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.
Background required
There are no prerequisite subjects to study Economics – you don’t even have to have studied Economics at school. However, you might find English, Mathematics or Statistics useful subjects to study – especially if you want to major in Economics.
Careers in Economics
Otago Economics graduates are well known for their wide range of analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills, and are in high demand by employers. There are literally countless jobs for Economics graduates. You could be a policy analyst, a business consultant, an economics researcher, a financial adviser, a diplomat, a teacher, a bank manager or a journalist. An Economics background would also be invaluable for someone contemplating setting up his or her own business.
Our graduates can be found in jobs across the public and private sectors, for example:
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- OECD
- Infometrics
- Reserve Bank
- Treasury
- Statistics New Zealand
- Inland Revenue
- Banking – national and international
- Health authorities
- Local governments and planning authorities
- United Nations
Student exchange
The University of Otago has exchange agreements with more than 100 institutions in over 30 countries. If your marks average B or better, you may qualify to attend one of these institutions for one semester or for a year. You pay only your New Zealand fees and complete your qualification within the same timeframe as if you’d never been away. Commerce students are also encouraged to participate in one of the more than 50 specific business exchanges the Otago Business School offers.
Economics at Otago
Economics is all about choice. This also applies to how you study the programme.
Economics can be studied as:
- the major for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree
- one of the majors for a BACom, BComSc or BASc combined degree
- part of the multidisciplinary major in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) for the BA or BCom
- a second major within a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) degree.
The choice is yours!
Teaching style
Each paper is taught in a lecture format and most papers include weekly tutorials where you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the lecture topics in more detail. Just like at secondary school, assessment will include assignments, tests, essays and exams.
Double major/degree options
Economics complements a range of other majors and degree programmes such as Finance, Accountancy, Marketing Management, Management, Law, Political Studies, Philosophy, History, Geography, Psychology, Mathematics and a range of languages. The options are endless.
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
- Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
- Bachelor of Commerce with Honours (BCom(Hons))
- Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce (PGDipCom)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
- Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
- Master of Commerce (MCom)
- Master of Economics (MEcon)
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Economics
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BSNS 113 Economic Principles and Policy ECON 112 Principles of Macroeconomics | 18 18 |
| 200-level | ECON 201 Microeconomics, or ECON 271 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory ECON 202 Macroeconomics One further 200-level ECON paper | 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | Four 300-level ECON papers | 72 |
| Plus | 198 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts | 198 |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)) in Economics
| Papers |
|---|
|
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in Economics
| Papers |
|---|
Prerequisites: |
Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis)) in Economics
| 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. |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) majoring in Economics
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BSNS 113 Economic Principles and Policy ECON 112 Principles of Macroeconomics BSNS 111 Business and Society, BSNS 112 Interpreting Business Data, BSNS 114 Financial Decision Making, BSNS 115 Accounting and Information Systems – must normally be taken in first year of study | 18 18 72 |
| 200-level | ECON 201 Microeconomics, or ECON 271 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory ECON 202 Macroeconomics One further 200-level ECON paper | 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | Four 300-level ECON papers | 72 |
| Plus | 126 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above.Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Commerce. | 126 |
Every programme must include BSNS 111-115. At least three of these papers must be passed before enrolling in any 200-level Commerce paper, and all must normally be passed before enrolling in any 300-level Commerce paper. For single-degree BCom students, all five must be attempted in the first year of study or equivalent. STAT 110 or STAT 115 will be accepted as an alternative to BSNS 112 as a required paper or as part of the major subject requirements or as a prerequisite when: | ||
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Commerce with Honours (BCom(Hons)) in Economics
| Papers |
|---|
No new enrolments will be accepted for this subject for 2024. |
Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce (PGDipCom) in Economics
| Papers |
|---|
Prerequisites: |
Master of Commerce (MCom) in Economics
| Thesis |
|---|
Note: The MCom in Economics can be pursued by a combination of papers and thesis, or by thesis only. Students who have a good Bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) will complete the MCom by papers and thesis (at least two years' full-time study). The first year consists of a selection of papers worth 144 points, leading to a Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce (PGDipCom). Students who have a good Honours degree or a PGDipCom (or equivalent qualification) can complete an MCom by thesis only (minimum one year). |
Master of Economics (MEcon)
| Papers |
|---|
The 180 point programme of study shall consist of four compulsory papers
Plus papers to the equivalent of 60 points from:
|
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Economics
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BSNS 113 Economic Principles and Policy ECON 112 Principles of Macroeconomics MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1 STAT 110 Statistical Methods | 18 18 18 18 |
| 200-level | ECON 202 Macroeconomics ECON 210 Introduction to Econometrics ECON 271 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory | 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | Four 300-level ECON papers | 72 |
| Plus | 162 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science | 162 |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) in Economics
| Papers |
|---|
Prerequisites: |
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Economics
| Papers |
|---|
|
Master of Science (MSc) in Economics
| Papers and Thesis |
|---|
Minor subject requirements
Economics as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BAppSc, BCom, BEntr, BHealSc, or BASc degree
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), or Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BSNS 113 Economic Principles and Policy ECON 112 Principles of Macroeconomics | 18 18 |
| Above 100-level | Three ECON papers at 200-level or above, including at least one of: and at least one at 300-level. | 54 |
| Total | 90 |
Papers
| Paper code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECON112 | 2023 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON201 | 2023 | Microeconomics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON202 | 2023 | Macroeconomics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON206 | 2023 | The World Economy | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON207 | 2023 | Environmental Economics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON210 | 2023 | Introduction to Econometrics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON271 | 2023 | Intermediate Microeconomic Theory | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON301 | 2023 | Labour Economics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON302 | 2023 | International Trade | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON303 | 2023 | Economics of Developing Countries | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON306 | 2023 | Economics of Health and Education | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON308 | 2023 | Public Economics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON316 | 2023 | Open Economy Macroeconomics | 18 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| ECON317 | 2023 | Urban and Regional Economics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON318 | 2023 | Behavioural Economics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON319 | 2023 | Game Theory | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON350 | 2023 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| ECON351 | 2023 | Special Topic: Economics of Households and Wellbeing | 18 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| ECON371 | 2023 | Microeconomic Theory | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON375 | 2023 | Econometrics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON376 | 2023 | Macroeconomic Theory | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON377 | 2023 | Mathematical Economics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON402 | 2023 | Growth, Institutions and Development | 20 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| ECON403 | 2023 | Monetary Economics | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON404 | 2023 | International Economics | 20 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| ECON405 | 2023 | The Economics of Natural Resources and Public Choice | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON406 | 2023 | Labour and Population Economics | 20 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| ECON407 | 2023 | Topics in Advanced Economics | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON410 | 2023 | Advanced Microeconomic Theory | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| ECON411 | 2023 | Advanced Macroeconomic Theory | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON412 | 2023 | Macroeconometrics | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON413 | 2023 | Microeconometrics | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| ECON480 | 2023 | Dissertation | 40 points | Full Year |
| ECON485 | 2023 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 20 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, Full Year |
| ECON492 | 2023 | Dissertation for Philosophy, Politics and Economics | 60 points | Full Year |
| ECON590 | 2023 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, 1st Non standard period, 2nd Non standard period, 3rd Non standard period |
Key information for future students
Contact us
Department of Economics
Otago Business School
Email economics@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/economics
