Bachelor of Economics

This degree is designed for students who want to do economics, not just listen to it. From the beginning, you’re working with real data, real questions, and real problems — building the kinds of analytical skills employers actually care about. Instead of passively absorbing theory, you’re encouraged to choose projects that interest you, apply economic thinking to real-world issues, and gradually deepen your expertise as you move through the degree.

You’ll start by developing a strong foundation in economic analysis, then build on that through more advanced coursework. If you choose the extended pathway, you’ll take on a substantial project in your final years — an opportunity to explore a research, industry, or community challenge with close guidance from academic staff. Alongside your economics subjects, the degree also gives you structured opportunities to broaden your skill set through applied learning in areas like coding, ethics, communication, and design thinking, helping you connect economic theory to complex, real-life challenges.

Here’s what experiential learning looks like in practice in the Bachelor of Economics:

You’ll study core units in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics that focus on analysing real data, understanding economic trends, and evaluating policy decisions — so you’re constantly applying what you learn, not memorising models in isolation.

You can choose an embedded major such as Econometrics, Economics, Financial Economics, or Environmental, Agricultural & Resource Economics, allowing you to specialise and develop deeper analytical and applied expertise in an area that genuinely interests you.

If you take the Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Advanced Studies pathway, you’ll have the option to complete advanced coursework and a major project in your final year, where you’ll tackle a meaningful problem and produce substantial analytical or research-based work.

You’ll complete Open Learning Environment units — hands-on modules in areas like coding, ethics, project management, design thinking, and entrepreneurship — giving you practical skills that complement your economics training.

You also have the flexibility to add a second major or minor from disciplines such as business, STEM, social sciences, or the humanities, helping you apply economic thinking in broader, cross-disciplinary contexts.

For students interested in research or further study, there’s a clear pathway to Honours or advanced research training, where you’ll complete a supervised research project and strengthen your skills in inquiry, data analysis, and communication.

Altogether, this means you graduate with more than just theoretical knowledge. You leave with the ability to interpret data, critique real policies, design and manage projects, and confidently work through complex economic problems — exactly the kinds of capabilities employers and postgraduate programs are looking for today.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney step into the workforce with a strong analytical mindset and the confidence to make sense of complex economic and business decisions. Alumni commonly move into roles such as economist, policy or research analyst, financial or data analyst, and consulting or strategy associate, across both public and private sectors.

Here’s what this means for you:

• Dedicated employability support through the University of Sydney Careers Centre, including career coaching, resume feedback, interview preparation, employer events, and access to advertised internships and graduate roles via the university’s career platforms.

• Built-in career preparation through industry-informed coursework and opportunities to apply economic thinking to real policy, business, and global challenges as part of your studies.

• Strong industry and public-sector relevance, with graduates working across government departments, financial institutions, consulting firms, research organisations, and multinational companies where economic analysis informs decision-making.

• Respected graduate outcomes, with the University of Sydney consistently recognised by employers for producing graduates with strong critical thinking, quantitative skills, and real-world readiness.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Economics, you can continue your studies at the University of Sydney through structured postgraduate pathways. High-performing students may progress to Honours, which deepens research and analytical skills and can be a stepping stone to doctoral study. Graduates also commonly move into postgraduate coursework degrees such as economics, finance, public policy, data analytics, or related business and management programs offered by the university, depending on their career goals. These pathways allow you to specialise further or pivot toward advanced professional or research-focused roles, all within the same academic ecosystem.