Applied Economics

The School of Commerce welcomes applications for research in the areas of applied economics, especially choice, behavioural finance, capital markets, economic history, environmental accounting, international business, and property investment and valuation. Supervisory teams are available in these research areas.

The Centre for Applied Finance and Economics provides the structure and focus for multi-disciplinary research looking at the dynamics of the global economy. This ranges from analysis of market function and efficiency and the relationship between foreign investment and innovation, to monetary policy, exchange rates, economic and financial integration and banking reform.

Our researchers also are at the forefront of emerging social issues with implications for the broader economy, such as the rising cost of health care, how to adjust to an ageing society, the need for greater financial inclusion and financial literacy, and workplace diversity and reform. The focus is always on identifying trends and finding solutions to problems.

The Centre brings together economists, accountants and finance specialists from a range of backgrounds. There is a strong overlap with the work of the Centre for Sustainability Governance, particularly in areas such as corporate social responsibility and climate change, as well as with UniSA’s Australian Centre for Asian Business. The Centre also is affiliated with the national Capital Markets CRC.

The aim of research incorporated under this theme is to provide in-depth analysis to address real-world problems at the intersection of economics and public policy. A variety of economic methodologies and theoretical frameworks will be used to inform and evaluate public policy and social issues as they impact on the lives of Australians and on citizens globally.

Current research interests focus on the overlap between economic analysis and public policy in the areas of:

• Cartels and business history;
• taxation law, compliance and history
• environmental impact of transportation
• Economics of health policy and system reform
• Economic growth and productivity growth in the long run
• Roles of R&D, innovations and human capital in augmenting growth of nations
• Theoretical and empirical analysis of auctions
• Economic analysis of cognitive functioning and ageing
• Corruption and special interest group behaviour
• Sports Economics
• Econometric evaluation of policy and social programs
• Economic interconnections, monetary regionalism, and income growth convergence in emerging market economies (EMEs)

You may be eligible to be considered for admission if you have:

• Honours Level 1, Honours Level 2A (H2A), a Masters by Research or an appropriate masters degree
• Honours Level 2B (H2B) or a Graduate Diploma, plus demonstrated capabilities as proven through evidence of professional work experience in the field of proposed study and by relevant quality publications 
• a Bachelor Degree, Double Degree, Honours Level 3 (H3) or a Graduate Certificate, plus:
  • demonstrated research capabilities as proven through evidence of professional work experience in the field of proposed study and by relevant quality publications
  • additional work experience and publications.

 Research degree scholarships enable you to focus on your research without needing to do paid work.

Some scholarships are linked to specific research projects at the University.

Scholarships are available for both domestic and international students looking to undertake a research degree, and are normally tax-free for full-time students. They are available to students enrolling in the University's areas of research concentration and research strength.

• View scholarships and projects for domestic applicants (Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents of Australia). These scholarships provide a living allowance. Domestic students are exempt from tuition fees for the normal duration of the program.
• View scholarships and projects for international applicants. These scholarships generally cover tuitions fees and Overseas Student Health Cover, and provide a living allowance.

You might also like to explore High achiever scholarships, Vacation Research Scholarships, and Vice Chancellor and President's Scholarships

Other grants and awards may also be available while studying – for example, to support you to present your research at national or international conferences, or to publish your research.