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
- Economics teacher / lecturer
- Financial Analyst
- International trade advisor
- Government economist (eg. Treasury)
- Policy Analyst or Advisor
- Management consultant
- Research economist
Hamilton
Learn from the best
You'll be taught by lecturers who are also world-leading economists. Waikato is not only ranked #1 in New Zealand, but also in the top 3% of institutions globally for economics research over the last 10 years (IDEAS/RePEc rankings). Six of the country’s top 20 research economists are based here at Waikato Management School.
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.
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 also ranked in the world's top 175 universities for Business and Economics in the Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings.
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.
Economics papers
Subject regulations
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships.
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Contact
One of the best times to pop into MSC is Open Advice Day, held every Wednesday from 10am to 2pm.