Study Overseas

Queensland is an attractive destination, as evidenced by the fact that it has the highest rate of population growth of any Australian state, and the highest increase in tourism. So what is it like to study economics in such positive surroundings?

Queensland has a number of similarities with California. Its capital city, Brisbane, has a population of over one million, and enjoys a sunny, semi-tropical climate. It is situated on the Brisbane River and the sea (Moreton Bay), and within easy reach of the popular surfing beaches of the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Although the population of Queensland is more decentralised than in most Australian states, the major concentration of Queensland's population occurs in its south-east corner. It is here that most of its universities are located.

Queensland has eight universities, many of which have multiple campuses, as is common throughout Australia. All are well-equipped with on-line and computing facilities. The University of Queensland is the oldest university in the state, established in 1910; Brisbane alone contains the main campuses of four universities. All universities in Queensland offer an aspect of economics at undergraduate level - for example, as part of the Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Arts degree - but it is a more select group that offer a specific Bachelor of Economics degree.

Bachelor of Economics degrees can be completed in three years of full-time study, although selected students may complete an extra year to obtain their degree with Honours. The course of study in the honours year usually includes a research component, providing one possible gateway to higher degrees.

Postgraduate Opportunities

Postgraduate offerings by Australian universities have expanded greatly in the last decade. Broadly speaking, two types of postgraduate programmes exist in Australia. Firstly, traditional programs in which results are primarily based on research and thesis, e.g. Doctorate of Philosophy in Economics or Master of Economics. Secondly, coursework programs which may or may not involve a research component.

Developments in recent years suggest that the second programs may once again be divided into two sets: those that cater for increased specialisations in a discipline, and those which provide a foundation in a discipline with a lesser degree of specialisation as a rule. The latter professional-type degrees can often be completed in three semesters full-time, in one year if advantage is taken of the Summer Semester. This makes them quite attractive to busy professionals, and competitive in many respects with MBA programs in terms of their duration. In general, these degrees can be used by students who have specialised in some area other than economics at undergraduate level to obtain a firm foundation focus on their special interests, as well as by those who have specialised in economics at undergraduate level, but wish to extend or update their knowledge.

In addition, postgraduate diplomas in economics are usually of two semesters duration full-time. Postgraduate certificates in economics of one semester are also available in Queensland, which may be of special interest to students wishing to visit Australia for a short duration, but who would like to be associated with a university and obtain an award during their stay. Note also that economics may be studied as part of other degrees, such as MBAs, but usually only in a general, non-specific way.

Intensive Study Programs

Summer (December-February) intensive courses are increasingly available at universities around Australia. These enable training or qualifications to be obtained in minimum time, and customised courses for major clients are increasingly prepared. Using the summer semester, three semesters of work can be fitted into a year. Those on short visits to Queensland can obtain a recognised qualification in minimum time by taking advantage of such opportunities. Growing use of on-line facilities and flexible course delivery are further adding to student options.

Residential or other on-campus accommodation for students is available at all Queensland Universities. Although many students use this accommodation, a high proportion also live away from campus. When overseas students first arrive in Australia, they usually stay in accommodation on campus but later, as they gain confidence in their new surroundings, will spread their wings and move further afield.

A great number of students from overseas, particularly from Asia, are studying in Australia. In Queensland, a variety of clubs and associations have been formed by such students, to provide fellowships for those away from home. Nevertheless, a lot of overseas students belong to student university associations pursuing special interests such as sporting activities, or subjects such as Student Chapters of the Economic Society of Australia. Every university in Queensland has a wide range of student-organised clubs and associations, so that virtually all interests are catered for.

Studying economics in Queensland need not only be all work! There are many things happening in our multicultural, dynamic society, and you can be part of it. Australia is used to newcomers - after all, most Australians are either immigrants or the offspring of recent immigrants, and almost one in twenty Australians are of Asian descent. So a wide range of tastes is catered for in Australia, with many food types and cuisines readily available. Australian society is open and culturally diverse, which combines with Queensland's great outdoors to make it a wonderful place to visit. World-class universities in Queensland also provide outstanding opportunities for study, in economics and similar subjects. Study can be effectively combined with pleasure, with many cultural and leisure activities in Queensland - an extra bonus when coming there!

Author
Clem Tisdell
The University of Queensland