AUT - Bachelor of Business - Economics major

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Bachelor of Business - Economics major

Economics is fundamental to all areas of business operations and government policies. Economics offers a way of thinking about how individuals, firms and governments make decisions about allocating increasingly scarce resources. Economic theory can be applied to a wide range of issues –including economic growth and stabilisation, international trade agreements, pollution controls and minimum labour standards. Economists with rigorous analytical and communication skills are highly sought after in the private and public sector.

The Economics major in the Bachelor of Business (BBus) degree provides you with a sound understanding of economic concepts and theories, and insight into strategic and quantitative analysis. You learn to analyse public policy, develop your report writing skills and model the strategic behaviour of firms. Papers cover key economic topics including pricing policies, international trade and finance, economic development in Asia and the Pacific region, and competitive advantage.

  • Complements other majors such as finance, international business, marketing, management and a law degree
  • Real business experience through Students in Free Enterprise, an applied business project or a work placement (recent placements included Auckland Council, Vodafone and Telecom)
  • Includes an introduction to SAS, STATA and other data-handling and statistical software packages
  • Research active staff with strong links to Motu Economic and Public Policy Research, Treasury, Auckland Council, Ministry of Social Development, Department  of Labour and the Reserve Bank
  • Opportunity to go on a student exchange to the US, Europe or Asia
  • Leading research department: 100% research active rating received in the latest research qualifications assessment of NZ universities (2006 Performance Based Research Fund)
  • Weekly seminar series run by the department – showcasing current research by AUT staff and visiting academics
  • The AUT Business School is among an elite group of 6% of business schools worldwide accredited by AACSB International – the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
More information about the Bachelor of Business

Overview

The economics major provides the skills needed for analysing and implementing solutions to many of the critical problems facing society today. It offers ways of thinking about how individuals, firms and governments make essential decisions about allocating increasingly scarce resources.

You will gain insights into international trade and foreign currency exchange markets, learn how prices can alter consumer and producer behaviour and analyse data to forecast economic outcomes.

 

Structure and content

Part One

Papers in part 1 provide you with an introduction to the roles of business and fundamental concepts in business disciplines. You complete 5 core papers in part 1 which are:

  • Business in Context (30 points)
  • Management and Organisation (15 points)
  • Accounting for Decision Making (15 points)
  • Quantitative Methods for Business (15 points)
  • Economic Principles I (15 points)

In addition to the 5 core papers, in order to major in Economics you must complete the elective paper Economics Principles 2 (15 points) and  you choose 1 elective paper from the list below, or from elsewhere in the university:

  • Introduction to Finance (15 points)
  • Fundamentals of Marketing, Advertising, Retailing and Sales (MARS) (15 points)
  • Business Information Systems (15 points)
  • Design Thinking (15 points)
  • Introduction to Tourism (15 points)
  • Leadership for Sustainable Enterprise (15 points)

Part Two

Over the next 2 years, you will acquire an understanding of how economic theory can be applied to a wide range of issues faced by consumers, businesses and governments. You will gain valuable insights into international trade and foreign currency exchange markets, learn how prices can alter consumer and producer behaviour and analyse data to forecast economic outcomes.

Part Three

This is the final part to the Bachelor of Business degree and takes a full semester of study. You have the opportunity to apply what you have learnt in your major(s) to the real world in a business, not-for profit organisation, or entrepreneurial venture. You choose 1 of the 3 following papers:

1) Co-operative Education

A supervised industry placement related to your major in an organisation of your choice. Placements can be done either in New Zealand or overseas. Recent placements included Auckland Council, Vodafone and Telecom.

Or

2) Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE)

You work as part of a team and create and manage a project to benefit a group within a New Zealand community.

Or

3) Applied Project (normally by invitation only)

You do a supervised individual or group project based within an academic department in the AUT Business School. This option is primarily aimed at those students interested in continuing on to postgraduate study.

Further information about Co-operative Education

Economics major papers (105 points):

Level Five:

375002 Economic Principles 2

Level Six:

376307 Introduction to Econometrics
376308 Macroeconomics
376309 Microeconomics

Level Seven (select three):

347001 Economics, Natural Resources and Society
377402 Managerial Economics and Organisations
377406 Growth and Development in the Asia-Pacific Region
377407 Human Resource Economics
377408 International Trade Economics
377409 Economics of Strategy
377410 Applied Econometrics
397001 International Corporate Finance

Career opportunities 

  • Acquisition manager
  • Business risk auditor
  • Financial markets analyst
  • Investment banker
  • Policy advisor in a government ministry
  • Researcher in a consulting firm or non-profit organisation
  • Strategic planner in a local council

Related programmes 

Graduates and students of business

AUT's economics department is one of the country's leading research departments. Find out more about our international rankings, academics and research projects.

Last updated: 21 Jan 2013 11:00am

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