Master of Arts in Economics

Summary

The MA offers you a range of choices. There are research and taught degrees, one-year or 18-month options depending on your possible qualification, and more than 40 subjects for study. Your academic background may enable you to study a subject different to that of your previous specialisation.

The research masters gives you an exciting opportunity to contribute to the knowledge in your field by completing a substantial research project alongside some of New Zealand’s leading scholars.

In a taught masters you can deepen your knowledge in small classes, enjoy close interaction with academic staff, and complete a smaller research project.

Economics

Economics is available for students at both the Business School and the Faculty of Arts.

During your studies you will develop frameworks and methods for analysing social and economic issues. You will gain an understanding of strategic decision-making and an ability to view issues within a national or international context. The emphasis is on developing your competence in economic analysis and applying this to real-world issues.

Our students enjoy research-informed teaching from academics at the leading edge of their discipline. Graduate students receive a rigorous training in current economic methodology and undertake their own research at the frontiers of the field.

Our staff have PhDs from some of the best universities in the world and are among the top-ranked researchers in New Zealand. They are active nationally and internationally at conferences and in publishing their research.

Where can Economics take you?

Studying economics is a pathway to productive and rewarding work in corporations, small and medium enterprises in the private sector, or public sector organisations. A postgraduate qualification opens up further opportunities.

Programme structure

A 120- or 180-point programme with research and taught options, depending on your chosen subject. The structure of your programme depends on the subject that you are studying.

Taught (180-point)

The Taught 180-point Master of Arts is set to be introduced for Semester 1, 2022. Once the programme is approved, applications will be open in Apply To Study.

Enter from an undergraduate degree

Advanced taught courses

A dissertation worth 60 points

One and a half years full-time or up to six years part-time

Research (120-point)

Enter from a postgraduate degree

Usually consists of a 120-point thesis or research portfolio

Some subjects offer a combination of a 90-point thesis and 30 points from taught courses

You may be able to include up to 30 points from other subjects

One year full-time or up to two consecutive years part-time

Taught (120-point)

Enter from a postgraduate degree

Advanced taught courses

A small research project such as a dissertation, usually worth 45 points

You may be able to include up to 30 points from other subjects

One year full-time or up to two consecutive years part-time

Only available in selected subjects

Where could this programme take you?

The MA is an effective way to develop your knowledge and transferable skills to an advanced level. Our graduates have taken their capabilities in strategic and critical thinking, communication and cultural awareness into careers in government, international development, museums and cultural heritage, research and policy.

1 December start available for 120-point research masters only, subject to supervisor availability.

Semester Two admission may not be available for some subjects.