Has a Bachelor of Economics at UQ caught your eye? If you haven’t already, you can take a quick look at what it’s like studying a Bachelor of Economics at UQ to learn about the degree requirements, course structure, faculty and uni culture and more!
But if you’re still wondering about the degree and want to get some actual opinions, you’ve clicked on the right article!
We’ve talked to Hannah, who recently graduated with an Economics degree from UQ, to hear all about the pros and cons of the degree.
Keep reading to find out more!
Why should you study an Economics degree at UQ?
Top 3 Pros of an Economics Degree
Top 3 Cons of an Economics Degree
Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make
Things to Know Before Starting UQ Economics
What Makes this Degree Different
Motivations for Studying UQ Economics
Potential Career Paths
Why should you study an Economics degree at UQ?
You should definitely consider an Economics degree if you’re passionate about economics and the way it influences other disciplines such as politics, business, industry and trade.
Hannah described it as “a really eye-opening degree” and found it relevant to just about any field and industry. This certainly makes it the perfect option if you’re thinking of studying a double degree!
“You should especially study at UQ because it has a beautiful campus. There are some really nice spots around…good views, good food, good coffee!” Hannah said.
A nice campus and a positive, vibrant study environment can make a big difference! UQ also has a wonderful Economics faculty to support your learning experience.
Top 3 Pros of an Economics degree
#1: It’s an interesting and eye-opening discipline
One of the best things about an Economics degree at UQ is that you’ll find it really interesting and eye-opening. The topics you study are fascinating, relevant to current affairs and always encourage you to think critically and analytically about issues, solutions and the future.
While studying a Bachelor of Economics, you’ll also find yourself drawing connections across various disciplines such as politics, maths, health care, law, and more. This means you’ll have the opportunity to learn skills and knowledge from different fields and tailor the course to your interests!
#2: Flexible learning options
Another great thing about studying a Bachelor of Economics at UQ is that the course structure is pretty flexible. Something that’s quite unique to Economics at UQ is that you have the option to not study a major at all!
Instead, you can choose to study Economics flexible units and general elective units. If you’re interested in Economics but unsure about what exactly you want to do, this is a great flexible study option UQ has to offer so that you can continue exploring a range of topics within the Economics discipline.
Similarly, you also have a lot of flexibility when it comes to double degree options.
“You’re not restricted to study science, language, or law… you can study Economics in so many different contexts, or you can choose to have a narrow focus if that’s what you prefer,” said Hannah.
#3: University culture
One of the best things about studying Economics at UQ is the university culture and the like-minded people you meet along the way.
“There are some really good opportunities for mingling and meeting other people through events such as the Economics Society ball, or their popular Careers and Cocktails event. They also collaborate with other societies so you’re not just stuck meeting the same people — you can meet new people from other societies,” Hannah said.
Top 3 Cons of an Economics degree
#1: It can feel isolating at times
Hannah told us that the Economics degree at UQ has a really big cohort, especially in your first year of uni, which can often feel pretty isolating at times. And since there are heaps of options in terms of majors and elective units, you might find that you don’t see a lot of familiar faces throughout your degree.
While this is something to keep in mind, don’t worry about it too much! Like Hannah mentioned earlier, there are plenty of opportunities to meet people and make friends outside of class.
#2: Figuring out Honours and majors can be difficult
One of the biggest cons for Hannah was that UQ didn’t provide a lot of information and support when it came to choosing majors and figuring out Honours.
“It wasn’t really made clear to me at the start that I’d have to decide if I wanted to do Honours and also choose my major quite early-on… I guess a bit more communication and awareness on behalf of the university when you sign up would be nice,” she said.
#3: It’s very exam-heavy
An Economics degree at UQ is very exam-heavy which can get stressful at times. Almost all of your subjects will have a mid-semester and/or final exam worth around 35-50%.
You might find these exams quite challenging, especially if you’re someone who prefers assignments and essays! For Hannah, the exam-heavy nature of the degree was definitely a major con.
She said, “I personally do a lot better with assignments because I like to think a lot about things and plan my response but with those exams you basically just have to go and do it!”
Any regrets?
Hannah told us she regretted not taking a bit more time to consider the different major options and look into the Honours program.
“I also regret not pursuing Data Analytics units a bit more, because that’s a really common skill that recruiters are looking for in Economics graduates,” she added.
So, if you’re thinking about studying an Economics degree at UQ, definitely take some time to explore all the different options and opportunities! You’ll certainly benefit from looking into employability prospects, in-demand skills and further study options.
What do you wish you had known before starting UQ Economics?
Hannah told us she wished she had known the importance of planning ahead to maximise her uni experience.
“Definitely plan ahead — know what you’re going to do in terms of majors and Honours, have some backup plans, think about whether you want to do an exchange program or not, and get involved in all the uni activities!” she suggested.
What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities?
Something that makes UQ unique is that it’s actually one of the few unis in Australia to offer an Economics degree! Many universities offer Economics as a major but UQ is one of the unique universities to offer a Bachelor of Economics as a standalone degree.
Discover the top schools in Australia offering a Bachelor of Economics here!
What inspired you to choose UQ Economics?
Hannah’s decision to study Economics at UQ was actually motivated by her second degree!
“Honestly, I initially only chose French… Economics was an afterthought to add to my degree! So with language studies, I picked UQ because out of the top 3 universities in the Brisbane area, it was the only one that offered French without having to do cross-institutional studies… and then it was just convenient that it offered that dual degree!” she said.
What are the possible career paths?
An Economics degree at UQ can take you just about anywhere! Some career paths available include:
- Economic consultant
- Investment analyst
- Business development manager
- Economic analyst
- Business analyst
- International trade manager
- Policy analyst
- Energy and resource economist
Learn more about various careers you can pursue with a Bachelor of Economics here!
Maitreyi Kulkarni is a Content Writer at Art of Smart Education and is currently studying a Bachelor of Media and Communications (Public Relations and Social Media) at Macquarie University. She loves writing just about anything from articles to poetry, and has also had one of her articles published with the ABC. When she’s not writing up a storm, she can be found reading, bingeing sitcoms, or playing the guitar.
