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Economics

Bachelor of ArtsMajorYear: 2026

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Overview

Economists combine data and models to understand economic decision-making by various actors, including households, businesses, and governments, and predict how their decisions affect particular communities, industries, and sectors, as well as the economy and society. For instance, economists examine how individuals choose what to buy and how to spend their time, how companies set prices and earn profits, how taxes and interest rates are determined, and how countries engage in pressing societal challenges, such as inequality, innovation, international trade, and climate change.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this major, students should be able to:

  • Describe and explain the fundamental principles underpinning the functioning of markets
  • Explain and critically analyse factors that determine economic decision making in households, firms and government
  • Evaluate the impact of economic policy
  • Identify issues and apply knowledge of theory to analyse real and hypothetical economic problems and suggest potential solutions
  • Employ a range of tools of analysis pertinent to the evaluation of evidence in economic policy and behaviour, including statistical reasoning, and the use of econometric and/or mathematical computer software
  • Understand the core methodological tools for working with economic data and be able to interpret and apply basic statistical and econometric methods and understand empirical papers of an appropriate level
  • Interpret and critically evaluate articles in the economics literature
  • Demonstrate appropriate communication skills for a professional environment.

Last updated: 12 February 2026