Adelaide University
Master of Economics and Resource Policy Specialising in International Trade
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Influence the lives of people across the globe, which can result in higher quality products, lower domestic prices and more employment opportunities.
Course overview
In this degree, you will learn how to analyse decisions made by individuals, governments and businesses, evaluating their impacts on individual and societal well-being. You’ll develop the skills and knowledge to advise on business strategy to optimise economic performance and shape public policy. Discover the context behind major economic events. Build in-depth knowledge on International Trade through your specialisation, learning about trade and development theory with an emphasis on practical skills.
Learn about agriculture and food markets, services in international trade, sustainable development, policy development and international investment. Use economic theories and modelling solutions to advise global businesses, analyse policies and predict economic outcomes. Help improve societal well-being and economic results with your international trade knowledge and understanding of how economies thrive. Be at the forefront of making smart and sustainable changes in our rapidly changing world.
You will understand how to negotiate, implement and monitor the effectiveness of international trade policy. Delve into real issues of international trade, including environmental sustainability, competition policy and food supply. Complete an applied research project that will support your career objectives. As a graduate, you’ll find work across areas like public services, consultancies, not-for-profits and private business.
Key features
- Learn from renowned scholars and research-active economists.
- Learn to apply economic theory and methods to resourcing and policy development.
- Graduate job-ready with a competitive edge and specialised knowledge in International Trade.
- Choose electives in research, career development or an internship.
- Complete a research project aligned with your career goals.
- Study alongside a cohort of diverse professionals with varied backgrounds and experiences.
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
- 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
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 higher or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.
- A completed nested or related graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
In just two years, you will master the skills of a modern and informed economist with specialised knowledge in international trade. Be equipped with newfound insights and empowered to offer expert advice on a range of global issues.
Complete core topics on a range of areas, including:
- Economic Principles
- Global Food and Agricultural Markets
- Principles of International Trade and Development
- Cost-Benefit Analysis.
You’ll build the necessary frameworks to understand international policy and issues of resource use and allocation. Develop practical skills for both academic and professional success through a professional internship.
As part of your International Trade specialisation, delve into topics such as strategic opportunities in international trade markets, negotiations and agreements and analytical tools to understand research in global trade, sustainable development and more.
Tailor your studies to your individual career objectives with this flexible Adelaide University degree. Choose courses that will build your research skills and further career development opportunities. Complete a research project that explores an area of economics, resource policy and international trade that aligns with your interests and that could set you on the pathway to a PhD.
You’ll also choose from elective courses to broaden your knowledge in areas such as economic analysis, global food and agribusiness or public economics and policy.
Career outcomes
Graduate with a dynamic skillset in economics and international trade that can be applied across a diverse range of careers and industries. Be at the forefront of making innovative and sustainable changes in our rapidly changing world.
You might work as a trade economist, analysing international trade patterns and providing insights. You could even work on international trade policy, evaluating frameworks and providing recommendations for improvement.
Other careers also include:
- Economic Researcher
- Trade Policy Negotiator
- Global supply Chain manager
- Trade Compliance Specialist
- International Business Analyst
- International Trade Advisor
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.