Adelaide University
Master of Economics and Resource Policy
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Shape policies that will safeguard economic stability, protect our environment and promote social equity.
Course overview
The Master of Economics and Resource Policy is a flexible two-year degree built around core economic principles. Study topics in global food and agricultural markets, principles of international trade and development and cost-benefit analysis. Advise on business strategy to optimise company performance within economic environments. Unravel the context behind major economic events such as recessions and inflation. Shape public policy locally and internationally.
You’ll develop skills in the economics of resource allocation and policy development, using your knowledge to ensure access to vital resources such as water and sustainable energy. You’ll know how consumers behave and how their interactions shape economic outcomes. Explore economic issues like inflation and unemployment, examining their impact on economies and strategies for mitigating these effects.
You might be a graduate from a related discipline wanting to enhance your skills or a professional looking to switch careers. No matter your background, tailor the Master of Economics and Resource Policy to your needs. Select courses from various majors that align with your career aspirations and interests and become an expert in your field.
Key features
- Learn from economic researchers and renowned scholars.
- Apply economic theory to policy and resources.
- Benefit from the university's industry connections across South Australian businesses and government agencies.
- Choose specialised courses in economic analysis, global food and agribusiness, international trade and public economics and policy.
- Undertake a research project aligned with your career objectives.
- Complete an internship, a career development course or a research skills elective – shaping you for professional success.
Key facts
July, 2026
What you will study
Students must complete 96 units comprising:
- 42 to 54 units for core courses.
- 30 to 54 units for electives.
Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth six units.
Complete 42 to 54 units comprising:
- 42 units for all program core courses; AND
One of the following:
- 12 units from Program selective courses - Economic Analysis; OR
- 12 units from Program selective courses - International Trade; OR
- 6 units from Program selective courses - Public Economics and Policy
- Economic Principles
- Global Food and Agricultural Markets
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Principles of International Trade and Development
- Research Methods and Development
- MERP Research Project (12 units)
- Advanced Development Economics
- Macroeconomic Theory
- Microeconomic Theory
- Time Series Econometrics
- Behavioural Game Theory and Experiments
- Agriculture and Food in International Trade
- Services Trade
- International Trade Theory and Applications
- Economics of International Finance
- International Trade
- Labour Economics Analysis and Applications
- Game Theory and Applications
- Public Economic Theory
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and fulfil any essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
- A completed bachelor's (AQF level 7) or bachelor's honours (AQF level 8) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; OR
- A completed nested or related graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher from a recognised higher education institution.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.
Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.
Credit determinations will be:
- Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
- Academically sound.
- Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.
Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.
Credit will only be granted if it:
- Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
- Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
- Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.
For more information, contact the university or visit its website.
Outcomes
- Build your knowledge in the core areas of Economics and Resource Policy.
- Learn about the economic principles, concepts, data and analytical frameworks that help us understand the world around us.
- Investigate economic and marketing theories in the context of global food and agricultural production.
- Discover the relationship between trade and economic development and trade policies.
- Get hands-on experience in applying modelling solutions to real problems of resource use and allocation.
- Build knowledge and skills in research principles, including how to propose the investigation of real-world problems and strategic opportunities.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $43,100 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Fee-paying programs require the full tuition fees for your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.