Bachelor of Economics (Honours)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Adelaide

Program Overview

Bachelor of Economics (Honours) – University of Adelaide

If you’re curious about how the world works and eager to turn that curiosity into real‑world solutions, the Bachelor of Economics (Honours) at the University of Adelaide is your next step. This program builds on your core economics knowledge and takes you deeper into microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, all while giving you the chance to complete your own research thesis — a perfect springboard for specialist careers or further study.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Your journey begins by grounding yourself in the fundamentals of how economies function and how data drives decisions. Core courses like Microeconomic Theory IV (H), Macroeconomics IV (H), and Econometrics IV (H) will give you the tools to interpret markets and economic data. Alongside these, you can explore electives in areas such as international finance or behavioural economics, starting to shape the direction of your studies.

Second Year: Here’s where your analytical skills really grow. You’ll dive deeper into economic models and policy issues while choosing Level IV electives that match your interests — maybe International Trade IV (H) or Public Economics IV (H). You’ll also engage more closely with your academic supervisor and your cohort through seminars and workshops, building the kind of critical thinking and discussion skills that economists rely on.

Honours Year: This is the heart of the program. You’ll conduct independent research through your Honours Economics Thesis, combining advanced methods from microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics to explore a question you care about. Along the way, you’ll refine professional skills, present your findings, and prepare confidently for the next stage — whether that’s launching your career or pursuing postgraduate study.

Focus Areas: Advanced economic analysis, applied econometrics, independent research, policy evaluation

Learning Outcomes: By graduation, you’ll be ready to tackle complex problems with economic methods, use data analysis tools with confidence, communicate clearly to both specialist and non‑specialist audiences, and carry out independent research that has real impact.

Career & Professional Alignment: The honours year develops highly sought-after skills in economic reasoning, data analysis, and research design — exactly what employers in government, consulting, finance, and beyond are looking for. It’s also an excellent foundation if you decide to continue with postgraduate study.

Reputation & Employability: Adelaide University is consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities and is known for strong industry and research connections. This reputation helps economics graduates stand out in the job market, giving you an edge when it comes to launching your career.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Economics (Honours) at the University of Adelaide is designed to take you beyond the classroom and straight into real-world economic practice. This isn’t just about memorizing theories — it’s about using them to tackle real questions, handle real data, and build the skills employers are really looking for. From hands-on internships and professional development in your third year to an independent research thesis in your Honours year, you’ll be actively applying what you learn, gaining practical experience, and sharpening your problem-solving skills along the way. Adelaide supports you through structured work-integrated units and a community that encourages curiosity, research, and professional growth.

Here’s what learning by doing looks like in this degree:

Third-year professional development and internships – step into real workplace environments, build your network, and get a taste of what working as an economist is really like.
Honours year research thesis – choose your own research question, carry out original analysis, and produce a substantial piece of work that mirrors real economist projects.
Hands-on empirical analysis – apply advanced techniques to real economic issues in third-year econometrics and economic analysis courses.
Work-integrated learning units – built into the degree to give structured, practical application of your skills.
Relevant electives – explore topics like big data for social and economic problems, international finance, public economics, and impact evaluation methods to solve real-world challenges.
Career-focused learning – coursework and activities designed to prepare you to enter the workforce confidently.

If you want a degree where you actually do economics — not just learn about it — this program gives you structured, supported opportunities to practise it in ways that really matter.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) from the University of Adelaide gives you more than just a degree — it equips you with strong analytical and research skills that today’s employers really value. You’ll be ready to step into roles where you can make a real impact, whether that’s shaping policy in government, uncovering insights that drive business decisions, or exploring international trade. Common graduate roles include economist, economic researcher, data analyst, policy adviser, and opportunities like business analyst or international trade analyst.

Here’s what this means for you:

Support designed for your success: Adelaide’s Careers Service is there with you every step of the way. From planning your career to practicing interviews and building networks, you’ll get guidance that boosts your confidence. Beyond careers, the university also offers mentoring, academic help, counselling, and support to find internships that complement your studies.

Hands-on experience: Internships give you the chance to connect with real employers and apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations. It’s a great way to build your resume and your confidence before you even graduate.

Professional readiness built in: The Honours year goes deeper, with advanced coursework and an independent research thesis. Employers see this as proof that you can tackle complex problems, think critically, and communicate insights clearly — skills that really make you stand out.

Industry connections that matter: The School of Economics and Public Policy actively works with industry partners to keep your learning relevant. They regularly seek feedback from employers, ensuring that your skills match what’s needed in today’s job market.

A degree that opens doors globally: Adelaide’s Bachelor of Economics (Honours) comes from a highly regarded university with internationally recognised academic standards. Whether you choose to work in Australia or abroad, your qualification carries weight.

Pathways to further study: If you want to dive even deeper into research or specialise further, the Honours year positions you perfectly for postgraduate studies, like a Master of Economics, Master of Public Policy, or a PhD. It also lays the groundwork for careers in academia, government research, and international organisations.