Economics
Understanding the fundamental workings of the economy and global markets
Economics is the study of how people, businesses, and governments make decisions about resources - whether it’s money, time, or natural assets. It explores everything from what drives the price of your morning coffee to the forces shaping global markets.
From the policies that influence your paycheck to the technology that fuels innovation, economics impacts every aspect of daily life. Whether you're deciding to save or spend, launch a startup, or analyze the effects of government policies, economics provides the tools to navigate a rapidly changing world.
A degree in economics opens doors to careers in finance, government, consulting, health care, and technology. Economists work as analysts, advisors, policy makers, and researchers, using data to shape better decisions for businesses and society. Whether you're influencing markets, improving sustainability, or forecasting economic trends, economics gives you the tools to make a real impact.
Welcome from Head of Department
Associate Professor Leandro M. Magnusson
Economics is one of the founding disciplines of UWA upon its establishment in 1911. Our department is proud to house renowned academics who publish in top journals and teach in our undergraduate and postgraduate programs, leading the way in economic research and education across Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. We host two seminar series, the annual Bateman and Shann Memorial Lectures. We maintain strong links with industry, corporate partnerships, distinguished alumni, and global research collaborators.
Our graduates have built successful careers as professional economists in Public and Private sectors such as the Reserve Bank of Australia, the Treasury, financial institutions, and consulting.
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Ranked in the Top 10 universities in Australia for Economics and Econometrics (QS WUR by Subject 2023 and 2024)
Ranked #1 in WA for Economics and Econometrics (QS WUR by Subject 2024)
Economics courses
Bachelor's
- Bachelor of Commerce – Business Economics major
- Bachelor of Economics - Economics and Financial Economics majors
- Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Combined Bachelor's
- Combined Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics and Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Human Rights and Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Psychology and Bachelor of Commerce
Honour's
- Bachelor of Economics (Honours)
- Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Commerce – Honours in Business Economics
- Honours in Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Combined Bachelor's and Master Degrees
Postgraduate
Coursework
- Master of Economics – Several specialisations
- Master of Commerce - Economics specialisation
- Master of Public Policy - Economics specialisation
Coursework and Dissertation
- Master of Economics – Several specialisations
- Doctor of Philosophy
Women in Economics and Finance
We had the opportunity to speak with a group of accomplished women, shaking things up in the business world and who all have a background in economics or finance. From students and academics at UWA to influential industry leaders, each of them shared their perspectives on diverse leadership and emphasised the need to continue the transformative culture shift in today's business environment.
Tayla's exciting career with an Economics degree
Meet Tayla, a UWA Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) graduate who is crunching the numbers on her path to success in the world of economics.
Academic staff
Our academic staff provide a strong learning and research environment for all economics students.
- Head of Department
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- Assoc. Prof. Leandro M. Magnusson
- Professors
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- Jakob Madsen
Specialisations: Economic Growth, Applied Econometrics
- Alison Preston
Specialisations: Gender, Labour
- Anu Rammohan
Specialisations: Economic Development, Health, Labour
- Peter Robertson
Dean of UWA Business School
Specialisations: Economic Growth, International Trade
- Yanrui Wu
Specialisations: Chinese Economy, Economic Development
- Jakob Madsen
- Associate Professors
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- Michael Jetter
Specialisations: Economic Development, Labour, Media, Public Economics - Leandro Magnusson
Specialisations: Applied Econometrics, Econometrics - Michael Palmer
Specialisations: Health, Social and Welfare Economics - Christopher Parsons
Specialisations: Migration - Andrew Williams
Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor of Learning and Teaching
Specialisations: Economic Development
- Michael Jetter
- Senior Lecturers
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- Girish Bahal
Specialisations: Labour, Macroeconomics, Networks - Tushar Bharati
Specialisations: Economic Development, Education, Labour - Elisa Birch
Specialisations: Education, Labour - Simon Chang
Specialisations: Education, Health, Labour - Ishita Chatterjee
Specialisations: Applied Microeconomics - Shawn Chen
Specialisations: Public Economics, Economic Development, Economic Growth - Paul Crompton
Specialisations: Resource Economics - Luciana Fiorini
Specialisations: Microeconomics, Game Theory - Sam Tang
Specialisations: Economic Development, Economic Growth - Pratiti Chatterjee
Specialisations: Macroeconomics, International Economics
- Girish Bahal
- Lecturers
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- Ingebjorg Kristoffersen "Inga"
Specialisations: Applied Welfare Economics - Yanli Lin
Specialisations: Econometrics, Applied Econometrics
- Ingebjorg Kristoffersen "Inga"
- Emeritus, Honorary and Adjunct
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- Hon. Colin Barnett, former Western Australia Premier
- Kenneth Clements
- Mel Davies
- Rony Gabbay
- Nicolaas Groenewold
- Wencke Gwozdz
- Peter Hartley
- Bei Li
- Haiyan Liu
- Michael McLure
- Abu Siddique
- Juerg Weber
- David Woodliff
- Rodney Tyers
Economic Seminar Series
The Economic Seminar Series is an open weekly forum, which provides exposure to a wide range of economic topics.
All staff, students, as well as interested members of the public, are welcome to attend.
View the Economic Seminar Calendar
Economics Discussion Paper Series
Throughout the teaching year, students, teachers and researchers provide comprehensive discussion papers on their innovative research findings. See the full listing of papers and read the dedicated work from our department. This research contributes to a year of success within the department.
View the Economics Discussion Paper Series
UWA Public Policy Institute
The UWA Public Policy Institute (UWAPPI) is a bridge between academic research and government, public and business needs, delivering real-world policy impact. Backed by a select team of academic experts, and with an Advisory Board of local and international leaders, UWAPPI provides solutions to local and global challenges, while also identifying and providing advice on unforeseen future policy issues.
