Bachelor of Economics B.Ec

2010

Program Outline

Economics puts the pieces the together.  It studies the decision making of households, businesses and the whole of society.  It examines how we respond to incentives and how our conflicting choices are reconciled. Economics contributes to our understanding of policy design and business strategy.  Economics provides the 'big picture'.

The typical Bachelor of Economics program combines a major in economics with a selection of elective courses. Half of the courses are in economics including economic principles, applied economics, statistics and economic history. Electives can be additional economics courses, including in the areas of environmental economics, international trade and development economics, and commerce courses such as marketing or management. Students can also choose courses from other disciplines, for example, geography, history, languages, philosophy, politics, applied or pure mathematics, science and computer science.

Microeconomic studies issues include the management of the environment and depleting natural resources.  Macroeconomics is interested in growth and stability of the whole economic system.  The study of economics at the University of Adelaide will help you understand how the market economy works.  It also provides skills which are critical to your career.  It develops your capacity to break down issues into questions which can be resolved, guides you in the collection of data and information, and introduces you to techniques for managing that data.

These skills are critical to good decision making in government and in business.  The teaching program also stresses the value of working in teams and developing your skills in communication, both oral and in writing.

Program Structure

The typical Bachelor of Economics (BEc) program combines a major in economics with a selection of elective or optional courses. Half of the courses undertaken in the BEc are in economics (or more if preferred), including economic principles, applied economics, and statistics. The electives, or options, can be additional economics courses, such as environmental economics, international trade or development economics. Economics students can also choose courses from other disciplines, for example, finance, geography, history, languages, marketing, management, philosophy, politics, applied or pure mathematics, science and computer science. Subject to quota restrictions economics students may take courses offered by the School of Commerce, leading to professional accounting qualifications. The optional Honours (fourth) year involves the writing of a research report or thesis together with advanced coursework in macroeconomics, microeconomics and econometrics.

The program provides an excellent foundation for a wide range of careers. The degree leads to careers at managerial level in either the private or public sector. It is also the first degree for those who intend to pursue more advanced studies in economics and related fields. Recent graduates have been employed by trading and merchant banks, stockbrokers, insurance companies, manufacturers and distributors and a wide range of federal and state government organisations. Other opportunities include journalism, teaching, foreign affairs and international consulting.

Related Programs

• Bachelor of Economics (Honours)

Admission Information

Domestic applicants

Not a domestic applicant?

2009 CSP IB	25
SATAC Code	314141
2009 CSP TER	70.45
HESS group	General
Annual tuition fees	Commonwealth-supported place: $8,859
Mid-year entry?	Subject to availability
Enquiries	Student Centre

Selection Criteria

Year 12 applicants

You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).

Alternative entry pathways

• Higher Education applicants
  You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent university study. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA.
• VET applicants
  You must have completed an AQF Diploma or above. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award.
• Special Entry applicants
  You must be 18 years or over before February 1st of the year that you will be studying, you must not have studied more than 2 years full-time equivalent higher education in the last 2 years and you must not hold a completed higher education level award. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is weighted such that the verbal component contributes 40% and the quantitative component contributes 60% to your overall score. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
• Without formal qualifications?
  You may be eligible for our special access schemes.

Additional Entry Requirements

Applicants who wish to be considered for entry on the basis of a completed VET/TAFE Diploma/Advanced Diploma (or overseas equivalent) must submit an official academic transcript and evidence of completion of the VET/TAFE course to the Professions Student Support Hub, Marjoribanks Building, 10 Pulteney Street, Adelaide SA 5000. Official transcripts for completed VET/TAFE Diploma/Advanced Diploma must be received by the School no later than the first week of January, 2009. For further details contact the Professions Hub on (08) 8303 4755.

How to Apply

SATAC Code: 314141

Apply through SATAC SATAC application dates Application and Admission

International applicants

Not an international applicant?

International TER	75
IB	25
IELTS Total	6 [more info]
Annual tuition fees	International student place: $23,100
Mid-year entry?	Yes
Enquiries	Student Centre

Selection Criteria

Equivalent Scores

International TER	75
IB	25
IELTS Total Reading Listening Speaking Writing	6 5.5 5.5 6 6

How to Apply

Application information for international students

Important application deadlines for international students

International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results?

International TER	75
Annual tuition fees	International student place: $23,100
Mid-year entry?	Yes
Enquiries	Student Centre

Selection Criteria

Areas of Specialisation

As only about half of the Bachelor of Economics program is made up of compulsory courses, it is possible to choose elective courses which will complement a specialisation in a particular area of economics, such as a focus on international or environmental economics.

Study Plans

The study plans given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

Students who have not completed mathematics to at least SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Studies (or equivalent) must complete Mathematics for Economists I before attempting level II economics core courses. The course assumes no previous study of mathematics and covers topics relevant to economics undergraduates.

For students commencing Level 1 in 2010:

Career Opportunities

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.

Potential careers

Market Researcher, Foreign Affairs, Political Advisor, Stockbroker, Business Consultant, Economic Researcher, Economist, Export / Import trade, Government or Corporate Policy Adviser, International Government and Trade Policy Adviser, International Trade or Business Analyst, Journalist, Accountant, Banker, Business Analyst, Business Data Analyst, Commodities or Futures Trader, Consultant, Development Officer, Diplomatic corps, Project Officer, Public Servant, ...

Graduate Attributes

Go to: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/professions/gradattributes.html#eco_ug

Program Rules

School of Economics

Further Information

Useful Links

• Program Information Leaflet
• School of Economics
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Student Centre enquiry form