Studying Economics, you will understand the way the world works - the stockmarket, national economies, and the world economy.
Introduction
The rise and fall of economies, future employment prospects, incomes and living standards are all at the heart of economics.
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Course description, features and facilities
A major in Economics will prepare you for work in financial institutions, government, international agencies and the private sector as a forecaster, analyst or consultant.
The major includes core subjects in both microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics provides the framework for analysing issues in taxation, trade and the competitive structure of markets, while macroeconomics focuses on the forces that influence long-term economic growth, inflation, unemployment and the balance of payments.
You will also develop the capacity to understand the fundamental workings of the economy and markets, and implications of economic policy. The Economics major can also be combined with a major in Finance if you are interested in pursuing a career as a financial economist.
This major is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops, and other in class activities.
A key distinguishing feature of UWA Economics is the background, training and prominence of the staff. They come from many different countries, were trained in some of the best universities in the world and are known internationally for the quality of their work. At UWA, we emphasise the foundations needed to understand the way the economy works, be it Australia, China, the US, or the world as a whole.
Economics is at the forefront of controversial public policy issues such as economic growth and the stability of the entire economy, regulating financial institutions, monetary and fiscal policies, dealing with the so-called "multispeed" Australian economy, resource taxation, financing education, immigration, health insurance markets and retirement income planning. UWA Economics appeals to students looking for a fresh, broad and up-to-date education that opens these many opportunities.
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Student profile
Student profile – Holly Ransom
Bachelor of Law/Arts
(Economics Major)
The UWA Business School gives you more than just an education; it gives you a learning experience that challenges you and is encouraging of the many and diverse directions students wish to be able to utilise their modern degree for. My passion for economics has not only been enhanced by my studies at the UWA Business School but it has expanded into a full blown love for, and interest in, business studies as a whole, as I’ve become enamoured by social enterprise and behavioural economics and management. Business School lecturers go above and beyond the call of duty not only to make sure their course content is continually relevant but also to ensure that their mode of delivery is at the forefront of current technology trends in order to best be able to engage with students.
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Structure
UWA's streamlined course structure allows you to pursue studies in a wide range of areas and to take one or two majors in your degree. Your second major can be from a similar field to your first (degree-specific) major, or from a different area or degree entirely.
As well as the units specified in your major, you will study broadening units outside your main area of study and may be able to take a number of elective subjects as well.
You can explore the structure of this major in detail in the University Handbooks.
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Career opportunities
Economics graduates find employment with companies, management consultants, all areas of government, including the Reserve Bank and Treasury, banks and stockbrokers, and institutions such as the International Monetary Fund.
I want to be a…
This course could lead to becoming a:
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Further study opportunities
Students can pursue further studies at honours level or undertake a specialist master’s degree such as the Master of Economics.
They can also choose to complete a generalist master’s degree such as the Master of Commerce or Master of Business Administration.
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Check the Entrance requirements
This course is available to Australian and International students.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Additional information
- Recommended subjects
- English competency
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
- A scaled score of 50 or above in at least WACE Mathematics 2C/2D
| 80 |
International Baccalaureate
- A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Studies)
| 29 |
Additional information
Please note: to complete this major within the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) will require a minimum ATAR of 98 (or equivalent).
Recommended subjects
| Qualification and recommended subjects |
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
- A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Mathematics 3A/3B
|
International Baccalaureate
- A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Methods)
|
English competency
University study demands strong English language competency. To be eligible for admission to a undergraduate program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.
The minimum requirement is a scaled score of 50 or more in WACE English, Literature or English as an Additional Language/Dialect achieved at Stage 2 or Stage 3 – or an equivalent level of achievement in an interstate or international qualification.
Advanced standing
If you have undertaken prior tertiary study within the last five years, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit and/or exemption).
Applications for advanced standing are assessed upon acceptance of any offer of admission made by the University.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- English competency
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE) Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 12 |
Canadian Matriculation (except Quebec) Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 60 |
French Baccalaureat Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 12 |
GCE or Cambridge Advanced-level Examinations A minimum grade of B or above in GCSE O-level Mathematics, or E or above in GCE AS-level Mathematics. | 8 |
Chinese Gao Kao A score of 80 (out of 150) or above in Mathematics | 525 |
German Abitur Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 3.17 |
Indian School Certificate (CISCE) Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 60 |
International Baccalaureate A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Studies) | 29 |
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 270 |
Norwegian Vitnemål Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 4.14 |
Swedish Slutbetyg Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 15.70 |
Trinity College Foundation Program Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 85 |
Chinese Unified Examinations (UEC) A grade of B6 or above in Mathematics; if you do not have Advanced Mathematics (I) or (II), you will be required to complete a mathematics unit in your first year. | 12 |
UWA Foundation Programme (UWAFP) Mathematics units as specified in UWAFP prospectus | 66 |
Western Australian Universities Preparatory Program (WAUPP) A scaled mark of 50 or more in at least Mathematics 2C/2D | 63 |
Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels A minimum grade of B or above in GCSE O-level Mathematics, or E or above in H1-level Mathematics. | 8 |
South African National Senior Certificate A grade of 3 (40%) or above in Mathematics | 4.60 |
These are the required prerequisites for applicants who have completed these particular qualifications.
If you are applying for a place based on other qualifications
you need to demonstrate that you have knowledge at least equivalent to the subjects specified.
English competency
To be eligible for admission to a program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.
Advanced standing
Students with previous tertiary level qualifications will be considered for advanced standing (credit).
How to apply
This course is available to Australian and International students.
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- Fees
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
We have two intakes of undergraduate students each year: first and second semester.
First semester entry
Australian citizens or permanent residents, including humanitarian visa holders, and New Zealand citizens apply through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre. Applications open Monday 13 August 2012.
Closing dates:
- On-time closing date - Friday 28 September 2012
- The deadline for adding preferences for Assured Entry Pathways to Medicine and Dentistry is Friday 28 September 2012, and late applications will not be accepted.
- Late applications for other courses will be accepted, with a late fee, until Friday 4 January 2013.
- Students completing Year 12 in Australia in 2011 can add preferences (except for Medicine and Dentistry Assured Entry Pathways) until Friday 4 January 2013.
Contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
Second semester entry
Apply online for second semester entry to a range of courses at UWA.
Closing date:
After the closing date, contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
Fees
$, per year.
This figure has been arrived at by assuming that you study a full-time study load for one year made up of units all within the same fee band. As some units vary in cost, the actual student contribution will depend on the mix of units you choose. See the unit costs website for details of individual unit costs.
Information for
UWA Admissions Centre (M353)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Location
- UWA Map
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 2477 – General enquiries
- 1800 653 050 – General enquiries (country callers)
- Fax
- (+61 8) 6488 1226
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Opening hours
- Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
First semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
Closing dates:
- Assured Entry Pathways to Medicine and Dentistry - 30 June 2011
- All other courses - 1 December 2011
You must also:
If you will be under 18 when you begin study at UWA you are required by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while studying in Australia.
Second semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
Closing date:
You must also:
If you will be under 18 when you begin study at UWA you are required by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while studying in Australia.
Information for
UWA International Centre (M352)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 3939
- Fax
- (+61 8) 9382 4071
- Contacts
- International Centre
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Location
- UWA Map
- Opening hours
- Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
- About UWA

- Find out what makes UWA an internationally recognised university.
- Foundation and preparatory courses

- There are a range of programs available to help give you the opportunity to gain the academic qualifications or prerequisites required for admission to UWA.
- Social life on campus

- There are over 20,000 students enrolled at UWA - lots of new friends not only from Perth and Western Australia but from all areas in Australia and around the world.