Coursework and reviews

Coursework: MPDBS pathway

Last reviewed 17 September 2026

This page is for students who enter through the Master of Pre-Doctoral Business Studies (MPDBS), a one-year program before the PhD.

MPDBS courses

• Term 1
  • ECON7001 Microeconomic Theory I
  • ECON7004 Mathematical Economics
  • COMM8100 Foundations of Business Research
• Term 2
  • ECON7002 Macroeconomic Theory I
  • COMM8102 Econometric Analysis
  • Research assistant (RA) work: 25 hours for each of two academics
• Term 3
  • ECON7101 Microeconomic Theory II
  • ECON7102 Macroeconomic Theory II
  • COMM8103 Business Research Project Seminar

The MPDBS coursework is compulsory, unless exceptional circumstances apply. The Business School Research Office handles enrolment in MPDBS courses.

Moving to the PhD

To advance to the PhD program, you must achieve an average of at least 85 in your MPDBS courses, with at least 75 in each course. If you don't meet this requirement, you may not be able to move to the PhD program.

Talk to the Postgraduate Research Coordinator (PGRC) as soon as you think you may have trouble meeting it, for example if you get a mark below 85 in any course.

PhD enrolment

Enrol yourself in ECON5000 Research Economics Full-Time, or ECON5001 Research Economics Part-Time if you study part-time, through myUNSW. You must be enrolled every term, including Summer Term, for the whole of your PhD.

PhD coursework

• The standard coursework load after the MPDBS year is 6 to 8 courses. You must agree which courses you take, and when, with your supervisors and the PGRC.
• In general, take courses during the first two years of your program and leave the last two years for research.
• Besides the courses offered by the School of Economics (SOE), you may benefit from courses in other disciplines, such as finance, mathematics and statistics, or computer science.
• To take a course that is not on the list below, talk to your supervisors first, then contact the PGRC.
• The SOE handles enrolment in your PhD courses. Once you have agreed your courses with your supervisors, contact the SOE office or the PGRC.
• To continue in the PhD program, you must keep an average of at least 75.

Economics electives offered in 2026

For other years, check the current UNSW timetable.