Graduate Certificate in Economics
This short course in economics will help you develop the analytical skills needed to be an effective problem solver of real-life issues, ranging from employment and housing, to public health, transport and environmental pollution. It also provides a springboard to further study.

Studying Economics will help you see the world in a different light, and use data-driven insights to help people, governments and businesses make better decisions about using natural and financial resources to meet their goals.
If you're passionate about business, politics, current affairs, finance and statistics, then economics may be ideal for you.
Economists contribute to government decision-making by 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 use public transport instead of driving to work.
In this subject, 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.
Be taught by leading economists
When you study Economics at Waikato, you'll be exposed to nine of New Zealand's leading economists (Repec), and a faculty that is ranked 1st in New Zealand for economics research quality (Performance-Based Research Fund).
Waikato is also ranked in the world's top 251-300 universities for Economics & Finance, and Business & Management Studies in the prestigious QS Subject Rankings 2020.
You'll study at Waikato Management School, placed in the top 1% of business schools globally with our Triple Crown Accreditation from EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB.
Key information
Duration Of Study: | 4-8 months (full-time or part-time study) |
---|---|
Points: | 60 points |
Study Locations: | Hamilton |
Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
Estimated Fees* (Domestic): |
NZ$3,400 approx (2021 tuition fees) per programme
See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year |
Estimated Fees* (International): | NZ$15,132 approx (2021 tuition fees) per programme |
Entry Requirements: | Postgraduate International |
Area of Study: | |
*Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. |
Degree Planner
Degree planner — Graduate Certificate in Economics (60 points)
Students will complete four papers (120 points) in total, worth 15 points each.
This includes one introductory paper (15 points) at 100 or 200-level, and three advanced papers (45 points) at 300-level.
You must complete at least three papers (45 points) in the specialist subject of Economics, including any required subject papers.
You have the option to choose one elective paper (15 points) in another subject.
Please contact [email protected] for advice before you enrol in any papers. Admission to each paper is at the discretion of the subject convenor.
Introductory paper (15 points)
Choose ONE of the following papers:
Advanced papers (45 points)
Choose THREE of the following papers:
Elective paper at 300 Level
- Subject
- Explanatory note
- Elective
Students also have the option of transferring into the Graduate Diploma in Economics (120 points).
This information is provisional and subject to change.
I enjoyed studying Economics at high school, so after taking ECON100, Business Economics and the New Zealand Economy, I was certain this was what I wanted to major in. It gave me the confidence and skills to deal with large amounts of data and to deliver insights through the analysis of numbers.
Read stories from other Graduate Certificate in Economics students
Entry requirements
Expand to read entry requirements
To enrol for the Graduate Certificate in Economics, applicants must have:
a) completed a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification; OR
b) be able to demonstrate they have adequate training, experience, and ability to proceed with the programme.
Applicants who do not meet these requirements may still be considered for special admission, subject to completing some additional qualifying papers.
Admission to each paper is at the discretion of the subject convenor.
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Graduate study options
- Graduate Diploma in Economics
- Master of Management Studies in Economics (research-based degree)
Contacts
Waikato Management School - Management Student Centre (MSC)
Phone:
Email: [email protected]
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Phone: +64 7 807 9275 Email: [email protected]
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