Career opportunities
Otago Economics graduates are well known for their wide range of analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills, and are in high demand by employers. There are literally countless jobs for Economics graduates. You could be a policy analyst, a business consultant, an economics researcher, a financial adviser, a diplomat, a teacher, a bank manager or a journalist. An Economics background would also be invaluable for someone contemplating setting up his or her own business.
Our graduates can be found in jobs across the public and private sectors, for example:
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- OECD
- Infometrics
- Reserve Bank
- Treasury
- Statistics New Zealand
- Inland Revenue
- Banking – national and international
- Health authorities
- Local governments and planning authorities
- United Nations
The power of Economics at Otago
Hear from students Connor and Rachael on why they chose Economics at Otago, and gain expert insights from Dr Dennis Wesselbaum on how Economics shapes the world and your future career.
Read transcript
Connor Kennedy:
Hey, I’m Connor, and I study Economics and Anatomy at Otago University.
I really chose Otago because the Economics programme is leading in the world. It also has a great student life, and the flexibility of the course is just incredible. I can do Anatomy and Economics at the same time, and both departments are really accommodating. So, if you want to study Economics, come to Otago University!
Rachael Grant:
I also chose to go to Otago because it was the furthest university from home. I had heard about the great student lifestyle here—there’s always something going on, whether it’s a rugby game or going to the beach with friends.
I picked Economics because ever since I did Economics in high school, I knew that was what I wanted to do. The lecturers here are amazing—they’re always willing to help you out with Economics or understanding content. There are also amazing opportunities. I’m a research assistant looking at Economics, so honestly, it’s just an awesome place to be.
Dr Dennis Wesselbaum:
What is Economics? Think about a jigsaw puzzle. Zoom into one part of the puzzle—it’s about monetary and fiscal policy over the business cycle. In another corner, it’s about how climate change affects migration. In yet another part, it’s about how we foster long-run economic growth.
What I love about Economics is the fact that it’s not a narrowly defined topic or concept. It’s a way of thinking, a way of addressing a problem and solving it. That can be done using data analysis, theoretical models, or even experiments.
Now zoom out and look at the entire picture—Economics is about how we can make people’s lives better and how we advance knowledge.
If you’re interested in a subject that offers a wide range of job opportunities—working for the government, private sector, or even international organisations like the UN—then Economics is for you. If you’re looking for a flexible study option, you can combine Economics with Law, Politics, or even Philosophy. And if you want a career that allows you to make an impact, then you should consider Economics.
In your first year at Otago, you’ll lay the groundwork for this. You’ll learn the basic concepts and tools, and you’ll learn how to handle data—the currency of the future. You’ll be evaluated through tests, exams, and both individual and group-based work.
Why then Otago? Yes, we are the leading business school in the country. Yes, we do have new facilities. But to me, what sets us apart is that we actively combine research and teaching. It’s not just about reading a book—it’s about learning, being inspired, and actively participating, maybe even at the economic frontier.
If that entire package sounds good to you, then we look forward to having you with us here at Otago!
Economics at Otago
Economics is all about choice. This also applies to how you study the programme.
Economics can be studied as:
- the major for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree
- one of the majors for a BACom, BComSc or BASc combined degree
- part of the multidisciplinary major in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) for the BA or BCom
The choice is yours!
Teaching style
Each paper is taught in a lecture format and most papers include weekly tutorials where you'll have the opportunity to discuss the lecture topics in more detail. Just like at secondary school, assessment will include assignments, tests, essays and exams.
Double major/degree options
Economics complements a range of other majors and degree programmes such as Finance, Accountancy, Marketing Management, Management, Law, Political Studies, Philosophy, History, Geography, Psychology, Mathematics and a range of languages. The options are endless.
Student exchange
The University of Otago has exchange agreements with more than 100 institutions in over 30 countries. If your marks average B or better, you may qualify to attend one of these institutions for one semester or for a year. You pay only your New Zealand fees and complete your qualification within the same timeframe as if you'd never been away. Commerce students are also encouraged to participate in one of the more than 50 specific business exchanges the Otago Business School offers.
Recommended background
There are no prerequisite subjects to study Economics – you don't even have to have studied Economics at school. However, you might find English, Mathematics or Statistics useful subjects to study – especially if you want to major in Economics.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Commerce along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Arts along with other subjects
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Science along with other subjects
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Commerce, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
Ready to apply?
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Economics
Explore postgraduate study in Economics at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities in a suppo...
Related subject areas
Explore all subject areasProgramme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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