Overview 2024
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- CRICOS: 002342F
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For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
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It made “perfect sense” for Peter to study at the University when he weighed up his options.
“I did not believe that studying at a university outside of Tasmania would make me any better off. I figured that if there were prominent UTAS alumni, such as economist Saul Eslake, who were well regarded then there was probably nothing stopping me from achieving my career aspirations. "
Our applied Economics program focuses on current issues in Tasmania and beyond. Your studies will explore a range of topics such as international trade, conservation and management of natural resources, sustainable energy, contemporary business strategy as well as social issues such as crime, housing, and health. You’ll also develop a deep understanding of how decisions are made by individuals, firms, and governments.
Course objectives
The Bachelor of Economics at the University of Tasmania builds individual capacity for economic thought, and the ability to apply this mindset to solving problems faced by industry, government and the society at local, national and global levels. Our graduates will have the ability to synthesise information and build empirically-valid models to support economic decision making. They will acquire skills to frame problems through an economics lens, to critically analyse data of relevance, and to generate knowledge and innovative evidence-based recommendations to support policy and practice.
Our curriculum is research-led, with a strong connection to the issues impacting on regional areas such as Tasmania. Throughout the curriculum, we draw heavily on the expertise of our disciplinary scholars to explore areas as diverse as conservation and management of natural resources (such as forests, fisheries and water resources), sustainable energy, social issues (such as housing, health and gambling), economic decisions of individuals and firms and their labour market implications, through to the effects of shocks and contagion on economies. Many of these issues are rooted in human behaviour, and our emerging expertise in behavioural economics allows us to bring psychological insights into understanding such behaviours, equipping our students with fundamental knowledge of the micro foundations underpinning macro phenomena. Our teaching is applied in focus, with a range of authentic learning activities linked to real-world economic situations. We provide a curriculum that nurtures economic ways of thinking and provides a context in which economic ideas are critically examined rather than taken at face value.
The core of the Bachelor of Economics exposes students to foundation principles in economic theory to provide disciplinary depth, while the majors allow students to specialise in the economics of industry and policy or the economics of social and environmental issues. The course also serves as a useful double-degree with many other courses across the University, such as Arts, Science or Law.
Learning Outcomes
Practical experience
UniGO: Global Opportunity Program
Immerse yourself in sustainability projects within the Southeast Asian context with a fully-funded study experience in either Indonesia, Malaysia or Vietnam. This elective unit allows you progress your degree faster by gaining 25 credit points while travelling for three weeks over your summer break. Plus, we’ll pay for your travel costs.
Learn more at UniGO: Global Opportunity Program
Become a Student Ambassador
Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities.
Through the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking. Plus, end up with a key point of distinction on your CV
Study overseas at one of our partner institutions
Our exchange program allows you to spend up to a year of your degree studying overseas. We have over 150 exchange partners throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. Tuition fees at the host university are waived, and all your studies can be recognised as part of your degree. A range of scholarships and financial support options are available to help with costs.
Learn more at Learning abroad
Work placement
Designed to equip you with valuable industry connections, alongside job-ready skills and experience, the University of Tasmania’s Business Placement Program expands your career horizons whilst forming valuable relationships with organisations and industry leaders. Our placement team will organise your placement where you will work on a business related project throughout the semester in an area of your choosing, whether in government, nonprofit, private or a specific business environment.
Career outcomes
Economics graduates work in a range of occupations and industries. They are highly sought after by employers who value economic literacy and analytical skills. You’ll gain job-specific skills in your major area of study, so you’re ready to enter the workforce in a wide variety of careers. These include international development, health, environment, business, banking, finance, public policy, inter-governmental affairs, and diplomacy.
Here are some of the careers projected to grow into 2026*:
- Intelligence and Policy Analysts: 8.7%
- Research and Development Managers: 23.8%
- Monetary and Banking Managers: 11.7%
*Labour Market Insights five year projections from November 2021 to November 2026.
Postgraduate study
If you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research.
Course structure
To graduate from the Bachelor of Economics, you must satisfactorily complete 300 credit points of study comprising:
- A minimum of 100 credit points of core units from the list in the Schedule;
- At least one approved 100 credit point major from the list in the Schedule; and
- An additional 100 credit points of study.
The additional 100 credit points can be used to complete a (i) *second disciplinary major, (ii) a sustainability major, or (iii) *another major from across the institution (*to enrol in a second disciplinary major, or a major outside your discipline, please contact a Student Advisor via Uconnect).
A major is an area of focus in your degree. During your studies, you’ll choose an area that interests you, and then study a group of units related to that area.
Core units
Introductory (100) level units
Traditional economics portrays decision making as rational deliberation that computes optimal choices based on well-defined objectives and perfect information. In reality, limited information and cognition as well as certain features of the human psychology often result in decisions that deviate…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for BEA106 Introduction to Behavioural Economics
BEA111 introduces the key concepts in economics, both microeconomics and macroeconomics. It demonstrates how these concepts can be used to describe and explain the decisions of businesses and individuals and their reactions to world events, social and economic change and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Accelerated Study Period 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Accelerated Study Period 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Accelerated Study Period 1 | ||||
| Hong Kong Universal Ed | Semester 1 | ||||
| ECA Melbourne | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for BEA111 Introduction to Markets and the Economy
BEA121 Economic Policy in Action expands upon the key microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts introduced in BEA111 Introduction to Markets and the Economy. The first module of the unit focusses on extending the macroeconomics in BEA111 to consider international trade, exchange…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
BEA140 Data Analysis for Business is a foundation unit in business statistics and the mathematics of finance, and is a core unit in the Bachelor of Economics (BEc) and Bachelor of Business (BBus) degrees. It is also a nominated elective…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Accelerated Study Period 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Accelerated Study Period 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Accelerated Study Period 2 | ||||
| Hong Kong Universal Ed | Semester 2 | ||||
| ECA Melbourne | Semester 2 | ||||
Intermediate (200) level units
BEA200 Public Policy and Welfare shows how economic theory can be directly applied to explain the behaviour of individuals and help solve the decisions that policymakers face. The unit introduces and uses the neoclassical theory of consumer behaviour to initially…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit builds on an understanding of microeconomic concepts in order to provide you with an introduction to several widely-applied economic evaluation and impact-assessment methods. Informing decision-makers about how best to allocate scarce resources is a key role for economists…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit uses contemporary economic frameworks to explain the long-term economic performance of economies. It examines the role of capitalism, population growth, capital accumulation, technology, innovation, political systems, and institutions in shaping the standard of living in countries. Students who…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
The goal of the unit is to develop a thorough understanding of basic econometric methods so that the student can, at the end of this unit:Critically evaluate empirical studies in economics and finance which involve use of simple econometric techniques…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
Majors
Industry, Policy and Business Strategy
Understand contemporary economics and develop the analytical and problem-solving skills required to be a successful professional. Students are prepared for success in business and industry including key growth industries in Tasmania and beyond: energy, agriculture, and business strategy. You’ll be equipped with in-demand skills from businesses, Local, State, and Commonwealth government agencies as well as a range of consulting firms and non-government industry organisations.
Introductory (100) level units:
In both our personal and work lives we regularly encounter 'games': that is, situations where our actions affect the others we interact with, and vice versa. Game Theory provides a framework to discuss and analyse these types of strategic interactions.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BEA104 Game Theory for Business and Social Sciences
The study of international economics provides students with a balance of both micro and macro view of economics in a global perspective. The emphasis on international trade, investment and monetary related issues provide students the required analytical tools to understand…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
Intermediate (200) level units:
Behavioural economics draws on insights and methods from psychology to better understand economic and business decisions. It takes economics beyond the traditional assumption of instrumental rationality, developing theories that more accurately explain and predict economic behaviour. Economic experiments are the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BEA203 Behavioural and Experimental Economics
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the economic theory of business strategy and its implications for modern markets. The foundation theories of monopoly and perfect competition are reviewed, and their implications for markets are analysed. A…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
Advanced (300) level units:
In this unit, students are introduced to applying economic principles to agriculture, agribusiness, and related markets. Students will apply economic principles to study issues in food production and food security. Content will include topics in farm management and organisation, the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
Energy is a key input for a well-functioning economy and is essential for maintaining our modern way of life. Energy influences many dimensions of our economic and social lives. Ensuring future responsible (sustainable) and equitable access to affordable energy is…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit uses a contemporary macroeconomic modelling framework to analyse the role of fiscal and monetary policies on economic outcomes. The study of fiscal policy includes the role of stimulus during recessions, and the impact and consequences of government expenditures…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
In today's rapidly changing world, the ability to make informed decisions about the future is more important than ever, and this unit offers students the essential knowledge and techniques to make informative forecasts and to succeed in decision-making activities in…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BEA342 Forecasting for Economic Decision-Making
Society and Environment
Are you interested in finding economic solutions to make a positive impact on society and the environment? This major teaches you about contemporary economics with an applied focus on social and public policy. You will learn about issues facing the world today, including environmental management and resource economics, the economics of social issues including crime and education, regional development, and other issues in public policy. Graduates gain a set of skills and experiences valued by businesses, consulting firms, government, and non-government agencies.
Introductory (100) level units:
Economics of Social Issues applies economic principles to study contemporary social issues, including: the distribution of wealth and income, poverty and inequality, gender differences, altruism, crime and corruption, gambling, and housing. These social issues are analysed by looking at the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit introduces students to the idea of ecosystem services by exploring the benefits that nature provides for people. Whether these benefits are traded in markets or occur in non-market settings, the ecosystem service framework is key to sustainable management…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
Intermediate (200) level units:
Behavioural economics draws on insights and methods from psychology to better understand economic and business decisions. It takes economics beyond the traditional assumption of instrumental rationality, developing theories that more accurately explain and predict economic behaviour. Economic experiments are the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BEA203 Behavioural and Experimental Economics
Practical, public policy-orientated lectures and tutorials in this unit explore the practical issues of resource management using international, Australian and Tasmanian case studies. There will be specific focus on the sustainable yield of fisheries and the management of forests for…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
Advanced (300) level units:
Economics of Health and Wellbeing applies economic concepts to the study of healthcare and wellbeing from a variety of different perspectives. Students will apply economic principles to study health issues from the perspective of individuals, businesses, healthcare organisations and the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for BEA311 Economics of Health and Wellbeing
Energy is a key input for a well-functioning economy and is essential for maintaining our modern way of life. Energy influences many dimensions of our economic and social lives. Ensuring future responsible (sustainable) and equitable access to affordable energy is…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit presents the economics of place and the economic value of placemaking. It explores how people choose the places where they want to live; considering whether the choice of where to live comes first and after the search of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for BEA316 Economics of Place: Culture, Communities and Opportunities
This unit examines a range of contemporary economic issues shaping the development of regional and rural areas. Students will apply economics principles to study regional growth, urbanisation, international trade, migration and development policy. Students will study the complex tradeoffs between…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BEA317 Regional Development in a Global Context
Elective units
Help finding electives and enrolling
We want your study experience with us to be as smooth as possible and we know that choosing from lists and lists of electives can sometimes be overwhelming!
The guides and links below are presented to help you navigate all of these options and find the electives that are best for you.
Find the answer to your question - ASK US
My enrolment in the Student Portal
Please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team at UConnect if you need any help.
Electives overview
Entry requirements
For Domestic students
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.
Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education (in the past two years)
This course uses ATAR and equivalent ranks as part of the admission process. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive. In 2023, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 65.35.
Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.
Domestic applicants with higher education study
To be eligible for an offer, you must have:
- Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). You must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) at 100 level or higher and which may include 100 level units completed in the UTAS Diploma of University Studies. If you have failed any units, your application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR
- Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).
Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study
To be eligible for an offer, you must have completed a completed Certificate IV or higher (or equivalent) in any discipline.
Domestic applicants with work and life experience
Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.
Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.
For International students
All international students will need to meet the minimum English Language Requirements, University General Entry Requirements and any course specific requirements such as pre-requisite subjects, if applicable.
English Language Requirements
This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.0, with no individual band less than 5.5, or a PTE Academic score of 50, with no score lower than 42 or equivalent.
For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.
General Entry Requirements
Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12th year of education in Australia.
Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.
You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:
- Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate IV or above
- Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Diploma level or higher.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements, we offer the Foundation Studies Program and X1B International First Year Diploma (Business).
Course Specific Requirements
This course does not have any course specific requirements.
Credit transfer
You may be eligible for advanced standing (i.e. credit) in this degree if you:
- Have completed an award such as a Diploma or Advanced Diploma from the University or another institution;
- Are currently studying another Bachelor degree at the University or at another institution;
- Have completed a Bachelor degree at the University or an equivalent award from another institution.
How to apply for credit
You can apply for a credit/advanced standing as part of the online application process.
Articulation
Completion of the Bachelor of Economics may qualify you for admission, and in some cases advanced standing on the basis of your prior learning in a cognate study area, to a Postgraduate Coursework Degree at UTAS or elsewhere.
For example, you may wish to further your studies in one of the following courses:
- Bachelor of Economics with Honours
- Graduate Certificate in Behavioural Insights
- Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Organisational Capability
- Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business
- Master of Business Administration (International) [NB: available to international students only in 2024]
- Master of Finance
- Master of Professional Accounting
Alternative entry pathways
Domestic Applicants
International Applicants
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.
If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. This means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.
You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.
Further information is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.
Student contributionStudent contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.
Further informationDetailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
International students
2024 Total Course Fee (international students): $105,456 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $33,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).
* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.
International students
International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 13 8827 (13 UTAS)
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries