Step into postgraduate economics and build the mindset, mastery and purpose to lead.
Changes to science masters’ degrees from 2027
From 2027, our science masters' degrees are changing. The Master of Science will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis).
Why study postgraduate Economics?
Economics is about choice and sits at the heart of how societies, businesses and governments work. At Otago, you’ll explore how people respond when resources are scarce, and what that means for growth, sustainability and wellbeing.
In postgraduate study, you move beyond the fundamentals to tackle complex, high-impact questions – from understanding global markets and inequality to exploring the economic dimensions of climate change. You’ll sharpen your analytical thinking, master quantitative tools and learn to apply theory to real-life challenges.
Otago’s postgraduate Economics programmes are designed for curious, motivated students ready to engage deeply with research and advanced economic analysis. You’ll develop the confidence and expertise to interpret data, evaluate policy and generate insight that informs better decisions across business and society.
Career opportunities
A postgraduate qualification in Economics gives you advanced analytical and problem-solving skills that are valued in every sector. You could go on to work as a:
- Policy analyst in a government or regulatory agency
- Economist or strategist in banking, finance or consulting
- Research economist in think tanks or non-governmental organisations
- Corporate economist or business development lead interpreting markets and trends
- Academic researcher or PhD candidate contributing new knowledge and teaching the next generation
What it’s like to study at this level
You’ll study through a mix of advanced coursework and independent research, guided by expert supervisors who are active in their fields. Classes are interactive and discussion-based, giving you space to test ideas, share perspectives and collaborate across interests.
You’ll work hands-on with data, apply econometric and analytical methods, and translate your findings into practical insights. In your thesis or major research project, you’ll focus on a topic that excites you, supported by a close academic community that values curiosity and rigour.
This is for you if ...
A strong foundation in economics, mathematics and statistics will help you succeed, along with curiosity about complex systems and enthusiasm for analytical problem-solving.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Economics as an undergraduate at Otago.
Study Economics where ideas shape impact
Otago’s Department of Economics is known for its research excellence, approachable staff and globally connected outlook. You’ll learn in a supportive environment that encourages original thinking and collaboration, with opportunities to work alongside academics who publish and advise internationally.
Our research strengths span behavioural, environmental and health economics, as well as applied econometrics, giving you access to current ideas and meaningful projects. Based in Dunedin, you’ll join a vibrant postgraduate community where small group learning and one-to-one mentorship help your ambitions thrive.
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, masters’, 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 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)
Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSci)
A coursework programme, typically consisting of three papers, that can be completed with full-time (one-semester) or part-time (full-year) 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 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 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
Master of Commerce (MCom)
A one-year thesis-only master's degree
Master of Science (Thesis) (MSc(Thesis))
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options. The MSc(Thesis) 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
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.
| Papers |
|---|
| 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:
|
| Prerequisites: ECON 375 Econometrics ECON 377 Mathematical Economics two further 300-level ECON paper one further 300-level paper |
| Papers |
|---|
Prerequisites: |
2026
Papers to the equivalent of 60 points from:
BSNS 411, BSNS 412, ECON 410, ECON 411, ECON 412, ECON 413, ECON 502, ECON 503, ECON 505, ECON 506, ECON 507
From 2027
Papers to the equivalent of 60 points from:
BSNS 411, BSNS 412, BSNS 413, ECON 412, ECON 413 ECON 416, ECON 505, ECON 507, ECON 508, ECON 509 and ECON, ACCT, ACFI, ENTR, FINC, MANT, MART and TOUR papers at either 400- or 500-level (excluding ECON 480, ECON 485, and ECON 492)
2026
Papers to the equivalent of 120 points from:
BSNS 411, BSNS 412, ECON 410, ECON 411, ECON 412, ECON 413, ECON 502, ECON 503, ECON 505, ECON 506, ECON 507
From 2027
Papers to the equivalent of 120 points from:
BSNS 411, BSNS 412, BSNS 413, ECON 412, ECON 413 ECON 416, ECON 505, ECON 507, ECON 508, ECON 509 and ECON, ACCT, ACFI, ENTR, FINC, MANT, MART and TOUR papers at either 400- or 500-level (excluding ECON 480, ECON 485, and ECON 492)
| Papers |
|---|
Prerequisites: |
Subject offered from 2027.
(As for PGDipBus; see regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Business)
| Thesis |
|---|
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. |
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.
2026
| 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 |
From 2027
| Option | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | Compulsory papers: | |
| BSNS 411 Business Principles for the 21st Century | 10 | |
| BSNS 412 Research Skills and Methods 1 | 10 | |
| ECON 416 Economic Policy and Policy Evaluation | 20 | |
| BSNS 590 Dissertation | 60 | |
| one of ECON 412 Macroeconometrics or ECON 413 Microeconometrics | 20 | |
| two of ECON 505 The Economics of Natural Resources and Public Choice or ECON 507 Topics in Advanced Economics or ECON 508 Current Issues in Economics or ECON 509 Economic Policy in the Pacific | 40 | |
| Plus papers to the equivalent of 20 points from: | 20 | |
| 400 and 500-level papers in ECON (excluding 480, 485, 492), ACCT, ACFI , ENTR, FINC, MANT, MART and TOUR | ||
| Total | 180 | |
| Project | Compulsory papers: | |
| BSNS 411 Business Principles for the 21st Century | 10 | |
| BSNS 412 Research Skills and Methods 1 | 10 | |
| ECON 416 Economic Policy and Policy Evaluation | 40 | |
| BSNS 580 Applied Project | 40 | |
| one of ECON 412 Macroeconometrics or ECON 413 Microeconometrics | 20 | |
| two of ECON 505 The Economics of Natural Resources and Public Choice or ECON 507 Topics in Advanced Economics or ECON 508 Current Issues in Economics or ECON 509 Economic Policy in the Pacific | 20 | |
| Plus papers to the equivalent of 40 points from: | 40 | |
| 400 and 500-level papers in ECON (excluding 480, 485, 492), ACCT, ACFI , ENTR, FINC, MANT, MART and TOUR | ||
| Total | 180 | |
| Coursework | Compulsory papers: | |
| BSNS 411 Business Principles for the 21st Century | 10 | |
| BSNS 412 Research Skills and Methods 1 | 10 | |
| ECON 416 Economic Policy and Policy Evaluation | 40 | |
| one of BSNS 413 Research Skills and Methods 2 or ECON 412 Macroeconometrics or ECON 413 Microeconometrics | 20 | |
| two of ECON 505 The Economics of Natural Resources and Public Choice or ECON 507 Topics in Advanced Economics or ECON 508 Current Issues in Economics or ECON 509 Economic Policy in the Pacific | 20 | |
| Plus papers to the equivalent of 80 points from: | 80 | |
| 400 and 500-level papers in ECON (excluding 480, 485, 492) , ACCT, ACFI , ENTR, FINC, MANT, MART and TOUR (a minimum of 20 points must be ECON) | ||
| Total | 180 |
NOTE: Admission to ACCT, ACFI, ECON and FINC papers requires subject specific background which will be assessed upon paper selection.
| Thesis |
|---|
|
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
ECON papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECON112 | 2026 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON201 | 2026 | Microeconomics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON202 | 2026 | Macroeconomics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON206 | 2026 | The World Economy | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON207 | 2026 | Environmental Economics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON210 | 2026 | Introduction to Econometrics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON271 | 2026 | Intermediate Microeconomic Theory | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON301 | 2026 | Labour Economics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON302 | 2026 | International Trade | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON303 | 2026 | Economics of Developing Countries | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON306 | 2026 | Economics of Health and Education | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON308 | 2026 | Public Economics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON316 | 2026 | Open Economy Macroeconomics | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| ECON317 | 2026 | Urban and Regional Economics | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| ECON318 | 2026 | Behavioural Economics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON319 | 2026 | Game Theory | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON350 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| ECON351 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| ECON371 | 2026 | Microeconomic Theory | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| ECON375 | 2026 | Econometrics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON376 | 2026 | Macroeconomic Theory | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| ECON377 | 2026 | Mathematical Economics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON410 | 2026 | Advanced Microeconomic Theory | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON411 | 2026 | Advanced Macroeconomic Theory | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON412 | 2026 | Macroeconometrics | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON413 | 2026 | Microeconometrics | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON480 | 2026 | Dissertation | 40 points | Full Year |
| ECON485 | 2026 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 20 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, Full Year |
| ECON492 | 2026 | Dissertation for Philosophy, Politics and Economics | 60 points | Full Year |
| ECON503 | 2026 | Monetary Economics | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON505 | 2026 | The Economics of Natural Resources and Public Choice | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| ECON507 | 2026 | 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 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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