La Trobe University > Courses > Economics

Economics

Become a professional who can facilitate better decision making when confronting the problems that face our commercial and government industries. You'll graduate with a greater understanding of human behaviour and a solid grounding in economic theory and history.

Economics at La Trobe

Develop key skills in quantitative methods, economic modelling, statistics and the process of applying economics to policy issues and real world problems.

We design our course through a collaboration of academics, industry leaders and professional bodies to embed our curriculum with social relevance and real world examples. You’ll graduate ready to take on roles where business and society connect.

Be confident that your university is among the top three in Victoria for banking, finance and investment research. We also place in the world’s top 300 for economics and econometrics subjects (QS 2016/17 Rankings).

You’ll learn from industry experienced professionals and connect with business and industry partners including Deloitte, PwC and ANZ Bank through our industry-led seminars and work placement opportunities.

You may be eligible to join professional bodies like CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) after completing your course. Refer to the detail for each course below to see what professional registration and membership options exist.

We encourage our students to expand cognitive flexibility, social intelligence, resilience, curiosity and empathy to become tomorrow’s decision makers and opinion shapers. You’ll have the opportunity to join the student-led PPE Society and attend regular meetings and high-profile public events.

Career opportunities

A qualification in economics is your key into a career in any sector of the industry. Graduate with the skills and knowledge to stand out in a competitive field. You could consider working in such positions as:

  • financial officer
  • accountant
  • economist
  • business analyst
  • auditor
  • business consultant.

Short courses

We also offer single subject study. Visit our short courses page to find out more.

Student and graduate profiles

Find out about the experiences of one of our economics students.

La Trobe graduates

Where have graduates found work opportunities?

Our recent graduates have started their careers within mid-tier and local firms, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations, and have risen to high-level positions as company directors in commercial organisations such as:

  • Accenture Australia
  • BHP Billiton
  • Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
  • Imarex.

How much can I earn?

The wage of an economics graduate can vary greatly based on your specialisation, position and organisation you find work in. Below is an estimation of the salary and career path of an economics graduate.

  • graduate financial advisor $50,000 - $55,000 per year*
  • experienced accountant $50,000 - $95,000 per year
  • management position or higher $100,000 + per year

*Average salary range for roles located in Melbourne and Sydney, as advertised on Seek, 2017

Industry links

What are industry links?

Industry links are organisations that work with us to shape our curriculum and provide partnership and placement opportunities. We look for strong links with industry, schools, community groups and other stakeholders to ensure you develop the best theoretical and practical skills required in your chosen career.

How do industry links affect me?

Our business industry links consider La Trobe graduates for internships, placements and employment opportunities, as they know our teaching and content standards. Our business industry links include:

  • 3M
  • CPA Australia
  • Drake
  • Oxford University Press
  • RACV
  • Rio Tinto
  • Westpac Banking Corporation
  • Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
  • Telstra
  • Victoria Police
  • Melbourne Water

Find out more about La Trobe Business School.

Alternative pathways

Are there alternative pathways into an economics course?

Going straight from school to university isn't an option for everyone. If you have not completed year 12, didn't get the score you needed or are working on ways to transition into tertiary education, we have options for you.

  • Aspire Program - Be recognised for the difference you make. Refer to dates to see if your eligible for an early offer.
  • Course transfer - Start your studies in one business course and apply for transfers into another. *
  • Tertiary Enabling Program - Successfully complete our 17-week program and improve your academic results to be eligible for a range of courses.
  • Work Recognition Program - If you are over 21 years of age, you may be eligible to gain entry into a Bachelor of Business based on your work experience.
  • Diploma in Business - Successfully complete a Diploma in Business at one of our regional campuses and transfer into the second year of the Bachelor of Business.
  • La Trobe College Australia - Successfully complete a Diploma in Business with our pathway provider, and get guaranteed entry into the second year of our Bachelor of Business.
  • TAFE diplomas - Do a relevant course and get Advance Standing for your prior learning.**

    • * Other than Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics of Bachelor of Laws.
    ** Minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) required for entry into some courses. You may also be eligible for Advanced Standing

    If you'd like some more information, contact our future students team on:

  • T: 1300 135 045
  • W: Future Students website
  • Enquire online: Ask La Trobe

    • Or see alternative course pathways.

Our economics staff

Experience the business industry in the classroom. You’ll learn from academics and Professors of Practice who have expertise across a range of industries and sectors. Our staff work with industry to:

  • link our courses with industry
  • design industry-relevant curriculum
  • reflect best practice nationally and globally through lectures, workshops and executive programs.

View staff in economics or view all staff from the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Commerce.

Placement opportunities

Be career ready. Extend your learning beyond the classroom by testing your knowledge in a ’real world’ role. Create your industry network and gain practical skills through Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and placement subjects. Work with your course coordinator to find opportunities that best suit your skills and interests. Previous students have found internship opportunities within organisations such as:

  • Australian Taxation Department
  • Carlton Football Club
  • National Australia Bank
  • KPMG.

Refer to course specifics above to see what placement opportunities exist for you.

International study opportunities

Give your qualification an global edge with international study. As a part of La Trobe Business School, you may be eligible for a number of opportunities, including study tours and international exchange. Previous International Study Programs have visited:

  • China
  • Indonesia
  • Vietnam
  • Europe.

Contact us

International students

Local students

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