This specialisation provides courses in the broad area of economic policy-making, interrogating the relationships between economic analysis and the processes of contemporary policy-making. The main theme running through the economic policy specialisation is how to improve the conduct and outcomes of public policy in light of an understanding of the way the economy works. More specifically students examine the nature and impact of core economic principles on public policy, and the effect of decision-making by individuals, households, firms and government on the allocation of resources. In addition, students engage in broader debates about the strengths and limits of markets as a form of social organisation, and the nature, forms and impacts of market failure.
In this specialisation students explore the nature and role of markets (microeconomics) and the measurement, growth and operation of the aggregate economy (macroeconomics). Students also consider the forms of government intervention and policy instruments, including fiscal policy, monetary policy, regulation, service provision, redistribution and taxation. Electives provide opportunities for students to study a range of economic policy issues facing most countries, both domestically and in the international realm, including economic growth, unemployment, inflation, international trade, foreign investment, and liberalisation.
This specialisation is well-suited to students currently working, or interested in pursuing a career in public finance, foreign investment, trade and development economics.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand core economic principles, the nature and role of markets, and the economic relationships between individuals, households, firms and government.
- Examine and identify significant economic issues both domestically and internationally, including challenges relating to management, implementation and evaluation of economic policies, and apply economic principles and analysis to tackle these issues in innovative ways.
- Reflect critically on and engage in key theoretical debates in the field of economic policy including the nature, forms and policy impacts of market failure, and the forms of government intervention and policy instruments in economic policy.
- Develop innovative economic policy recommendations to complex problems in changing policy environments.
Other Information
This specialisation is available only to students undertaking the Master of Public Policy.
Relevant Degrees
Requirements
This specialisation requires the completion of 24 units, which must consist of:
24 units from completion of courses from the following list:
CRWF8000 Government, Markets and Global Change
IDEC8003 Issues in Development Policy
IDEC8089 Energy Economics
IDEC8021 The Chinese Economy
IDEC8034 Middle Eastern Economies
IDEC8035 Islamic Economics in Practice
IDEC8081 The Economics of Incentives and Institutions
INTR8013 International Political Economy
POGO8015 Foreign Direct Investment Policy
POGO8057 Managing Government Finances
POGO8213 The Global Trading System
Back to the top
