Adelaide University
Master of Economics and Resource Policy Specialising in Public Economics and Policy
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Learn how to analyse, interpret and inform government policies and interventions that address contemporary global issues.
Course overview
In your Public Economics and Policy specialisation, you’ll learn the processes of how economic decisions are made by governments and organisations. Discover how individuals and organisations can shape and govern economic interactions and policies that impact society. Build the knowledge required to understand how decisions and policies impact societal objectives.
Your courses will include topics such as evaluation methods in public policy, labour economics and public economics. Build practical skills in your final year through an internship, research elective or undertake a professional career development opportunity. Lay the groundwork for your chosen profession by completing a research project, strengthening your knowledge in economics and resource policy. Graduates can expect to work in sectors such as public service, industry, consultancies, not-for-profits and private businesses or may continue to a PhD.
Key facts
What you will study
Students must complete 96 units comprising:
- 42 to 54 units for core courses.
- 18 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
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
Your previous studies can be credited towards your postgraduate studies, provided they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive an offer of enrolment and you’ve undertaken prior learning, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. The procedure is governed by the university's Recognition of Prior Learning policy. Contact the university for more details.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Build foundational knowledge in key areas of economics and concepts and theories that help explain the world around us.
- Dive into economic theories in global food and agricultural production markets.
- Learn about analytical frameworks used by economists to better understand how a business can meet chosen objectives.
- Study current trade and economic development policies affecting global communities.
- Learn how to apply modelling solutions to real-world problems.
Career outcomes
Work in the diverse field of economics or in a specialist role within public economics and policy. Become a leader in the dynamic intersection of economics and resource policy.
You could work as a government economist, providing advice, evaluating policies and conducting research for government agencies or ministries. You might be a government policy analyst, predicting the effectiveness of policies, evaluating their success and giving recommendations for improvement.
Other careers you might like to pursue include:
- Policy Adviser
- Public Sector Manager
- Public Finance Specialist
- Public Policy Analyst
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Economic Policy Researcher
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $43,100 (domestic full-fee paying place).
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 48 units (normally eight courses) per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- 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 with the cost of a university course.