Honours program
An honours year in economics enables students to achieve greater competency in developing and applying economic analysis. Employers in both the public and private sectors value this training, where honours graduates attract higher initial salaries and experience more rapid career advancement and varied career opportunities. An honours degree also provides an entry point for postgraduate study in economics both within Australia and overseas.
- Honours in Economics (ECON4004)
- Honours in Applied Economics (ECON4021)
- Honours in Economic History (ECHI4004F)
General Information
An honours stream is offered alongside the economics major taught in the undergraduate degree. It commences in second semester of first year, and is open to all students wanting a deeper understanding of economics. Those who participate acquire greater confidence and capacity to address economic issues, which is valuable for students wanting to work as professional economists or proceed to postgraduate study. While it is possible to enter, or leave, the honours program at any stage during the undergraduate degree, students who obtain a pass degree of Bachelor of Economics or Bachelor of Commerce with a distinction grade average in Economics III (H), International Economics (H), Microeconomics 3 and Macroeconomics 3, and have passed Mathematics for Economists A and B, may be admitted to the fourth-year honours program. More information is available on Our Degree Programs page.
Expressions of interest from third-year students to enter Honours in Economics (ECON4004) and Honours in Applied Economics (ECON4021) should be sent to honours.economics@anu.edu.au by September 30. Letters of interest must be accompanied by a transcript showing grades for each course. Students must expect to complete their current (pre-honours) coursework before December. Expression of interest should state whether the student would like to be considered for Honours in Economics (ECON4004) or Honours in Applied Economics (ECON4021). Honours in Economics cannot be taken part time, while it is possible to take Honours in Applied Economics part time. There is no mid-year entry in either program.
Honours in Economics (ECON4004) is restricted to ANU students who have completed Economics 3 (H), and have satisfied the additional admission requirements listed below. Students from other universities are welcomed into Honours in Applied Economics (ECON4021). The Honours in Economics involves more technical coursework and a more substantial research component than Honours in Applied Economics, and students undertake additional coursework before entering the program. To compare the two, see the sections on Admission Requirements and Course Structure described in detail below.
From the expressions of interest lodged in September, selected students are invited to join the honours program after they have satisfied the necessary (but not sufficient) admission requirements. Invitations arrive from the Honours Convenor once the third-year results are confirmed in December.
