Young business woman
MJRU-ECONS

Economics

Undergraduate major

Become an expert in analysing and influencing how wealth is created, consumed and distributed.

This offering version is phasing out and no longer taking applications. You may be able to apply for a later version.

Course outline
  • ATAR

    ATAR

    Guaranteed ATAR 70
  • Qualification
    Economics Major (BCom)
  • Credit

    Credit

    200
Course outline

Select your preferred degree

This course belongs to multiple degrees. Select the single degree or double degree below to see the application deadlines.

Course outline
Economics

Outline

Outline

Economists study more than just money – they analyse the world around them, from global markets to government policy to world events, to help make informed decisions in diverse industries. These decisions can impact how individuals and society access, consume and distribute wealth.

With a focus on applied economics, this major gives you the knowledge and skills to understand important real-world issues such as unemployment, housing affordability, climate change, energy challenges and inequality.

You will learn how to use big data, statistics, mathematics and business insights to evaluate trends and patterns in consumer spending, levels of competition in different industries, business cycles and financial crises.

You’ll gain a solid foundation in macroeconomics (factors that impact an economy as a whole) and microeconomics (the function of individual markets). You’ll also develop strong communication and interpersonal skills to successfully share complex data with a general audience.

You’ll graduate from this course as a critical thinker with a keen understanding of the world and the ability to enhance economic activities in the public or private sector.

See our handbook for more course information.

Course structure and combinations

This major can be studied as part of the Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Innovation.

You can also study this major as part of a Science and Commerce double degree, or as a double major. Recommended double majors are: Data Science, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, Management and Taxation

What jobs can the Economics course lead to?

Careers

  • Economist
  • Economic analyst
  • Econometrician
  • Bank manager
  • Consultant
  • Corporate finance analyst 
  • Credit analyst 
  • Financial manager
  • Investment banker
  • Market research analyst
  • Policy advisor.

Industries

  • Banking
  • Brokerage
  • Consultancy
  • Government
  • Private business
  • Resources.

What you'll learn

  • apply knowledge of economic models, data and methods to complex economic and social issues and identify innovative solutions that are relevant to affected communities
  • communicate professionally, and in ways that are responsible and appropriate given the economic local, national and/or international context
  • use relevant technologies and methodologies to investigate economic and social issues in ways that demonstrate critical thinking and responsible judgement
  • demonstrate an understanding of cultural diversity and how this both affects economic and social behaviour and informs respectful and responsible professional practice
  • demonstrate industry readiness through the development of sound practical economic analyses, and critical reflection of individual capabilities and current, emerging and future local and global challenges

Why study Economics

Internationally accredited

Study at an elite global business school accredited by the leading quality review system for business and management schools, EQUIS and AACSB, an organisation dedicated to creating the next generation of great leaders. 

Real-world learning

Gain insight into the work you'll do as an economist by learning through real case studies and practical scenarios.

Top ranking

Curtin Business School tops the rankings for business schools in Western Australia in the Eduniversal 'Palmes of Excellence' league (2021), and sits first in Australia's 4 Palmes' league as a 'top business school with significant international influence'.

Professional recognition

You may be eligible for free student membership of the Association of Financial Advisers and the Financial Planning Association of Australia.

Upon graduation, you may also be eligible for associate membership of Economic Society of Australia (WA Branch), and the Women in Economics Network (WEN).

I travelled overseas for the London School of Economics summer exchange program, which I applied for through Curtin. The program was short and intense, but very rewarding. It was exciting to explore London between classes.

Georgia Strong

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Applications ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • Portfolio entry

    Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin’s ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability.

  • UniReady

    If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.

  • Certificate IV + English Competency

    The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency.

  • Indigenous applicant

    If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn’t met Curtin’s minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Written English and either verbal or quantitative

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Other requirements and notes for this course

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to Curtin course switchers. For information on how to meet Curtin's minimum entry requirements, please see our admission criteria web page.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

A double major with Property is not available to international students.

Regional campuses may offer the common first year units only.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

  • Portfolio entry

    Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin’s ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Written English and either verbal or quantitative

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Applications ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to Curtin course switchers. For information on how to meet Curtin's minimum entry requirements, please see our admission criteria web page.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

A double major with Property is not available to international students.

Regional campuses may offer the common first year units only.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

  • TAFE entry

    • AQF Certificate IV - Separate evidence of English language proficiency is required; or
    • AQF Diploma; or
    • AQF Advanced Diploma.

  • Portfolio entry

    Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin’s ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Written English and either verbal or quantitative

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Applications ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to Curtin course switchers. For information on how to meet Curtin's minimum entry requirements, please see our admission criteria web page.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

A double major with Property is not available to international students.

Regional campuses may offer the common first year units only.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to Curtin course switchers. For information on how to meet Curtin's minimum entry requirements, please see our admission criteria web page.

Higher education course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to other higher education course switchers. For information on how to meet Curtin's minimum entry requirements, please see our admission criteria web page.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Applications ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to Curtin course switchers. For information on how to meet Curtin's minimum entry requirements, please see our admission criteria web page.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

A double major with Property is not available to international students.

Regional campuses may offer the common first year units only.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to Curtin course switchers. For information on how to meet Curtin's minimum entry requirements, please see our admission criteria web page.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

A double major with Property is not available to international students.

Regional campuses may offer the common first year units only.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Please view the Bachelor of Commerce degree for indicative fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure
  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: MJRU-ECONS
  • Last updated on: 12 November 2024

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