Bachelor of Business (Business Economics)
Undergraduate | TAS-BBE-DEG | 2024
Learn economics from over 100 years experience
Learn economics by focusing on contemporary issues in Australia and globally. Explore applied economics topics such as business strategy, behavioural economics, energy economics, regional development, and monetary and fiscal policy.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 7 July 2024,
- 1 Sept 2024
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Price from
- $42,350
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Business (Business Economics)
About this degree
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Acquire and apply discipline specific knowledge and skills related to business and organisations (Discipline Knowledge).
- Communicate information effectively in written and oral forms with a diverse range of stakeholders (Communication Skills).
- Apply critical and analytical skills to the identification and evaluation of complex business problems and draw logical conclusions (Critical Skills).
- Work both independently and collaboratively to achieve agreed team outcomes (Teamwork).
Future-proof your business career with economic prowess
Learn business economics by focusing on contemporary issues in Australia and globally. Explore applied economics topics such as business strategy, behavioural economics, energy economics, regional development, and monetary and fiscal policy.
Economics is a framework for working through complex problems in a variety of settings and provides a set of tools that complements a wide range of academic disciplines. Our business economics major emphasises developing analytical and technical skills as well as communication skills that are highly valued by employers. Economists use data to understand the big questions that face people, organisations, and the world. We have been teaching Economics for over 100 years and have produced some of Australia’s leading experts in the field.
You will study contemporary business economics and develop the analytical and problem-solving skills required to be a successful professional. The economics program prepares students for success in key growth industries across the globe including energy, agriculture, tourism. Studying economics gives students the skills to understand these complex markets as well as the business acumen to succeed in these dynamic industries. The subjects in our Business Economics major are taught by leading researchers in these areas, providing students with the opportunity to work on real-world issues in these industries using real data.
Recommended study pattern
For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended:
Year 1. 8 subjects in first year including:
- 4 core subjects
- TAS-BAA111 People and Organisations
- TAS-BEA111 Introduction to Markets and the Economy
- TAS-BEA140 Data Analysis for Business
- TAS-BFA103 Accountability and Accounting
- 2 major subjects
- TAS-BEA106 Introduction to Behavioural Economics
- TAS-BEA121 Economic Policy in Action
- 2 UTAS electives
Year 2. 8 subjects in second year including:
- 4 core subjects
- TAS-BAA211 Entrepreneurship
- TAS-BAA215 Business and Corporate Law
- TAS-BMA202 Business Strategy
- TAS-BMA250 Managerial Social Responsibility
- 2 major subjects
- TAS-BEA205 Economics of Business Strategy
- TAS-BEA206 Evaluating Alternatives
- 2 UTAS electives
Year 3. 8 subjects in third year including:
- 4 major subjects
- TAS-BEA310 Agriculture and Food Economics
- TAS-BEA313 Energy Economics and Policy
- TAS-BEA317 Regional Development in a Global Context
- TAS-BEA320 Monetary and Fiscal Policy
- 4 UTAS electives
Award requirements
Satisfactory completion of 24 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 3-7 years from commencement.
- 4 core subjects
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Wherever you are, the University of Tasmania brings its island campus to you through a growing range of online programs across art and design, business, education, health, science, sustainability, technology, and more. It’s never too late to switch things up. Kickstart that career you’ve been dreaming about, or upskill for the one you’re in. You’ll also become a part of the world's leading university on climate action.
Learn more about UTAS.
Explore UTAS courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 20
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 19
Entry requirements
- Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). You must have completed at least two subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) at 100 level or higher and which may include 100 level subjects completed in the UTAS Diploma of University Studies. If you have failed any subjects, your application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR
- Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).
Successful completion of any two OUA open access subjects of study at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified.
This course uses ATAR and equivalent ranks as part of the admission process. In 2024, the minimum ATAR required is 50.
Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.
Successful completion of Certificate IV or higher (or equivalent) in any discipline.
Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement. Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.
You may be eligible for advanced standing (i.e. credit) in this degree if you:
- Have completed an award such as a Diploma or Advanced Diploma from the University or another institution;
- Are currently studying another Bachelor degree at the University or at another institution;
- Have completed a Bachelor degree at the University or an equivalent award from another institution.
The following qualifications are recognised articulating admissions pathways into the B3A Bachelor of Business:
- Diploma of Applied Business
- Associate Degree in Applied Business
- Diploma of Hospitality Management
- Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
- Diploma of Marketing & Communication
- Advanced Diploma of Marketing & Communication
- Diploma of Travel and Tourism
- Advanced Diploma of Travel and Tourism
- Diploma of University Studies
- Associate Degree in University Studies
Career opportunities
Economics graduates possess financial literacy and analytical skills highly desired by employers in a broad range of occupations and industries, often beyond the discipline of economics itself.
Graduates of this program will be competent business advisors with a strong understanding of business strategy and its implications for modern markets.
Here are some of the careers projected to grow into 2026*:
- Management and Organisation Analysts 32.2%
- Research and Development Manager 23.8%
- Policy and Planning Manager 5.7%
*Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, National Skills Commission trend data to May 2022 and projections to 2026.
Career outlook
- Economists:
- $93K to $120K
- Policy and Planning Managers:
- Over $120K
Degree FAQs
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Chat with us to find out more.
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.