Bachelor
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.
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 the Bachelor of Economics at UNSW, you'll explore how the decisions of institutions and individuals interact to determine outcomes for the economy and society.
As a graduate of economics, your distinct insights can be applied broadly. Through this degree, you'll gain highly transferable analytical skills that are valuable in a diverse range of careers. In addition to more traditional economic issues like unemployment, taxation, and trade policy, economics allows you to understand and address human challenges like inequality, climate change, corruption, political polarisation, and impediments to education and health care.
Learn how to change the world
You'll explore and find solutions to the important issues of our time. Economics uncovers the forces behind global inequality and the drivers of international relations. It explores policymaking and regulation, inflation, property rights, labour markets, our interaction with the environment, firm organisation and competition, and strategic interaction.
Become highly sought after by industry and government
UNSW Economics graduates are keenly sought after by policymakers at all levels of government, private sector employers, not-for-profits, and international organisations. They work in diverse careers as analysts, researchers, forecasters, journalists, and advisors.
Build your expertise
Our flexible program allows you to shape your degree around your interests and goals. Choose from three specialisations in economics, build your own program, or complement your economics studies with other Business and Commerce courses. You can also study this program as a double degree to combine your expertise.
Put theory into practice
You'll apply your academic learning through practical experience, empowering you to use economics and leadership to change the world. Opportunities for practical experience include internships, group consulting projects, and global practicums.
We're business leaders
Study Economics at Australia's top business school, UNSW. We lead the way in career impact, quality and reputation. We're ranked top 20 worldwide^ and have been ranked Australia's #1 Business School*. UNSW Business School is renowned for best-in-class teaching and student outcomes; 1st in Australia for Accounting, Finance, Business, Management and Marketing#.
At the School of Economics, we lead the way, literally. Ranking 1st in Sydney, 3rd in Australia and 37th worldwide for Economics and Econometrics+.
Double your impact with a double degree
Why not study a double degree at UNSW Business School? With a double degree you'll gain a unique set of skills that will set you apart in the job market. You'll increase both your specialist skills and employability when you study a double degree.
If you want to combine your interests and carve out a career path that you're passionate about a double degree is a great way to do that. Double degrees can help you become more of a specialist in a particular area or gain a breadth of skills that meets the demands of today's organisations.
Plus, a double degree won't necessarily double your workload or study duration. Explore double degree options below.
Explore Economics double degree combinations below:
Honours program
If you want to stand out from other candidates and give yourself a point of different, consider adding honours study to your degree. With an honour's degree, you'll complete an independent research project and advanced coursework in the area of business you're passionate about.
How can studying honours help my career?
1) Develop your research skills: Your honours thesis is an independent research project that combines theory, methods, creativity, and communication skills
2) Deepen your expertise: Honours gives you the opportunity to become an expert in the field of business that interests you the most
3) Advance your career with advanced research, problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills, you'll stand out in the eyes of employers.
^ QS World University Rankings, 2024
# QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Entry to this degree is based on your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or an equivalent rank derived from the following:
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Mathematics Advanced
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. 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 you're completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove 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.
| Qualifications | Direct entry requirement |
|---|---|
|
International ATAR
|
86
|
| UNSW Foundation Studies GPA |
7.6
|
|
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)
|
12
All applicants must present a minimum of two Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry Scores are calculated from the best two, three, or four A2 Level subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2 and E=1. |
|
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
|
32
Results based on scores required for entry into UNSW in 2019 and are only applicable if the Diploma has been completed. Students currently attempting the IB can apply directly to UNSW or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). For more details, visit www.uac.edu.au |
|
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)
|
1220
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) based on the total of evidence-based reading and writing and mathematical test scores. Must be provided in conjunction with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies. |
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
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.
Careers in economics are about using data, maths and reason to understand behaviour, improve wellbeing and make a positive impact on people's lives. With highly transferable skills in analysis, statistics, data, problem-solving and communication, you can move across the private sector, financial institutions, and government departments.
UNSW Business School's Career Accelerator
Our degrees include up to two for-credit industry experiences, such as internships or global business practicums. These professional development opportunities complement your studies, build connections to industry, and give you a clear advantage after graduation.
Your opportunities are supported by our industry and alumni networks. As one of Australia's leading business schools we have strong connections to industry and more than 90,000 alumni worldwide who could be connections to your future career. Not only that, UNSW supports start-ups, with more founders than any other Australian university and over 300+ clubs to find people with complementary skillsets.
Take your Bachelor of Economics to the next level with an additional one-year Honours degree, where you'll gain advanced knowledge and research skills in your chosen area of business. You'll have the opportunity to be mentored by top-tier researchers and work on industry relevant projects while undertaking a significant research thesis. Graduate with advanced knowledge, analytical, problem-solving and research skills that are highly sought after in business and government. Learn more about Economics Honours.
Depending on your course selection you may meet the education requirement of various professional bodies including Australian Human Resources Institute (Human Resource Management), and Australian Securities and Investment Commission (RG-146) (Finance).