Course details

Summary

Gain advanced knowledge of modern economics and the practical skills to make sound economic decisions in the business, government and consulting sectors.

Economics in action

Take your career to the next level with a qualification from Victoria's Professional Economics programme. Develop an economic toolbox that you can use to address 'real-world' problems. This respected programme will equip you with decision-making skills that are based on a solid understanding of economic principles.

Economics under the microscope

Examine the intricacies of microeconomic and macroeconomic analysis. Study market structures, the implications of government interventions in the economy and different economic theories in relation to growth, development and stability. Explore how policy influences economic decisions.

In demand

There is a real demand for skilled professional economists who are able to engage in rigorous economic analysis. To fill this need, the programme has been developed in close consultation with leading professional economists from the Government Economics Network, the New Zealand Association of Economists, bank economists and other industry experts.

Careers

With the executive skills you'll gain you might find work in central or local government as a policy analyst, adviser, planner or regulator. Or you could work as an economist or analyst in a bank or other financial institution, in a multinational company or international organisation or trade body.

You might work as an economic or management consultant, or an advocate for industry groups, or as a media researcher or presenter.

Elective courses from other postgraduate programmes such as the Master of Applied Finance (MAF), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or Master of Public Policy (MPP) programmes may be included in your professional economics programme to open up even further career possibilities.

Employer support

The capability boost you get from doing an MPE means your employer may be willing to pay some or all of your costs.

Qualification family structure

The MPE is part of a tiered family of qualifications:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Economics
• Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Economics
• Master of Professional Economics

Choose the qualification that suits your career goals, time constraints and financial situation.

Staircasing allows movement in both directions if you start with the Certificate or Diploma, you can apply to transfer to the Master’s degree at a later stage.

Both your performance in the programme and your professional work experience will be taken into account when assessing your application for transfer.

If you enrol in the Master's but can't complete it, for whatever reason, you may have enough points to be awarded the Certificate or Diploma.

What you'll study

The Professional Economics qualifications are all about the principles, practice and application of economics to policy and business issues in a professional context. They are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the world of professional economics.

Depending on your choice of qualification you'll do either three courses for the Certificate or six courses for the Diploma. If you choose to study for the Master's you'll need to do nine courses.

Entry criteria

Appropriate Bachelor's degree with a B- average

Other English Language requirements:

• IELTS overall band of 6.5, no sub-score below 6.0; or
• TOEFL 90 on the internet-based test with at least 20 in writing; or
• A minimum of two ratings of 5 and two ratings of 4 in the Victoria University English Proficiency Programme test
• Pearson Test of English: A score of 65 (with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 58).