- Where you can study
-
Auckland campusDistance and onlineManawatū campus (Palmerston North)
-
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Open to international students on campus in New Zealand, or studying on-line outside New Zealand
Specialise in Economics for your Bachelor of Business at Massey
A versatile major, the Bachelor of Business (Economics) trains you in understanding how the economy operates at both micro and macro levels.
You will study the business environment, the role of competition and the connections between different sectors in the economy. You will learn about the effects the world economy has on New Zealand business and people. This includes what the government can do to foster healthy businesses and advance innovation, but also about the effects of excessive government interventions.
In this major, you can specialise in a number of areas including: international trade and finance, resource and environmental economics, financial economics, managerial economics and public policy.
Our lecturers and professors are actively researching both nationally and internationally, bringing the most relevant developments in business theory and practice to the classroom.
The Bachelor of Business will give you the leadership, communication and critical thinking skills that will make you a sought-after employee. It will give you skills you can use in many different types of businesses, in New Zealand and around the world.
You will gain a good grounding in economic fundamentals as well as a broad understanding of the core elements of business.
Further study
Study options upon completion of this qualification could include:
Master of Analytics
Doctor of Philisophy
A Bachelor of Business in Economics is a good fit if you:
- have an interest in the world of finance
- enjoy working with numbers
- think analytically and logically.
Planning information
Planning information
If you study full-time, you will usually complete 120 credits per year (four 15-credit courses in each of Semesters 1 and 2).
If you study part-time, you should consider how many hours per week you can allocate to your studies. We recommend that part-time students enrol in 30 credits (two 15-credit courses each semester).
Degree structure
The Bachelor of Business (Economics) consists of:
- Compulsory (Core) courses (135 credits)
- Economics major courses (120 credits)
- Elective courses (105 credits)
You may use your elective courses to complete a recognised minor, or broaden your study.
Important planning notes
- A full-time study load is typically 60 credits per semester.
- Complete prerequisite courses early to support progression into the higher-level Economics courses.
- Some advanced courses may only be offered once per year, so plan ahead.
- If you intend to complete a minor or an internship, you should plan your course sequencing carefully to ensure prerequisite requirements are met on time.
- Some courses may also be available during Summer School.
You must also ensure that your overall degree includes:
- no more than 180 credits at 100 level (including all compulsory and major 100-level course requirements), and
- at least 75 credits at 300 level.
Majors and minors
Completing at least one major is compulsory. A major requires 120 credits, including at least 60 credits at 300 level.
If you wish to complete an internship, it will normally be in addition to your major requirements.
Completing a minor is optional and allows you to broaden your knowledge and capabilities in another subject area. A minor must be in a different subject from your major and can be from another undergraduate degree (subject to the regulations of that qualification).
Typical pattern for the Bachelor of Business majoring in Economics
Core courses These courses are a compulsory part of your qualification.
Major courses Choose from a selection of courses appropriate for your specialisation.
Elective courses Follow your interests. Your qualification may have selection guidelines for elective courses.
| Year One |
|---|
| 115112 Accounting for Business Decisions |
| 115113 Economic Fundamentals of Global Business |
| 115114 Finance for Business and Life |
| 115115 People, Work and Organisations |
| 115116 Marketing: Creating Value |
| 115117 Business in the Digital Age |
| Core option* |
| Elective |
| Year Two |
|---|
| 115212 Responsible Leadership in Business |
| 178200 Macroeconomics |
| 178201 Microeconomics |
| 178230 The Economics of Human Behaviour |
| 178280 Regression and Predictive Analysis (subject choice) |
| Elective |
| Elective |
| Elective |
| Year Three |
|---|
| 115340 Sustainable Business Operations |
| 178300 Macroeconomic Policy and Applications |
| 178301 Competition and Industry |
| 178312 Globalisation and Trade |
| 178360 Sustainability, Environmental and Climate Change Economics |
| 178370 Developmental Economics (subject choice) |
| 178380 Business Forecasting (subject choice) |
| Elective |
Notes
- All courses are worth 15 credits unless otherwise stated.
- *Core option. Choose one:
- 115109 Introduction to Business Analytics
- 115211 Business Law
- 115230 Pakihi Māori
- 125230 Business Finance.
- • Complete all Major courses (90 credits) and choose one Subject course (15 credits) at 200-level and one Subject course (15 credits) at 300-level to complete the Economics specialisation. Courses labelled (Subject choice) are supporting courses that complement the Economics specialisation.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Courses you can enrol in
Core courses for the Bachelor of Business
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Bachelor of Business core courses
Economics courses
Compulsory courses
Course code: 178200 Macroeconomics 15 credits
The development and application of macroeconomic models to globally-oriented economies, and the assessment of real-world policy problems from a practical perspective.
View full course detailsCourse code: 178201 Microeconomics 15 credits
The development and application of models of consumer optimisation, producer behaviour, and competition in markets.
View full course detailsCourse code: 178300 Macroeconomic Policy and Applications 15 credits
This course incorporates financial markets into macroeconomic models and analyses government policies that address current macroeconomic events.
View full course detailsCourse code: 178301 Competition and Industry 15 credits
The modelling of microeconomic decision-making of competing firms in industries, with application to real-world issues.
View full course detailsCourse code: 178312 Globalisation and Trade 15 credits
An examination of selected economic concepts to the operation of global trade, agribusiness and financial markets.
View full course detailsCourse code: 178360 Sustainability, Environmental and Climate Change Economics 15 credits
A survey of environmental and climate change issues and the application of economic analysis to these issues and policies to achieve sustainable outcomes.
View full course detailsCompulsory course selection
15 credits from
Course code: 178230 The Economics of Human Behaviour 15 credits
An in-depth exploration of people's real-world decision-making processes with insights from psychology and other behavioural sciences.
View full course detailsCourse code: 178280 Regression and Predictive Analysis 15 credits
An introduction to regression and predictive analysis, using real world data to provide actionable insights that aid organisational decision-making processes.
View full course details15 credits from
Course code: 178370 Development Economics 15 credits
An examination of major development problems and issues, both domestic and international, from a combined economic theory, empirical and policy-oriented perspective.
View full course detailsCourse code: 178380 Business Forecasting 15 credits
Specification and estimation of business models for policy analysis and forecasting. Treatment of common problems encountered in real world data analysis using econometric models.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $7,415
- International students: $38,080
Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.
There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Course fees
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink)
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
Scholarships and awards
- Business Excellence Scholarship
- Massey University Academy of Sport First Year Scholarship
- Massey University Academy of Sport Returners Scholarships
- Massey University Undergraduate First Year Scholarship – School Leavers
- McEwan Pacific Student Scholarship
Careers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
There are career opportunities in both public and private sectors, large and small firms, international agencies, the education sector, economic policy makers and social organisations. The following are examples of some of the career options:
- agricultural economist
- business analyst
- economic consultant
- energy research officer
- environmental economist
- financial policy advisor
- health economist
- international economist
- institution development coordinator
- energy researcher
- competition analyst
- trainee dealer.
Government agencies such as Treasury, The Reserve Bank, the Ministry of Business and Innovation, and international agencies such as World Bank or International Monetary Fund all recruit economics graduates.
An economics degree can also be a gateway to employment in many other areas, like management, planning, politics, education, finance and banking, or in journalism and the media. You can design your economics major to suit your interests and career objectives.
International students
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
What our students say
“While challenging, I found the economics major at Massey to be extremely versatile, interesting and valuable. I developed strong quantitative, qualitative and critical thinking skills throughout. Skills that have enabled me to apply for, and deliver tangible change within, a wide range of jobs.”
Accreditations and rankings
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Massey Business School is rated in the top 5% of global business colleges by AACSB International.
QS Ranking - Business Management Studies
Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 400 universities for business and management.
QS Ranking - Economics and Econometrics
Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 300 universities for economics and econometrics.
ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration
Massey University is ranked #2 in New Zealand for business administration by ShanghaiRanking.
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