Adelaide University
Master of Economics and Resource Policy Specialising in Economic Analysis
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Develop the specialised skills to analyse economic data that address complex issues – including unemployment, poverty and environmental sustainability.
Course overview
This Master of Economics and Resource Policy degree develops strong quantitative skills and explores real-world issues. What factors lead to a drop in employment? What drives inflation and how will it affect people? You’ll learn to dissect choices made by individuals, governments and businesses - and the repercussions. With your specialisation in Economic Analysis, you’ll have expertise in using advanced analytical methods and reasoning, consistent with the role and functions of a professional economist. Designed to enhance your employability, you’ll unlock careers across a range of industries, including healthcare, technology, energy and natural resources, financial services and government.
As part of your specialisation in Economic Analysis, you’ll build advanced analytical skills specific to the world of economics. Learn about micro- and macroeconomic theory - economic behaviours of consumers, businesses and workers and examining big-picture issues like unemployment and inflation. Dive into how individuals and groups make economic decisions under different conditions and incentives. Develop the skills to analyse economic data, test economic theories, investigate real-world problems and identify strategic opportunities.
Build practical skills with a research project in your final year, tailored to your career aspirations. You’ll be equipped to work across diverse sectors, including public service, industry, consultancies, not-for-profits or private business or continue with studies to a PhD.
Key features
- Learn from renowned scholars and research economists.
- Apply economic theory to complex policy development.
- Connect with South Australian businesses and government agencies.
- Analyse economic data, test economic theories, investigate real-world problems and identify strategic opportunities.
- Complete a research project tailored to your career goals.
- Choose to complete an internship, career development course or higher degree by research elective.
Key facts
July, 2026
What you will study
Students must complete 96 units comprising:
- 42 to 54 units for core courses.
- 12 to 24 units for specialisation 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
- Six 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
- Discover economic principles, concepts, analytical frameworks and data used to understand our world. Explore economic theories in relation to global food and agricultural production.
- Discover the links between trade and economic development, with specific regard to trade policies.
- Assess and apply modelling solutions to problems of resource use and allocation.
- Explore topics relevant to your specialisation in Economic Analysis, such as fundamental methods of econometric analysis and microeconomic and macroeconomic theory.
- Study topics on how to effectively implement statistical software, time series methods in econometrics, measures for assessing policy in developing countries and fundamental findings in behavioural economics.
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.