Master of Commerce - Economics

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.

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.

The Master of Commerce (Economics) consists of two core economics subjects, a quantitative subject, three elective subjects and the (double subject) Research Report.

Two core economics subjects:

One of the following econometrics subjects:

Three elective subjects

Graduate elective subjects in the Department of Economics include:

Research report and workshop

(Students must enrol in this subject in two consecutive semesters):

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.

The Faculty of Business and Economics welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Faculty 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 Faculty’s programs.

The BCom and Masters degrees of the Faculty of Business and Economics equip graduates with the knowledge and technical skills necessary to understand and participate in the modern business world. The degrees include the following academic requirements for study:

(1) The ability to explain and evaluate concepts, theories, institutional arrangements and operations of modern mixed economies;
(2) The ability to critically evaluate the economy, commerce and business in the broader social and political context;
(3) The ability to explain and apply concepts across a range of commerce and business disciplines in solving business and policy problems; and
(4) The ability to contribute positively to the development of organisations and society in relation to business, government and the commercial professions.

All students of the Faculty’s courses must possess intellectual, ethical, and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the Faculty. Candidates for the BCom degree and for FBE Masters degrees must have abilities and skills in communication; in conceptual, integrative, and quantitative dimensions; and in behavioural and social dimensions.

I. Communication: The student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and/or written form. A student must have the ability to clearly and independently communicate knowledge and application of a discipline, principles or practices during assessment tasks, and in some discipline streams.

II. Intellectual‐Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: The student is expected to have the ability to develop problem‐solving skills and demonstrate the ability to establish study plans and priorities. These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving requires all of these intellectual abilities. Students should also have the ability to comprehend complex disciplinary and cross disciplinary information related to the BCom and Masters degrees.

III. Behavioural and Social Attributes: A student must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment and the emotional health required for full utilisation of his/her intellectual abilities. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students. Integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that are deemed necessary for students enrolled in FBE courses.

Students who feel their disability will prevent them from participating in tasks involving the inherent academic requirements of the BCom and FBE Masters courses are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit. Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability, but students should participate in the course in an independent manner.

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.

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.