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.
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.
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
- 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
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.
Graduate, Master of Economics and Public Policy
The Faculty of Business, Economics and Law frequently organises career fairs and networking events where you can interact with employers and working professionals. This enabled me to learn about the everyday working life of economists and gave me opportunities to network.
Graduate, 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.
Graduate, Master of Economics and Public Policy
The Faculty of Business, Economics and Law frequently organises career fairs and networking events where you can interact with employers and working professionals. This enabled me to learn about the everyday working life of economists and gave me opportunities to network.
Graduate, Master of Economics and Public Policy
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Careers
Sustainability and the sharing economy: how we can all contribute
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Sustainability and the sharing economy: how we can all contribute
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.
$37,920
2023
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
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.
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.
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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