Master of Commerce - Economics

• Interpret and critically evaluate articles in economics journals on microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics topics;
• Apply analytical skills obtained from the in-depth study of selected elective subjects in economics and econometrics;
• Undertake and write up independent research; and
• Explain, apply and critically evaluate the use of economic and econometric models for description and hypothesis testing, forecasting, assessing different business decision options and different government policy options.

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to demonstrate the following attributes and skills:

• Evaluation of ideas, views and evidence;
• Synthesis of ideas, views and evidence;
• Strategic thinking;
• Critical thinking;
• Application of theory to economic policy and business decision making;
• Research;
• Summary and interpretation of information;
• Using Windows software;
• Statistical reasoning;
• Problem solving;
• Negotiation and bargaining;
• Written communication; and
• Oral communication.

The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria-

• either a four year honours degree in Economics with at least an H2B (70%) average or a relevant postgraduate diploma with at least H2B (70%) average, or equivalent, and including
• subjects which satisfy the prerequisites for both the core economics subjects and the quantitative requirement of the Master of Commerce by Coursework (Specialisation in Economics).
• Completion of the Graduate Records Examination Test (GRE)
• Personal Statement

The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and may call for referee reports and employer references, as appropriate, to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Please note:

Entry to the Master of Commerce (Economics) will not be available from Semester 1, 2009.

1. No more than one subject can be done outside the Department of Economics.
2. If you are enrolled in the Master of Commerce (Economics) you may not enrol in subjects from other postgraduate coursework programs offered by the Faculty.
3. Students can only commence the program in Semester 1.

Assessment

Overall assessment in the Master of Commerce (Economics) will be an average of each of the percentage marks gained in the six subjects and the Research Report (double subject). Master of Commerce students should note that the overall pass grade for the Master of Commerce course is 65%. The overall average of the subjects taken towards the degree of Master of Commerce are calculated as follows:
H1 80-100%
H2A 75-79%
P 65-74%

Accelerated progression from a Postgraduate Diploma to a Master of Commerce

Accelerated progression is possible, but permission will be granted only if the following conditions are met:

1. That the student has completed at least four semester-length subjects.
2. That at least three subjects above third year (level 3) are completed.
3. That all compulsory subjects for the Postgraduate Diploma have been passed (unless a subject which is compulsory for the Postgraduate Diploma is also compulsory for the Master of Commerce degree). In exceptional circumstances a full-time student who has not completed all the compulsory subjects but who otherwise satisfies these rules may be allowed to progress into a Masters course.
4. That the student obtain a score of at least 75% (H2A) in four subjects or more.
5. Credit for subjects taken as part of the Postgraduate Diploma (which is a Masters preliminary program) will normally only be given for subjects completed which are also compulsory subjects in the Master of Commerce degree.