Master of Applied Economics
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1 & 3
- Duration
- 1 - 2 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Distance (online with some face-to-face), Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
-
Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8429
- CRICOS code 102633G
-
2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $38,000*
-
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $78,000*
-
2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $56,000*
-
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $117,000*
Fees
Fees
-
Hybrid learning
-
Flexible degree
-
Career Accelerator
International application pause for 2025 intakes
Applications for international students to study at UNSW in 2025 are currently paused. Please submit your expression of interest to join our application waitlist so we can contact you.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Master of Applied Economics is a flexible two-year degree designed to prepare professional economists. You'll graduate with advanced knowledge and practical skills in economics, with broad expertise in research and strong communication skills.
A practicum is available for students seeking work experience in the field of economics. This program is delivered face-to-face and online to allow for most flexibility and accommodate various learning styles.
Who should choose this degree?
Professionals looking to upskill in the field of Economics and pursue ongoing professional development. If you're interested in developing capabilities in economics, including global and cultural competencies, critical thinking, and business communication skills, this degree is designed for you.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
UNSW Business School has been ranked the #1 business school in Australia by AFR BOSS for the last two years in a row*. That means our business education leads the way in career impact, quality and reputation.
*AFR BOSS 2023 Best Business School Rankings
Want to see more from UNSW Business School?
Entry requirements
You will need to have graduated from a recognised bachelor's degree from an Australian university or equivalent overseas institution with a minimum overall grade of 65%, as determined by UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Calculator.
Your prior learning can be recognised to reduce the program duration. For students with Bachelor of Economics or Bachelor of Business degree with economics specialisation or equivalent, Honours or Graduate Diploma, the 5 core courses may be waived.
For students with prior work experience of at least one year in the private or public sector (for example, clerical or administrative work in a commercial, not-for-profit or public service organisation, supervisory or management, banking, finance or marketing experience or other business-related positions) the prescribed economics practicum may be waived.
Additionally, students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Economics (7412) with a minimum WAM of 65% can apply to articulate into this Masters coursework program and will receive 24 UOC of Advanced Standing.
Assumed knowledge
A level of knowledge equivalent to a first-year undergraduate mathematics subject is assumed. Students without such knowledge are advised to contact the Postgraduate Program Coordinator in Economics, complete an appropriate self-assessment of university mathematics knowledge before the commencement of their first term and complete a Maths bridging course where appropriate.
English language requirements
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:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
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.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you are applying for a Masters’ degree, up to five courses, or 30 Units of Credit (UOC) may be awarded based on your previous business studies (bachelor or higher). An additional 12 Units of Credit for the Economics Practicum may be awarded for having at least one year of prior work experience in the private or public sector. You’ll be notified of the credits in your official letter of offer.
You will need to have graduated from a recognised bachelor's degree from an Australian university or equivalent overseas institution with a minimum overall grade of 65%, as determined by UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Calculator.
Your prior learning can be recognised to reduce the program duration. For students with Bachelor of Economics or Bachelor of Business degree with economics specialisation or equivalent, Honours or Graduate Diploma, the 5 core courses may be waived.
For students with prior work experience of at least one year in the private or public sector (for example, clerical or administrative work in a commercial, not-for-profit or public service organisation, supervisory or management, banking, finance or marketing experience or other business-related positions) the prescribed economics practicum may be waived.
Additionally, students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Economics (7412) with a minimum WAM of 65% can apply to articulate into this Masters coursework program and will receive 24 UOC of Advanced Standing.
UNSW Business School English Language Requirement
International students are required to satisfy the UNSW Business School English Language requirement of IELTS 7.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in each subtest) or equivalent test.
Assumed knowledge
A level of knowledge equivalent to a first-year undergraduate mathematics subject is assumed. Students without such knowledge are advised to contact the Postgraduate Program Coordinator in Economics, complete an appropriate self-assessment of university mathematics knowledge before the commencement of their first term and complete a Maths bridging course where appropriate.
English language requirements
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:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
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.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you are applying for a Masters’ degree, up to four courses, or 24 Units of Credit (UOC) may be awarded based on your previous business studies (bachelor or higher). You’ll be notified of the credits in your official letter of offer.
Program structure
You’ll first undertake five core courses covering quantitative methods for business, business economics, microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. You’ll then complete an economics practicum and choose your remaining courses from a range of prescribed electives.
This degree is delivered face-to-face and online to allow for the most flexibility and to accommodate various learning styles. For current and detailed course information, visit the Applied Economics Handbook.
Future careers
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.
-
- Health economist
- Behavioural economist
- Financial economist
- Labour economist
- Macroeconomist
- Credit analyst
- Business analyst
- Financial analyst
- Insurance analyst
- Data analyst
- Policy analyst
- Actuary
- Business reporter
- Economic researcher
- Economic consulting
- Financial consultant
- Financial controller
- Financial services
- Human resource manager
- Investment analyst
- Management consultant
- Market research analyst
UNSW supports career experience while you study
UNSW Business School's Career Accelerator provides work experiences and professional development opportunities to help get you started.
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.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
I can flexibly choose my subjects each term depending on the workload that I’m able to take on.
