Master of Science (MSc) in Economics

Summary

The Master of Science (MSc) is a two-year degree which encompasses both coursework and research. The first year involves mainly coursework and preliminary research preparation. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to existing fields of research, or to begin to develop new areas.

Why study Economics?

Economics is an exciting, dynamic, contemporary field. Economics affects everyone and applies to a range of disciplines including business, politics, history, law, health sciences and biotechnology. It deals with topics such as unemployment, economic growth, housing, income inequality, international trade, sustainable development and the environment. You name the field, Economics plays a part.

Studying Economics teaches you how to examine people’s ideas and come to your own soundly-based conclusions. No matter what career you’re aspiring to, you will find Economics invaluable.

Careers in Economics

Otago Economics graduates are well known for their wide range of analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills, and are in high demand by employers. There are literally countless jobs for Economics graduates. You could be a policy analyst, a business consultant, an economics researcher, a financial adviser, a diplomat, a teacher, a bank manager or a journalist. An Economics background would also be invaluable for someone contemplating setting up his or her own business.

Our graduates can be found in jobs across the public and private sectors, for example:

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

OECD

Infometrics

Reserve Bank

Treasury

Statistics New Zealand

Inland Revenue

Banking – national and international

Health authorities

Local governments and planning authorities

United Nations

Duration of the Programme

A candidate achieving the degree by papers and a thesis shall normally follow a programme for the equivalent of not less than two years of full-time study and not more than three years of full-time study, and a candidate achieving the degree by thesis alone shall normally follow a programme of study for the equivalent of not less than one year of full-time study and not more than two years of full-time study. Exceptions shall be permitted only with the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).

>Intake: Anytime for thesis-only option