Bachelor of Economics and Master of Economics

Let’s talk about what studying the Bachelor of Economics and Master of Economics at The University of Western Australia actually feels like day to day — because it’s not just sitting in lectures and memorising models.

From early on, the degree nudges you to move past theory and start using economics in practical ways. You’ll be asked to analyse real issues, think through real constraints, and explain your ideas clearly — the same skills employers and research supervisors actually look for. The program is designed so that what you learn in class connects directly to how economics is used in the world beyond university.

One of the biggest strengths of this pathway is how deliberately it builds hands-on experience into the structure of the degree. You’re not expected to wait until graduation to figure out how economics applies in practice. Instead, you gain that exposure while you’re still studying, so by the time you finish, you’ve already worked on problems that matter outside the classroom.

What that looks like in practice:

• Work-integrated learning during your undergraduate years
  In your second or third year, you’ll complete a dedicated unit that focuses on applying economics to real-world problems. This is a core part of the degree, not an optional extra. You’ll work on issues that mirror what economists tackle in government, business, or policy settings, helping you build confidence in applying your skills — not just understanding them.

• A capstone experience in your final year
  In the fourth year, you’ll bring everything together in a capstone experience that you can shape around your goals. This could involve an industry-focused project, another applied work-integrated learning experience, or a research project if you’re considering further study or a research-driven career. It’s your chance to specialise, deepen your expertise, and graduate with work you can clearly explain and be proud of.

Overall, this program is structured to help you graduate with more than just a strong academic background. You leave with applied experience, clearer career direction, and concrete examples of how you’ve used economics to solve real problems — exactly the kind of experience that makes interviews, internships, and further study feel far less intimidating.

From day one, this combined economics pathway is designed to help you step into the job market with real confidence. You’re not just learning theory — you’re building strong analytical skills and backing them up with practical experience. By the time you graduate, you’re ready for roles where people genuinely rely on your judgement about data, markets, and policy. That could be in a government department, a financial institution, or a consulting firm.

UWA economics graduates commonly move into roles like economic analyst, policy adviser, financial economist, or economic consultant, across both the public and private sectors.

What that means for you in practice:

You’re supported when it matters most.
UWA’s Career Centre and work-integrated learning units are built into the degree, not tacked on at the end. By your second or third year, you’ll be involved in professional experience placements or industry-based projects that help you build your résumé, sharpen your workplace skills, and start making employer connections before you graduate.

You graduate with real experience, not just a transcript.
In your fourth year, you’ll complete capstone experiences such as internships or research projects. These give you concrete examples of the work you’ve done — something you can confidently talk about in interviews and take straight into the workplace.

You’re learning inside a strong industry network.
The UWA Business School has long-standing relationships with industry partners, including banks, major consultancies, government bodies, and corporate organisations like EY, KPMG and Woodside. Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to networking events, industry speakers, and mentorship opportunities that help you understand where economics is applied in the real world.

Your degree carries global recognition.
UWA’s Business School holds both EQUIS and AACSB accreditation — a rare double accreditation that signals quality to employers around the world. In competitive graduate markets, this can make a meaningful difference.

You’re prepared for a wide range of careers.
Economics sits at the heart of so many industries — from public policy and finance to forecasting, consulting, and international organisations. The way you’re trained to analyse data, think critically, and clearly communicate economic insights means you’re not locked into one narrow career path. You can work across sectors, in Australia or internationally.

If you’re thinking beyond industry…
This combined Bachelor and Master in Economics also gives you a strong foundation for further academic study. If you’re drawn to research or theory, you’ll be well prepared for honours or a PhD. Many graduates also go on to specialised postgraduate pathways or professional certifications in areas like finance or public policy, building on the quantitative and analytical skills they’ve developed at UWA.

If you’re someone who enjoys understanding why markets behave the way they do, how government decisions are shaped, or how evidence drives real-world outcomes — this program doesn’t just prepare you for a job. It prepares you to be part of the conversations that shape economies and society.