Economics
Why study Economics?
Studying Economics will help you see the world in a different light; and understand how to apply this new perspective to help resolve issues in our society. You'll learn how to help people, governments and businesses make better decisions about using natural and financial resources to meet different goals.
Economists contribute to government decision-making on many different issues, such as shaping new laws and taxes, or advising on international trade agreements. They can also be involved in recommending incentives and penalties geared towards changing people's behaviour, such as encouraging people to leave their car at home.
You'll learn how to explain the reasons for different market structures, analyse the implications of government policy, anticipate how people might react to price changes, and demonstrate the gains from trade.
If you're passionate about business, current affairs, finance or maths then economics may be a good fit for you. Economics brings together ideas from many different areas: politics, psychology, sociology, geography, law and statistics.
Career Opportunities
- Business analyst
- Financial advisor / analyst
- Policy Analyst or Advisor
- Government economist (eg. Treasury)
- Management consultant
- International trade advisor
- Research economist
- Economics teacher / lecturer
Hamilton
Study Economics in these qualifications
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Management Studies
- Bachelor of Business Analysis
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Climate Change
- Master of Management Studies
- Master of Management
- Master of Social Sciences
- Master of Philosophy
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Diploma
- Bachelor of Arts
Be taught by New Zealand's leading economists
When you study Economics at Waikato, you're learning in a department that's ranked first for economics research in New Zealand (PBRF), with nine of New Zealand's top economists teaching classes (RePEc).
While studying at Waikato, there'll be plenty of opportunities for you to make new friends, such as through the Economics Discussion Group. This is a student-led group that gets together regularly to discuss economic issues.
Qualifications
If you wish to take Economics as your 1st Major subject, you'll need to enrol for either the Bachelor of Business, the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Social Sciences, or the Bachelor of Climate Change.
Otherwise you can normally take it as a 2nd Major (8 papers) or Minor subject (4 papers) for any other bachelor's degree offered at the University of Waikato.
If you'd like to gain specialist expertise through postgraduate research, take a look at our Master of Management Studies in Economics.
Internationally recognised
You'll study at our internationally recognised Waikato Management School, which is in the top 1% of business schools globally thanks to our prestigious Triple Crown Accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA.
Waikato is one of New Zealand's leading business schools, consistently ranked 1st or 2nd in New Zealand for Business and Economics in the Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings since 2022.
Qualification options
Economics as a 1st Major (Bachelor's degree)
- Bachelor of Business - BBus
- Bachelor of Arts - BA
- Bachelor of Social Sciences - BSocSc
Economics as a 2nd Major or Minor (Bachelor's degree)
- Bachelor of Business - BBus
- Almost any other bachelor's degree at the University of Waikato
Graduate qualifications
- Graduate Certificate in Economics
- Graduate Diploma in Economics
Postgraduate qualifications
- Postgraduate Certificate in Economics
- Postgraduate Diploma in Economics
- Master of Management Studies in Economics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Economics
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships.
Subject regulations
Economics papers
What our students are saying
Contact
One of the best times to pop into MSC is Open Advice Day, held every Wednesday from 10am to 2pm.