Bachelor of Economics
UndergraduateTAS-ECO-DEG2025
Gain a competitive advantage with an economics degree
Unlock careers in business and the broader community. Grow your mindset to solve problems faced by industry, government, and society. This degree teaches you the foundation principles in economic theory plus a specialisation of your choice.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 13 July 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Economics
About this degree
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Collect, analyse and interpret data combined with the application of a broad theoretical and practical knowledge of economics to make evidence-based decisions.
- Communicate economic reasoning, knowledge, ideas and empirical evidence in ways appropriate to the audience, purpose and context.
- Critically evaluate economic problems and assess policy issues, using a broad range of economic tools.
- Collaboratively interact with peers to reflect on ethical issues and the potential differential impacts of economic policies across local, national or international economies.
Be rewarded in the workplace with real-world learning.
Economics explores how people and societies make decisions, use important resources, and respond to incentives. Studying with us, you can follow your passion and shape the world. You’ll learn to solve economic and financial challenges faced by industry, government, and society.
Our applied Economics course focuses on current issues in Tasmania and beyond. Your studies will explore a range of topics such as international trade, conservation and management of natural resources, sustainable energy, contemporary business strategy as well as social issues such as crime, housing, and health. You’ll also develop a deep understanding of how decisions are made by individuals, firms, and governments.
Recommended study pattern
For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended. If students are undertaking part-time study, we recommend that students complete all first year compulsory subjects prior to completing elective subjects to maximise success.
- Year 1- 8 Subjects in first year including:
- 4 Core subjects:
- TAS-BEA106 Introduction to Behavioural Economics
- TAS-BEA111 Introduction to Markets and the Economy
- TAS-BEA121 Economic Policy in Action
- TAS-BEA140 Data Analysis for Business
- 2 Subjects from one of the 2 Majors:
- Society and Environment
- TAS-BEA102 Economics of Social Issues
- TAS-BEA103 Ecosystem Services
- Industry, Policy and Business Strategy
- TAS-BEA104 Game Theory for Business and Social Sciences
- TAS-BEA105 International Economics
- Society and Environment
- 2 UTAS Electives
- 4 Core subjects:
- Year 2- 8 Subjects in second year including:
- 4 Core subjects:
- TAS-BEA200 Public Policy and Welfare
- TAS-BEA206 Evaluating Alternatives
- TAS-BEA220 Growth and Development
- TAS-BEA242 Introduction to Econometrics
- 2 Subjects from one of the 2 Majors:
- Society and Environment
- TAS-BEA203 Behavioural and Experimental Economics
- TAS-BEA207 Natural Resource Economics
- Industry, Policy and Business Strategy
- TAS-BEA203 Behavioural and Experimental Economics
- TAS-BEA205 Economics of Business Strategy
- Society and Environment
- 2 UTAS Electives
- 4 Core subjects:
- Year 3- 8 Subjects in third year including:
- 4 Subjects from one of the 2 Majors:
- Society and Environment
- TAS-BEA311 Economics of Health and Wellbeing
- TAS-BEA313 Energy Economics and Policy
- TAS-BEA316 Economics of Place: Culture, Communities and Opportunities
- TAS-BEA317 Regional Development in a Global Context
- Industry, Policy and Business Strategy
- TAS-BEA310 Agriculture and Food Economics
- TAS-BEA313 Energy Economics and Policy
- TAS-BEA320 Monetary and Fiscal Policy
- TAS-BEA342 Forecasting for Economic Decision-Making
- Society and Environment
- 4 UTAS Electives
- 4 Subjects from one of the 2 Majors:
Award requirements
Satisfactory completion of 24 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 3-7 years from commencement.
- Year 1- 8 Subjects in first year including:
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.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$14,010
Indicative total fee $44,990
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
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 World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 20
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 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
Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers are made based on the number of places available. In 2024, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 66.90 The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.
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.
Completed 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 program.
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.
How to apply for credit
You can apply for a credit/advanced standing as part of the online application process.
Career opportunities
Economics graduates work in a range of occupations and industries. They are highly sought after by employers who value economic literacy and analytical skills. You’ll gain job-specific skills in your major area of study, so you’re ready to enter the workforce in a wide variety of careers. These include international development, health, environment, business, banking, finance, public policy, inter-governmental affairs, and diplomacy.
Here are some of the careers projected to grow into 2026*:
- Intelligence and Policy Analysts: 8.7%
- Policy and Planning Managers: 23.8%
*Labour Market Insights five year projections from November 2021 to November 2026.
Professional recognition
The Tasmanian School of Business and Economics (TSBE) at the University of Tasmania has been accredited by AACSB International, the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Economists | $93K to $120K | Down 11% |
| Policy and Planning Managers | Over $120K | Up 53.8% |
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Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
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.
How can I pay for my studies?
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.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
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.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
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. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
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.
How do I enrol?
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 a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.