Economists

Economists conduct research to improve or develop economic concepts, theories and operational methods used to understand and describe the behaviour of national and international markets for goods, services and labour, and advise on or apply methodologies to draw up economic policies and to formulate solutions to projected economic problems.

• Compiling, analyzing and interpreting economic data, using economic theory and a variety of statistical and other techniques.



• Studying and dealing with various economic aspects, such as production and marketing methods, national and international trade trends, monetary, fiscal and pricing policies, employment, income, productivity and consumption.



• Advising on economic policy and courses of action to be followed in the light of past, present and projected economic factors and trends.



• Solving problems regarding the satisfaction of material needs of a population and bringing this in line with the utilization of scarce resources.

Requirements

Secondary Education
An above average pass on HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption is required to be admitted to South African universities. A HIGCSE/IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with passes in five subjects - one of them English (grade D, first language) - as well as a minimum of 25 points on the UNAM point evaluation scale, serves as minimum requirement to enrol at UNAM.

Compulsory subject
Mathematics (most South African universities)

Recommended subjects
Business Studies, Economics and Accounting (South Africa)

Tertiary Education
Economics can be followed as a major subject of the B. Econ., B. Com. or B. A. degrees at most South African universities and at UNAM. The prospective economist should, however, follow a Master’s program in Economics in South Africa or at UNAM (in collaboration with the City University of London).

Personality
The prospective economist should have an interest in social and economic matters and display a creative, thorough, analytical approach in problem-solving.

Work Opportunities
Opportunities exist in trade, industry and financial institutions as well as the public sector. Qualified economists with the necessary experience can also function as consultants.

Back