Bachelor of Economics with Honours

1 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Tasmania

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Economics with Honours at the University of Tasmania is a focused, intellectually rewarding program for students who already have a background in economics and are ready to take the next step. Completed in one year full-time or two years part-time, it’s designed for those who want to think more deeply about economic issues, build serious research capability, and prepare for advanced professional roles or further study.

During your Honours year, you move beyond broad undergraduate learning and into a more independent, research-driven way of studying. You’ll revisit Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, but at a much higher level, grappling with how individuals, markets, and entire economies behave — and how economic theory plays out in real policy and business contexts. Econometrics strengthens your ability to work with data and evidence, giving you the tools to analyse economic problems rigorously. You’ll also explore Special Topics in Economics, allowing you to engage with current debates and emerging methods that align with your interests.

At the centre of the program is the Economics Honours Dissertation. This is your opportunity to take ownership of a research question that matters to you — designing the study, analysing data, and clearly communicating your findings. It’s where everything comes together: theory, technical skill, and intellectual curiosity — and where many students discover a real confidence in their ability to think and work like an economist.

By the end of the program, you’ll have developed advanced economic judgment, the ability to evaluate complex problems critically, and the confidence to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively. Just as importantly, you’ll have completed a substantial independent research project that demonstrates your analytical depth and discipline.

This Honours year is formally recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework and builds directly on your undergraduate economics training. It’s a strong pathway into careers such as economic consulting, public policy, central banking, or government analysis, and an excellent foundation if you’re considering postgraduate research.

The University of Tasmania is well regarded for combining academic rigour with practical relevance, and its economics programs benefit from that balance. Graduates often highlight how the analytical depth, close academic guidance, and hands-on research experience gained during Honours help them stand out — whether they’re applying for competitive roles or taking the next step into higher research degrees.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re passionate about economics but want more than lectures and textbooks, the Honours year at UTas is designed to turn you into both a thinker and a doer. At the heart of it is a substantial independent research project, where you’ll work closely with an academic supervisor to tackle real economic questions, analyse data, and present your findings just like professional economists do. Alongside this, you’ll dive into advanced coursework—think econometrics, macroeconomics, microeconomics, and special topics—that connects what you learn directly to real-world policy and business challenges.

And it’s not all in the classroom. There are plenty of ways to gain practical experience: you can volunteer on research initiatives, explore work placements or internships with guidance from your course team, or even study abroad to bring a global perspective to your economics learning.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Independent Honours Dissertation Project – Design, research, and write your own original economics study under the guidance of an academic supervisor.
Advanced Coursework – Units like Econometrics, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Special Topics focus on applying analytical tools to real data and real problems.
Research and Volunteering Opportunities – Engage with economics work beyond the classroom, whether through research projects or volunteering.
Study Abroad Options – Take part in exchange programs to broaden your academic and cultural experience.
Work Experience and Placements – Explore corporate internships or other placements with support from your course team.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this honours year doesn’t just mean you’ve got solid economics knowledge — it shows you can think critically, communicate clearly, and tackle research projects independently. That kind of experience really helps you stand out. Many graduates go on to careers as economists, policy analysts, consultants, commercial bankers, or researchers. And if you’re thinking about further study, this honours year gives you a strong foundation for postgraduate degrees.

Here’s how it works for you:

While you’re studying, UTAS Careers and Employment Services are there to help you every step of the way. They can help polish your CV, get you ready for interviews, connect you with jobs or internships, and introduce you to the Australian workplace and job market.

Because it’s an honours degree, you graduate with real research and analytical experience — something employers really value, especially in policy, banking, and consulting roles. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to link with industry through the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, which is connected to business and government networks locally and beyond. That means practical experience, placements, and networking opportunities are built right into your degree.

Even though exact employment stats aren’t published, UTAS economics graduates generally enjoy strong outcomes, thanks to the analytical and decision-making skills you’ll develop.

Looking ahead, your honours year sets you up perfectly if you want to take your studies further. Many graduates go on to postgraduate coursework or research degrees like a Master of Economics, Master of Finance, or even a PhD. UTAS supports you in connecting with supervisors, understanding what’s required, and making that next step smooth and meaningful. So whether you fall in love with research or want to specialise deeply, you’re already well-prepared for the journey ahead.