Explore contemporary economic issues and build the expertise to inform better policy and decision making.
Why study postgraduate Economics?
Postgraduate Economics at Otago focuses on understanding how economic ideas can be applied to contemporary policy challenges and decision-making. You will develop an advanced understanding of economic theory while learning to analyse complex issues using qualitative and quantitative approaches that support evidence-informed policy evaluation.
The subject has a strong applied policy focus, with opportunities to explore current economic issues, policy evaluation, natural resources, public choice, and the economic challenges facing the Pacific region. It also engages with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori economic development, encouraging culturally informed approaches to economic analysis in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Career opportunities
Postgraduate study in Economics gives you advanced skills in economic analysis, policy evaluation, research, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration that can be applied in a wide range of professional settings.
- Public policy, working in government policy development and evaluation.
- International development, contributing to international organisations and regional economic initiatives.
- Business and consulting, applying economic analysis to organisational strategy and decision making.
- Research and analysis, supporting research organisations, think tanks, and public agencies.
- Private industry, applying economic insight across finance, technology, and other commercial sectors.
What it’s like to study at this level
Postgraduate study in Economics combines advanced learning with independent enquiry and applied analysis. Drawing on both qualitative and quantitative methods, you will examine contemporary economic issues, evaluate public policy, and explore how economic theory can be used to address practical challenges across a range of settings.
Depending on your chosen programme, you may undertake an independent research project or dissertation, allowing you to investigate a topic in depth under academic supervision. The subject also encourages interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration, recognising that many economic challenges require perspectives from multiple fields.
This is for you if ...
Postgraduate Economics may suit you if you are interested in analysing contemporary economic issues, evaluating evidence, and communicating complex ideas to different audiences. It is particularly well suited to graduates whose previous study has emphasised economic theory, policy, and social analysis, including those from Humanities backgrounds who want to continue into postgraduate economics without the strong quantitative focus of a science-based pathway.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Economics as an undergraduate at Otago.
Research-informed learning with approachable experts
The Department of Economics is part of the Otago Business School, where research and teaching are closely connected. You will learn from academic staff who investigate important economic questions and contribute to national and international research. The department supports an active research culture through seminars, discussion papers, and collaborative research groups, creating opportunities to engage with current ideas throughout your postgraduate study.
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
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 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 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
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
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, 411 or 416, and at least one of ECON 412 and 413:
|
| Prerequisites: ECON 375 Econometrics ECON 377 Mathematical Economics two further 300-level ECON papers one further 300-level paper |
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)
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)
| 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 | |
| and one of BSNS 413 Research Skills and Methods 2, 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
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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