Bachelor of Economics / Computer Science

Experiential Learning at UNSW: Bachelor of Economics / Computer Science

The Bachelor of Economics / Computer Science at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is designed to give you real, practical experience from your very first semester. You won’t just study theory—you’ll actively build skills that connect economics and technology in meaningful ways. From data analytics and programming to algorithm design and business decision-making, every part of this double degree helps you prepare for the future of work where tech and economics meet.

UNSW’s modern campus, industry-linked learning opportunities, and built-in professional experiences ensure that when you graduate, you’re ready to take on the world with confidence and creativity.

How You’ll Learn by Doing

• Built-in industry experience:
  Professional development courses and practical experiences are integrated into the curriculum, giving you exposure to real workplaces and challenges while you study.

• Hands-on learning environments:
  You’ll have access to advanced facilities and digital tools to explore areas like artificial intelligence, programming, analytics, and security engineering.

• Specialisation options:
  Tailor your degree by specialising in econometrics, economics, or financial economics, and learn how to apply computing tools to real-world business, government, or research problems.

• Research and honours opportunities:
  After completing your double degree, you can choose to continue into an honours year to gain deeper, research-based experience.

What That Means for You

Your UNSW experience will be immersive, practical, and deeply connected to real-world challenges. You’ll take part in:

• Collaborative group projects that combine computing and economic modelling—like using data analytics tools to solve economic policy or business problems.

• Technical skill development in programming languages, algorithms, analytics software, and security engineering practices.

• Industry engagement through UNSW Business School’s Career Accelerator programs, which connect you directly with employers and professionals in your field.

• Access to cutting-edge facilities, including labs, research centres, and the UNSW Library—supporting your learning and innovation every step of the way.

• A structured double degree format (4 years full-time) that gives you the advantage of two disciplines in one, helping you understand how technology and economics intersect in today’s industries.

In short, this program at UNSW offers a rich, hands-on learning journey that blends analytical thinking, creativity, and real-world experience—preparing you for the fast-evolving careers where economics and technology come together.

Graduate Outcomes Summary

Graduates of this program are uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and strategy—ready to take on roles that shape data-driven decision-making in business and industry. With your blend of computing expertise and economic insight, you could step into positions such as Business Analyst, Cybersecurity Consultant, Information Systems Manager, or Statistical Analyst.

Because you’ll graduate with strong quantitative economics skills and advanced computing knowledge, you’ll be equipped to thrive in fast-changing industries where analytical thinking and technical fluency go hand in hand. Employers value graduates who can both “think broadly and code deeply”—and that’s exactly what this program prepares you for.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Career development and support:
As a UNSW Business School student, you’ll have access to the Career Accelerator program, which integrates professional development and real-world experience directly into your degree. You can also make use of UNSW’s Careers & Employment service, which offers internship support, résumé preparation, and networking opportunities with top employers. In addition, the university’s computing and engineering faculties provide Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities and industry-linked projects—so you’ll graduate with practical experience as well as strong academic grounding.

Employment outlook and salary outcomes:
UNSW graduates enjoy excellent employment outcomes. Around 84% of UNSW undergraduates secure full-time work within 4–6 months of finishing their degree, outperforming the national Group of Eight (Go8) average of approximately 79%. The median starting salary is about AUD $70,000, rising to around AUD $88,000 three years after graduation.

Industry connections and partnerships:
UNSW maintains close ties with major organisations and research networks, such as Data61, a leading digital innovation group. On the business side, students benefit from employer partnerships and industry engagement built into the Career Accelerator program—providing valuable exposure to real workplaces and professional networks before you graduate.

Professional recognition:
The Computer Science component of your degree is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS), ensuring that your qualification is recognised across the industry. The combination of Economics and Computer Science gives you both technical and analytical credentials—future-proofing your career as technology continues to transform every sector.

Graduation Outcomes

By completing the Bachelor of Economics / Bachelor of Computer Science, you’ll graduate with two degrees in just four years. Along the way, you’ll have the flexibility to study majors such as Econometrics, Financial Markets, Artificial Intelligence, or Security Engineering. You’ll finish your studies not only with a strong theoretical foundation, but also with professional experience, industry exposure, and a unique skill set that blends economic reasoning with computational power—highly valued by employers worldwide.

Further Academic Progression

After completing this dual degree, you’ll have several exciting academic pathways to explore:

• Honours Year: Deepen your expertise by pursuing Honours in either Economics or Computer Science—ideal for students who enjoy research and want to specialise further.

• Postgraduate Study: Continue your education with a Master of Information Technology, Master of Data Science, or a specialised Master’s in Economics or Econometrics.

• Research Pathways: If you’re passionate about innovation and discovery, you could progress to a PhD in computing, economics, or emerging interdisciplinary areas such as computational economics or AI policy.

• Professional Certifications: Enhance your career profile with certifications in data analytics, cybersecurity, or fintech, which complement your dual-degree background and strengthen your professional credentials.