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Master of Economics and Public Policy

Overview

Learn from internationally respected academic staff about the analytical techniques to evaluate, influence and develop effective public policy, and how to apply economics to make a positive difference in our increasingly globalised world.

The Master of Economics and Public Policy is an interdisciplinary program that examines the complex relationship between public policy, governance and economics. You’ll learn the latest economic research from world-class teaching staff, including how governments develop policy and how their intervention affects the global economy.  

The program adopts a unique economics-first approach to public policy, allowing students with no prior economics knowledge to gain in-depth knowledge of economic concepts. Drawing on knowledge from the School of Economics and the School of Political Science, this program covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, political science, public policy and the contribution of economic analysis to public policy. You can choose to undertake a research component which may provide a pathway to a higher degree by research.  

You’ll experience flexible, engaging, and real-world teaching that prepares you to actively contribute to the development of public policy within government departments, the public sector, inter-governmental organisations and consultancy. 

Location
St Lucia
Duration
1.5 Years full-time (or part-time equivalent)
2 Years full-time (or part-time equivalent)
Start Semester
Semester 1 (20 Feb, 2023), Semester 2 (24 Jul, 2023)
Program Code
5588
AQF
Level 9
Location
St Lucia
Fees
A$44144 (2023 indicative per year)
Duration
1.5 Years full-time (only available as full-time study)
2 Years full-time (only available as full-time study)
Start Semester
Semester 1 (20 Feb, 2023), Semester 2 (24 Jul, 2023)
Semester dates for 2024 are yet to be confirmed
Program Code
5588
CRICOS Code
082599G
AQF
Level 9

Program highlights

Program highlights

  • Explore international issues like the far-reaching impacts of economic policy, and how can we better understand the cost-benefit of migration.
  • Gain the knowledge to be a leading authority in public sector economics and analysis, with the skills to effect social change and improve economic and community welfare.
  • Enjoy the flexibility of a study framework the balances compulsory prerequisites with elective study areas, including health economics and the dynamics of governance.
  • Study through a blended learning approach offering both online and face-to-face contact with teaching staff and peers.

1 in Queensland for business and economics

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

1 in Queensland for social policy and administration

QS World University Rankings 2022

How you'll learn

Due to the way they are taught, certain programs and plans are not offered online in Semester 1, 2023.

See the list of programs you can't commence online.

Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Online study
  • Research experience
  • Workshops

What you'll study

At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:

  • Competition Policy and Regulation
  • Dynamics of Public Policy
  • Foundations in Microeconomics
  • Foundations in Macroeconomics

Career possibilities

Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

  • Policy program and evaluation consultant
  • Government and public affairs manager
  • Policy and economic adviser
  • Infrastructure and investment adviser

Professional memberships

When you graduate, you may be eligible for memberships with the following professional organisations. Contact the organisation to find out how to become a member.

  • Economic Society of Australia

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

It's possible to complete this degree in 2 years or 1.5 years depending on your qualifications and experience.

You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements. You may also be eligible to apply for credit or exemptions to shorten your degree further. You'll graduate with the same qualification no matter how long you take to complete the degree.

2-year degree (32 units of study)

To be eligible to complete the degree in 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)full-time (only available as full-time study), you'll need:

  • a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
  • a Graduate Certificate in Economic Studies from UQ, or
  • a Graduate Diploma in Economics from UQ.

 You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.

1.5-year degree (24 units of study)

If you have relevant prior learning or experience, you can reduce the number of courses you need to complete and graduate in less time.

To be eligible to complete the degree in 1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)full-time (only available as full-time study), you'll need:

  • a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below), or
  • a Graduate Certificate in Economics from UQ.

 You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.

Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications

Relevant disciplines include:

  1. a bachelor degree in economics, business or commerce, or
  2. a bachelor degree containing at least 4 courses in any of the following 3 areas:
  • microeconomics
  • macroeconomics
  • statistics
  • mathematics

Related programs

English language requirements

IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ

TOEFL IBT - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.

TOEFL PB - Overall 570, listening 54, reading 54, writing 59/5.

Pearsons - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.

BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.

CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.

OET is not accepted.

 

There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.

Learn how to meet the English language requirements

Student visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of Economics and Public Policy are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).

There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.

Learn more about student visas

Fees and Scholarships

Indicative annual fee

Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

$37,920

2023

Learn more about postgraduate fees

Approximate yearly cost of full-time tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

AUD $44,144

2023

Learn more about postgraduate fees

Government assistance

Financial aid

As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.

Learn more about financial aid

FEE-HELP

Domestic students who are accepted into the Master of Economics and Public Policy pay tuition fees.

FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their tuition fees.

Learn more about FEE-HELP

Centrelink support

Scholarships

Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:

How to apply

Applying online

All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.

The program code for the Master of Economics and Public Policy is 5588.

This program is available in multiple durations. You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements.

When you apply, select your preferred duration. If you don't meet the requirements for your first preference, we'll automatically consider you for entry into a longer duration.

Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study

Applying online

All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.

The program code for the Master of Economics and Public Policy is 5588.

This program is available in multiple durations. You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements.

When you apply, select your preferred duration. You can also ask us to consider you for a longer duration if you don't meet the entry requirements for your first preference.

Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study

Important dates

The closing date for this program is:

  • To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
  • To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.

To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.

Important dates

The closing date for this program is:

  • To commence study in Semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
  • To commence study in Semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.

To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

For support with applying - or if you have any questions about Uni - get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.

Contact the ATSIS Unit

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