Postgraduate Study in Economics
A framework for thinking
Economics is about choice and is at the heart of decision-making. Governments, businesses and individuals are all faced with making choices in situations where resources are scarce.
Economics is not just a subject, it is a way of thinking, and provides a logical way of looking at a variety of issues. That’s why Otago Economics graduates are so well regarded – they are leading problem solvers and think outside the square.
Why study Economics?
Economics is an exciting, dynamic, contemporary field. Economics affects everyone and applies to a range of disciplines including business, politics, history, law, health sciences and biotechnology. It deals with topics such as unemployment, economic growth, housing, income inequality, international trade, sustainable development and the environment. You name the field, Economics plays a part.
Studying Economics teaches you how to examine people's ideas and come to your own soundly-based conclusions. No matter what career you're aspiring to, you will find Economics invaluable.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Economics as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
A two-semester programme of structured coursework, and in some cases supervised research, extending the knowledge and skills gained from the bachelor’s degree
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
A one- or two-year degree entailing a major research project, culminating in a thesis
Master of Commerce (MCom)
A one-year thesis-only master's degree
Master of Science (MSc)
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options, the MSc may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Master of Business (MBus)
A coursework degree with an optional research component, awarded in a chosen specialist subject, completed in one-year's full-time or equivalent part-time study
Postgraduate Diploma in Business (PGDipBus)
A two-semester (at full-time), coursework programme, offering specialisation in a variety of subjects and a possible entry pathway into the MBus
Postgraduate Certificate in Business (PGCertBus)
A coursework programme, typically consisting of three papers, that can be completed with full-time study (half year) or part-time study (full year)
Graduate Qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
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| ECON 480 Dissertation |
Four of the following, including at least one of ECON 410 and 411, and at least one of ECON 412 and 413:
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| Prerequisites: ECON 375 Econometrics ECON 377 Mathematical Economics two further 300-level ECON paper one further 300-level paper |
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Prerequisites: |
| Thesis |
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Note: Students who have not completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA(Hons)) in Economics or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in Economics must complete the required papers for the BA(Hons) in Economics prior to undertaking the thesis. |
| Thesis |
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Prerequisites: |
The Master of Business in Economics will be awarded on successful completion of 180 points from one of the three options (Dissertation, Project or Coursework) outlined in the schedule below.
| Option | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | Compulsory papers: | |
| BSNS 411 Business Principles for the 21st Century | 10 | |
| BSNS 412 Research Skills and Methods 1 | 10 | |
| BSNS 590 Dissertation | 60 | |
| ECON 410 Advanced Microeconomic Theory | 20 | |
| ECON 411 Advanced Macroeconomic Theory | 20 | |
| and one of ECON 412 Macroeconometrics or ECON 413 Microeconometrics | 20 | |
| Plus papers to the equivalent of 40 points from: | 40 | |
| ECON 412, ECON 413, ECON 502, ECON 503, ECON 505, ECON 506, ECON 507 | ||
| Total | 180 | |
| Project | Compulsory papers: | |
| BSNS 411 Business Principles for the 21st Century | 10 | |
| BSNS 412 Research Skills and Methods 1 | 10 | |
| BSNS 580 Applied Project | 40 | |
| ECON 410 Advanced Microeconomic Theory | 20 | |
| ECON 411 Advanced Macroeconomic Theory | 20 | |
| and one of ECON 412 Macroeconometrics or ECON 413 Microeconometrics | 20 | |
| Plus papers to the equivalent of 60 points from: | 60 | |
| ECON 412, ECON 413, ECON 502, ECON 503, ECON 505, ECON 506, ECON 507 | ||
| Total | 180 | |
| Coursework | Compulsory papers: | |
| BSNS 411 Business Principles for the 21st Century | 10 | |
| BSNS 412 Research Skills and Methods 1 | 10 | |
| ECON 410 Advanced Microeconomic Theory | 20 | |
| ECON 411 Advanced Macroeconomic Theory | 20 | |
| and one of ECON 412 Macroeconometrics or ECON 413 Microeconometrics | 20 | |
| Plus papers to the equivalent of 100 points from: | 100 | |
| ECON 412, ECON 413, ECON 502, ECON 503, ECON 505, ECON 506, ECON 507 | ||
| Total | 180 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
ECON papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECON112 | 2025 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON201 | 2025 | Microeconomics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON202 | 2025 | Macroeconomics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON206 | 2025 | The World Economy | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON207 | 2025 | Environmental Economics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON210 | 2025 | Introduction to Econometrics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON271 | 2025 | Intermediate Microeconomic Theory | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON301 | 2025 | Labour Economics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON302 | 2025 | International Trade | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON303 | 2025 | Economics of Developing Countries | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON306 | 2025 | Economics of Health and Education | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON308 | 2025 | Public Economics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON316 | 2025 | Open Economy Macroeconomics | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| ECON317 | 2025 | Urban and Regional Economics | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| ECON318 | 2025 | Behavioural Economics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON319 | 2025 | Game Theory | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| ECON350 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| ECON351 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| ECON371 | 2025 | Microeconomic Theory | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| ECON375 | 2025 | Econometrics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON376 | 2025 | Macroeconomic Theory | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| ECON377 | 2025 | Mathematical Economics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON410 | 2025 | Advanced Microeconomic Theory | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON411 | 2025 | Advanced Macroeconomic Theory | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON412 | 2025 | Macroeconometrics | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON413 | 2025 | Microeconometrics | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON480 | 2025 | Dissertation | 40 points | Full Year |
| ECON485 | 2025 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 20 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, Full Year |
| ECON492 | 2025 | Dissertation for Philosophy, Politics and Economics | 60 points | Full Year |
| ECON502 | 2025 | Growth, Institutions and Development | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| ECON503 | 2025 | Monetary Economics | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON505 | 2025 | The Economics of Natural Resources and Public Choice | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| ECON507 | 2025 | Topics in Advanced Economics | 20 points | Semester 2 |
Contacts
Department of Economics
Otago Business School
Email economics@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/economics
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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