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.
This highly regarded program is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the School of Economics and the School of Political Science and International Studies, both of which rank in the world top 100 for their respective study areas.
During study with both schools you'll examine the relationship between public policy, governance and economics, and look at how governments develop policy, and how their intervention affects the global economy. You'll also benefit from the program’s emphasis on practical applications to solve complex problems.
If you're a graduate without an economics background, the 2-year 32 unit duration is ideal for gaining comprehensive training in economics, from core principles to the more advanced study of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics.
This program is currently being reviewed to prepare the best experience for our incoming students in 2023.
Program highlights
- Explore international issues like the far-reaching impacts of economic policy, and how can we better understand the cost-benefit of migration.
- Choose to specialise in areas including health economics, dynamics of effective governance, and how public policy affects international macroeconomics and finance, or complete an optional research thesis.
- 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.
How you'll learn
Due to the way they are taught, certain programs and plans are not offered online in Semester 1, 2023.
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Research experience
- Peer-assisted study sessions
- Seminars
- 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
“It's the combination of economics and public policy that I find very unique. Plus the student services and support here at UQ are excellent. I felt a sense of belonging from day one.”
Vinh Ly Hoai VoGraduate, Master of Economics and Public Policy
“It's the combination of economics and public policy that I find very unique. Plus the student services and support here at UQ are excellent. I felt a sense of belonging from day one.”
Vinh Ly Hoai VoGraduate, Master of Economics and Public Policy
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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:
- a bachelor degree in economics, business or commerce, or
- a bachelor degree containing at least 4 courses in any of the following 3 areas:
- microeconomics
- macroeconomics
- statistics
- mathematics
Related programs
Depending on your previous qualifications and current goals, you might want to consider
one of these 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.
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.
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.
Fee information for this program is not yet available.
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
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
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.
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