Pros and Cons of a Bachelor of Economics at UTS

By now you now know all the facts and stats about UTS Economics. If you don’t, have a quick look here before reading on.  

But, are you still curious about how people feel about this degree? Wonder no more! 

We chatted with Ben, a UTS Economics student, about what this degree is really like to study.

Have a look! 

Why should you study an Economics degree at UTS?

Top 3 Pros of an Economics Degree

Top 3 Cons of an Economics Degree

Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make

Things to Know Before Starting UTS Economics

What Makes this Degree Different

Motivations for Studying UTS Economics

Potential Career Paths

Why should you study an Economics Degree at UTS?

There are many different reasons students decide to study a Bachelor of Economics at UTS. UTS hosts a rich and vibrant range of teaching staff and methods! Ben tells us a bit about them: 

The passion and experience that UTS Economics provides students are impeccable! Students feel as though they are able to conquer the workforce as soon as they leave university as this degree makes students feel industry-ready and prepared.

Top 3 Pros of an Economics degree 

#1: Many Different Majors and Paths to Follow with this Degree

“There’s a lot of majors to choose from! But it’s also not just a clear cut route of ‘how to pick majors’ either — there are three different streams,” Ben says. 

Students can:

1. Decide on one major;
2. Pick two sub-majors or;
3. Have one sub-major and leave room for more electives.

The Majors students can choose from for the Bachelor of Economics at UTS include:

• • Economics 
  • Business Law
  • Human Resource Management 
  • Information Technology 
  • Management 
  • Finance 
  • Marketing 
  • Advertising and Marketing Communications 

Students do not all have to follow one path to gain their degrees. UTS Economics students are able to tailor their degrees to their interests and ideals! 

#2: Internships and Work Experiences 

“There is a subject you can take as an elective to complete an internship! I’ve had friends do this subject and say it’s really cool,” Ben says. 

This unit is called ‘Business Internship’. UTS tutors and facilitators will help students find an internship, and throughout the course, students will have a little bit of course work to complete as well as the internship itself. To pass this unit, the work must be completed to a satisfactory standard and a set amount of hours need to be worked at an organisation. 

If you’re thinking of taking on this unit, it’s ideal to complete it in the second year of study. Check out everything about this elective in the handbook here!

#3: Great Lecturers and Tutors with Valuable Experiences and Knowledge 

Within UTS Economics, the teachers and tutors have a deep and nuanced understanding of their discipline not only in the academic sense, but in the workforce too! They are not distant or disassociated to the industry, they are teaching students to grow and enter into it after graduating.

“The lecturers at UTS aren’t all just career lecturers and career academics. They have lives and experiences outside of academia — so, they bring a knowledgeable and individualised view and knowledge of their subjects,” Ben says. 

Top 3 Cons of an Economics Degree

#1: Exams Carry a Huge Weighting for your Grades

The exams within this degree carry a large weighting. Generally the largest weighted exam will occur at the end of semester, but sometimes the mid-term exam could be your highest weighted exam! 

“The course work isn’t really as much of a big thing as it is for other degrees. Exams do have a high weighting — I don’t think I’ve had a final exam that is less than 50%. Often it will be worth 50% or 60% of your final grade. Once I had a 65% weighted exam and that wasn’t fun,” Ben explains. 

This degree will keep you on your toes, so be sure to keep up with your study and maintain your attendance! 

#2: Not a Huge ‘Campus Atmosphere’ 

If you didn’t already know, the UTS campus is spread among different buildings within Ultimo, so it doesn’t exactly have the typical ‘campus atmosphere’ that other universities offer. However, the vibe and culture from the various societies you can join make up for the lack of ‘campus atmosphere’.

One society relevant to the Bachelor of Economics is the Economics Society, which was founded by interviewee Ben Robinson in early 2019. This society is for everyone who loves and studies Economics and allows budding economists to grow, network, socially gather and enjoy events! 

#3: Class Times Can be Very Long 

Generally, for each unit you will be on campus for at least three hours, meaning that you will most likely spend around 12-16 hours a week on campus!

“Some classes I’ve taken have been presented as a three hour seminar, kind of like a combination of what you would expect a lecture and tutorial to be,” Ben tells us. So if the long class times aren’t your forte, you’ll just have to suck it up to succeed in this degree.

Any regrets? 

Ben does not have any regrets about his study of the Bachelor of Economics at UTS. He does, however, have some words of wisdom and warning! 

“Exams can sneak up on you. It depends on the person, but I personally don’t feel like I am great in exam conditions unless I study religiously for a month before!” Ben says. 

Do not expect to be able to breeze through this degree without any study or revision! With a course that is so heavily exam based, complacency could be your downfall.

What do you wish you had known before starting the degree? 

Don’t be shy! If you are confused or need help, ask your teachers and tutors — reach out, they are there to help you.  

“Your teachers and tutors are a valuable resource! Having a chat and asking questions when needed can do you a world of good,” Ben says. 

What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities? 

Ben tells us a little bit about UTS Economics and how it differentiates itself from the Economics degrees that other universities provide.

“There’s a lot of theory. A lot of other unis offer subjects such as ‘The History of Economics’ subjects and things like that, UTS doesn’t have that. It has more practically applied theoretical stuff which is good, when you get into the workplace. That’s the kind of stuff you will need,” Ben says. 

What inspired you to choose this degree?

UTS Economics is a content and collaboration heavy degree! You’ll be pointed in the right direction when you graduate from this degree and enter the job of your dreams.

“UTS is a vibrant and young university, and so is the Economics degree here — I think it’s only been running for five years or so. With this comes a modern approach, the theory we learn, the programs that we use are all the ones that are relevant these days. UTS takes a modern approach that not every other uni does,” Ben says.

What are the possible career paths?

The Bachelor of Economics at UTS presents students with a wide variety of career options to pursue after graduating. Depending on the major chosen, students can have careers in the following fields and more:

• • Economic analysis and modelling
  • Economic forecasting
  • Econometrician 
  • Designing economic policies in government, consulting and financial institutions.

Matilda Elliott is a Content Writer at Art of Smart and a Communication graduate with a major in Journalism at Western Sydney University. You can find some of her published work in a range of platforms including SBS World News, The Music Network and within her own creative exploits with her twin sister. Matilda is a lover of listening, helping people to tell their stories, making genuine connections, clowning around in her circus troupe and dancing like no one is watching at live music shows!