic Development IV (H)
ECON 4016 International Finance IV (H)
ECON 4008 International Trade IV (H)
ECON 4015 Public Economics IV (H)
ECON 4013 Advanced Time Series Econometrics IV (H)
ECON 4009 Behavioural Game Theory and Experiments IV (H)

Assessment

Assessment for the coursework is based on a range of methods. Typical examples of those methods include examinations, tests, individual or group assignments, projects, presentations, online quizzes, and tutorial work.

Assessment for the thesis course is based on a dissertation of no longer than 12,000 words - see the Honours Handbook for further details.

Related Degrees

Students who complete their Honours year with an excellent result may be interested in further research studies:

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Thursday, 12 Sep 2024