Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Actuarial Studies

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Macquarie University

Program Overview

This double degree at Macquarie University is perfect for anyone curious about how economies work and excited to tackle real-world problems with data, finance, and risk. If you love asking big questions — like why markets behave the way they do — and want the confidence to make smart, informed decisions in careers from economic advising to actuarial analysis, this program gives you the skills and clarity to step in with purpose.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: You’ll start by building a strong foundation in both economics and actuarial studies. Core units like introductory economics and “Introduction to Actuarial Studies” help you get comfortable with economic thinking, statistics, and financial math. You’ll also explore real-world data analysis and finance techniques, so you begin to see patterns and choices in action.

Year 2: Your learning deepens as you tackle subjects like “Microeconomic Analysis and Applications” and intermediate quantitative methods. These give you the tools to model markets and behaviour. Alongside actuarial units covering probability and risk, this is the year to stretch your analytical muscles and see how theory connects to real business and policy challenges.

Year 3: You’ll move into more specialised content, including “Introductory Econometrics” and courses on financial institutions and labour markets. In the actuarial stream, you’ll work with advanced modelling and risk management methods, while starting to shape your studies toward the industries and problems you’re most interested in.

Year 4: Your final year focuses on bringing it all together with career-ready learning. Units might cover public economics, international finance, or specialised actuarial decision-making. You’ll synthesise knowledge across economics and actuarial studies and prepare for capstone projects, internships, or professional pathways that set you up for success.

Focus Areas: Economics, data analysis, financial risk, actuarial science, and solving real-world problems.

What You’ll Take Away: You’ll graduate thinking critically about economic and financial systems, analysing complex data with confidence, and making smart decisions about risk and policy — whether in business, government, or finance.

Professional Relevance: The actuarial component meets industry-recognised standards and equips you with the skills employers want in risk, insurance, finance, and analytics roles.

Reputation & Employability: Macquarie University ranks among Australia’s top universities and is globally recognised. Its practical, industry-connected approach means the skills you graduate with are not just on paper — they’re valued by employers across consulting, policy, actuarial teams, and economic research.

If you’re looking for a program that challenges your thinking, keeps you grounded in applied skills, and opens doors to a wide range of careers, this double degree is a perfect fit.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This double degree isn’t just about learning theory in the abstract — it’s designed so you develop real, career-ready skills by working with actual data, solving problems, and engaging in professional contexts just like economists and actuaries do. You’ll get hands-on experience analysing economic and financial data, tackling real-world challenges, interpreting results, and communicating your insights clearly — essentially, practicing the skills you’ll use on the job. Macquarie’s focus on work-integrated learning means you can connect what you learn in the classroom to real workplace experiences, helping you grow not just your technical knowledge, but also your confidence and professional mindset before you even graduate.

Here’s how this experiential learning comes to life:

Hands-on problem solving with real data and models – Across your economics and actuarial courses, you’ll work with real-world economic problems and quantitative risk scenarios. This gives you a taste of thinking like a professional economist or actuary from day one.

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) pathways – Macquarie encourages internships, industry projects, and professional experiences that complement your studies. These opportunities let you build practical skills and start creating a portfolio of real-world experience while you study.

Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) – Macquarie’s long-running PACE program offers placements, projects, and internships that take your learning beyond the classroom and into real organisational contexts, helping you understand how your studies connect to the wider world.

Co-op option in actuarial studies – If you qualify for the actuarial co-op pathway, you can alternate study with up to three workplace placements of 3–6 months each. This extended industry experience helps you build networks, sharpen your skills, and gain a clear sense of your career direction.

Career support and employer connections – Macquarie’s dedicated careers and student employment services help you build your professional profile, practice interviews, and connect with industry partners who are actively looking for graduates who are ready to hit the ground running.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Macquarie University’s Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Actuarial Studies gives you a strong foundation for careers that combine sharp analytical thinking with practical financial insight. Graduates often step into roles like actuary, economist, risk analyst, or consultant — jobs where you’re solving big-picture problems and helping organisations make smarter decisions. This combination also opens doors to careers in finance, insurance, public policy, and data-driven strategy.

Here’s how this degree works for you:

Gain real-world experience while you study: Through Macquarie’s Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) program, you can connect with internships, work placements, and industry projects with over 3,000 organisations. It’s a great way to build practical skills and strengthen your resume before graduation.

Build networks through industry placements: If you take the Actuarial Studies co-op pathway, you’ll alternate between study and workplace placements throughout your degree. These experiences not only help you develop professional skills but also give you a head start in creating a network that employers value.

Get career support every step of the way: Macquarie’s Careers and Student Employment services can help you shape a career plan, develop workplace skills, and even connect you with part-time or full-time opportunities through the Macquarie Student Employment recruitment service.

Stand out with professional recognition: The actuarial component of your degree is professionally accredited, giving you a head start toward industry-recognised exemptions and pathways into the actuarial profession.

Strong graduate outcomes: Macquarie graduates enjoy high employment rates after finishing their degrees. Employers value the mix of skills, practical experience, and professional readiness that you gain here.

Keep learning if you want: After completing this double degree, you’re also well-positioned to continue your studies in specialised Masters programs, like actuarial studies, applied finance, economics, or business analytics. Postgraduate study can deepen your technical expertise, help you prepare for professional actuarial exams, and open doors to leadership roles in finance, consulting, or policy.