Economics is about choice and is at the heart of decision-making. Governments, businesses and individuals are all faced with making choices in situations where resources are scarce.
Economics is not just a subject, it is a way of thinking, and provides a logical way of looking at a variety of issues. That’s why Otago Economics graduates are so well regarded – they are leading problem solvers and think outside the square.
Why study Economics?
Economics is an exciting, dynamic, contemporary field. Economics affects everyone and applies to a range of disciplines including business, politics, history, law, health sciences and biotechnology. It deals with topics such as unemployment, economic growth, housing, income inequality, international trade, sustainable development and the environment. You name the field, Economics plays a part.
Studying Economics teaches you how to examine people's ideas and come to your own soundly-based conclusions. No matter what career you're aspiring to, you will find Economics invaluable.
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Note: Students who have not completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA(Hons)) in Economics or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in Economics must complete the required papers for the BA(Hons) in Economics prior to undertaking the thesis.
Thesis
Thesis: ECON 5
Note: The MCom in Economics can be pursued by a combination of papers and thesis, or by thesis only. Students who have a good Bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) will complete the MCom by papers and thesis (at least two years' full-time study). The first year consists of a selection of papers worth 144 points, leading to a Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce (PGDipCom). Students who have a good Honours degree or a PGDipCom (or equivalent qualification) can complete an MCom by thesis only (minimum one year).
Note: The papers are normally taken before undertaking the thesis.
The Master of Business in Economics will be awarded on successful completion of 180 points from one of the three options (Dissertation, Project or Coursework) outlined in the schedule below.
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
World-class research
The University of Otago has a global reputation for research excellence. Our expertise is vast across health, society, culture, sustainability and the environment.
