James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2000

ECONOMICS

It is possible to pursue postgraduate studies towards a Master of Economics and Doctor of Philosophy.

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA OF ECONOMICS

The Postgraduate Diploma of Economics is a one-year full-time program. Entry requirements include an approved bachelor’s degree with a specialisation in economics. Evaluation is normally by coursework and thesis.

Candidates should consult with the Head of Economics.

MASTER OF ECONOMICS

The Master of Economics by research is a one-year full-time program. Entry requirements include an approved bachelor degree with at least second class honours in economics. There is no formal coursework and the assessment is based on a thesis describing and assessing the research work carried out.

The coursework degree of Master of Economics is a one-year full-time program. Entry requirements include an approved bachelor’s degree with at least second class honours in economics. It consists of a thesis worth eight units (EC5507) and any four of the seven four unit subjects listed below. Two of these four unit subjects (EC5505 and EC5506) have the title Project, which means that the work is represented by further research on an approved topic and the writing of a report on that research. This additional research will be outside the field of the thesis topic.

The remaining five subjects may relate to advanced studies in economic theory and policy (EC5500, EC5501, EC5502, EC5503) and in econometrics (EC5504). Theory studies will be in the fields of macroeconomics and microeconomics, while policy studies will relate more to issues of major current concern, including macroeconomic stabilisation, microeconomic reform, industry structure, social welfare and international economic relations.