Master of Commerce - Economics

Course 202AE (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Year and Campus: 2010 - Parkville
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Duration & Credit Points: 100 credit points taken over 12 months full time. This course is available as full or part time.

Coordinator

Associate Professor Chris Skeels

Contact

Graduate School of Business and Economics Student Centre
Level 4, 198 Berkeley Street
Telephone: +61 3 8344 1670
Online Enquiries: http://www.gsbe.unimelb.edu.au/future/unity_forms/contact.html
Web: www.melbournegsm.unimelb.edu.au

Course Overview: A Master of Commerce in economics by coursework builds on an honours degree in economics, or equivalent. It provides advanced skills for critically reading the literature, as well as experience in undertaking independent research in economics and econometrics.
Objectives: On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
  • 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.
Course Structure & Available Subjects: The Master of Commerce (Economics) consists of two core economics subjects, a quantitative subject, three elective subjects and the (double subject) Research Report.
Subject Options:

Two core economics subjects:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
12.50
Semester 1
12.50

One of the following econometrics subjects:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

Three elective subjects

Graduate elective subjects in the Department of Economics include:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
12.50
Semester 1
12.50
Semester 2
12.50
Semester 2
12.50
Semester 2
12.50
Semester 2
12.50
Semester 2
12.50
Semester 2
12.50
Semester 2
12.50

Research report and workshop

(Students must enrol in this subject in two consecutive semesters):
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Entry Requirements:

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); and
  • 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.
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purpose of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Description, Course Objectives and Generic Skills of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Graduate Attributes:

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.
Notes:

Please note:

The Master of Commerce (Economics) is no longer available for entry.

  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%

Candidates achieving an overall average of H1 or H2A will be awarded the Master of Commerce (Honours) degree.

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.

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