Master of Arts (MA), Business (MBus), Commerce (MCom) or Science (MSc)
Quick facts
- Typically, two-year programme
- Entry in semester 1 or semester 2
You can earn a Master of Arts, Business, Commerce or Science in Economics. It is your choice which of these you prefer as they each have the same requirements. These degree programmes aim to equip analytically able students with the tools necessary to succeed as professional economists or to go on to PhD-level study.
These Master's programmes take two years (full-time study), one for coursework and the second for research. If you have already completed sufficient 400-level coursework to a high standard, you can earn the degree in one year by completing a supervised research thesis.
Option 1: Master's degree by coursework and thesis
This programme normally requires two years of full-time study, where:
- The first year consists of 120 points of ECON 400-level papers, including ECON 485: Master's Thesis Preparation (20 points)
- The second year involves a research thesis which involves supervised, individual research in an approved topic area
You must complete the first year to a satisfactory standard in order to proceed with the thesis in the second year.
If you do not proceed with the thesis, the 400-level papers you have completed can be counted toward a Postgraduate Diploma in Economics.
Requirements for entry into the master's degree by coursework and thesis include:
- A bachelor's degree in Economics that includes ECON 375 (Econometrics) and ECON 377 (Mathematical Economics) or comparable coursework
- A grade average of at least B for the best four 300-level papers that can count towards the Economics major subject requirement.
For the specific requirements of each degree, make sure to select 'Economics' from the drop-down list on these pages:
Option 2: Master's degree by thesis alone
This programme involves supervised, individual research in an approved topic area. Candidates must demonstrate that they have the background required to carry out the proposed research. Normally, the research and thesis requires at least 12 months of full-time study to complete.
Requirements for entry into the one-year MA, MBus, MCom or MSc by thesis alone normally requires:
- A bachelor's degree in Economics
- A grade average of at least B in 400-level coursework at Otago or comparable
For the specific requirements of each degree, make sure to select 'Economics' from the drop-down list on these pages:
Research Master's scholarships
For domestic students, the University offers a total of 60 scholarships across the University to support the thesis component of Master's study. These are awarded competitively.
For international students the University offers a total of 8 scholarships across the University to support the thesis component of Master's study. Competition for this small number of scholarships is intense.
University Master's scholarships
If you have questions about any of these master's degrees in Economics, contact the Department:
Email economics@otago.ac.nz