No new enrolments are being accepted for the Master of Economics. From 2025, it is being replaced by the new Master of Business programme.
Overview
The Master of Economics (MEcon) will equip students to be either professional practitioners or academic researchers in the field of Economics. It can also provide a pathway to doctoral-level study in Economics. The degree consists of both coursework and a research dissertation.
The normal admission requirement is a Bachelor's degree majoring in Economics and an average grade of at least B for the relevant 300-level papers. Candidates should have also completed 300-level papers in mathematical economics and econometrics. Admission on the basis of alternative qualifications and experience is possible.
The Master of Economics can be completed in one year of full-time, or its equivalent in part-time, study. You may begin the MEcon degree in first or second semester.
Programme details
Regulations for the Degree of Master of Economics (MEcon)
Admission to the Programme
Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Commerce).
Every applicant must either
be a graduate, and
normally have achieved an average grade of B in the papers satisfying the final year requirements for the degree, including both econometrics and mathematical economics, or
have equivalent alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce).
In considering an applicant's qualifications, regard will be given to the detail of the course of study followed to gain the qualification, as well as the applicant's performance in the programme.
Structure of the Programme
Every programme of study shall consist of approved papers from the schedule of papers available for the degree of Master of Economics to the value of 180 points.
With prior approval from the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce), papers worth up to a maximum of 60 points in a relevant subject offered by another tertiary institution, may be granted transfer credit for equivalent paper(s) within the programme, Such credits will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
A candidate shall, before commencing the investigation to be described in the research dissertation, secure the approval of the Programme Co-ordinator concerned for proposed course of the investigation.
Duration of the Programme
A candidate must normally complete the requirements for theprogramme in 12 months of full-time study, and a part-time candidate within four years of commencing the Programme.
Exceptions to the normal duration of a programme shall be permitted only with the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce).
Withdrawal from the Programme
Where a candidate withdraws from the programme after completing the prescribed papers, whether voluntarily or otherwise, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce) may recommend the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce or determine which papers shall be credited towards the diploma.
Examination of the Dissertation
The dissertation shall normally be reviewed by two examiners, neither of whom is the candidate's supervisor, to be determined by the Programme Co-ordinator.
Each examiner shall supply a written report and recommend a mark and grade on the basis of the dissertation as submitted.
Where there is disagreement over a final result, an independent moderator determined by the Programme Co-ordinator shall arrive at a decision.
Level of Award of the Degree
The degree may be awarded with distinction or with credit.
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
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.
