Bachelor of Business (Business Economics)

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to: 

1. Acquire and apply discipline specific knowledge and skills related to business and organisations (Discipline Knowledge).
2. Communicate information effectively in written and oral forms with a diverse range of stakeholders (Communication Skills).
3. Apply critical and analytical skills to the identification and evaluation of complex business problems and draw logical conclusions (Critical Skills).
4. Work both independently and collaboratively to achieve agreed team outcomes (Teamwork).

Future-proof your business career with economic prowess

Learn business economics by focusing on contemporary issues in Australia and globally. Explore applied economics topics such as business strategy, behavioural economics, energy economics, regional development, and monetary and fiscal policy.

Economics is a framework for working through complex problems in a variety of settings and provides a set of tools that complements a wide range of academic disciplines. Our business economics major emphasises developing analytical and technical skills as well as communication skills that are highly valued by employers. Economists use data to understand the big questions that face people, organisations, and the world. We have been teaching Economics for over 100 years and have produced some of Australia’s leading experts in the field.

You will study contemporary business economics and develop the analytical and problem-solving skills required to be a successful professional. The economics program prepares students for success in key growth industries across the globe including energy, agriculture, tourism. Studying economics gives students the skills to understand these complex markets as well as the business acumen to succeed in these dynamic industries. The subjects in our Business Economics major are taught by leading researchers in these areas, providing students with the opportunity to work on real-world issues in these industries using real data.

Economists use data to understand the big questions that face people, organisations, and the world. UTAS has been teaching Economics for over 100 years and have produced some of Australia’s leading experts in the field.

Recommended study pattern

For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended:

Year 1. 8 subjects in first year including: 

• 4 Core subjects
  • TAS-BAA111 People and Organisations
  • TAS-BEA111 Introduction to Markets and the Economy
  • TAS-BEA140 Data Analysis for Business
  • TAS-BFA103 Accountability and Accounting
• 2 Major subjects
  • TAS-BEA106 Introduction to Behavioural Economics
  • TAS-BEA121 Economic Policy in Action
• 2 UTAS Electives

Year 2. 8 subjects in second year including: 

• 4 Core subjects
  • TAS-BAA211 Entrepreneurship
  • TAS-BAA215 Business and Corporate Law
  • TAS-BMA202 Business Strategy
  • TAS-BMA250 Managerial Social Responsibility
• 2 Major subjects
  • TAS-BEA205 Economics of Business Strategy
  • TAS-BEA206 Evaluating Alternatives
• 2 UTAS Electives

Year 3. 8 subjects in third year including: 

• 4 Major subjects
  • TAS-BEA310 Agriculture and Food Economics
  • TAS-BEA313 Energy Economics and Policy
  • TAS-BEA317 Regional Development in a Global Context
  • TAS-BEA320 Monetary and Fiscal Policy
• 4 UTAS Electives

Award requirements

Satisfactory completion of 24 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 3-7 years from commencement.

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Year 1

• Year 2

• Year 3

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $44,990

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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• Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). You must have completed at least two subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) at 100 level or higher and which may include 100 level subjects completed in the UTAS Diploma of University Studies. If you have failed any subjects, your application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR
• Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).

Successful completion of any two OUA open access subjects of study at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified.

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers are made based on the number of places available. In 2024, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 50.40 The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Successful completion of Certificate IV or higher (or equivalent) in any discipline.

If you’ve completed one of the VET qualifications listed below you are guaranteed both entry and credit into the Bachelor of Business.

• FNS50222 Diploma of Accounting- credit given is 100 credit points
• BSB50420 Diploma of Accounting- credit given is 100 credit points

Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement. Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.

You may be eligible for advanced standing (i.e. credit) in this degree if you:

• Have completed an award such as a Diploma or Advanced Diploma from the University or another institution
• Are currently studying another Bachelor degree at the University or at another institution;
• Have completed a Bachelor degree at the University or an equivalent award from another institution.

In addition to these formal agreements, we also offer credit for a wide range of other VET qualifications. Generally, you can gain credit for your TAFE/VET study if: 

• It’s in a similar study area as your proposed university study, 
• Is at Diploma of Advanced Diploma level, and 
• It was completed no more than 10 years ago. 

Visit our TAFE and VET students website to learn more about articulation, and how to apply for credit into this degree.

How to apply for credit

• You can apply for a credit/advanced standing as part of the online application process.