The new course has a minimum entry level of OP2 or equivalent
The new course has a minimum entry level of OP2 or equivalent
14 March 2016

The University of Queensland is offering young academic stars an elite undergraduate program in finance and economics.

Associate Dean (Academic) Phil Bodman, from the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law (BEL), said the Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics (Honours) was the first of its kind offered in Australia.

“With a minimum entry level of OP2 or equivalent, it attracted more than 120 applications, resulting in about 50 enrolments,” Associate Professor Bodman said.

“We’ve deliberately kept the cohort to a small group of exceptional, driven students.

“Many of those enrolled have shown leadership in roles such as school captain or school dux.

“They will be working at an accelerated pace and can choose to undertake exchanges with top international universities around the world and internships with leading companies.”

Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship recipient and Brisbane Girls Grammar School 2015 dux Josephine Auer (left) is among the inaugural student intake.

Ms Auer, who received a top-tier OP1 score with excellent results in maths B and C, English, languages and chemistry, she said she had not been sure what to study.

“I was looking at actuarial studies but that looked a bit limited and niche,” she said.

“I saw a flier for this course at school, researched it and realised it would fit well with my love of maths and my career interests.

“I’ve always been interested in investment and can see a future in banking and stockbroking, or as an actuary.”

Ms Auer said she planned to undertake some of her studies in Germany and found the international study and placement options an attractive part of the course.

UQ’s Business, Economics and Law faculty has a dedicated Student Employability Team that works with students to arrange internships, mentoring and networking with leading employers.

The Executive Dean of the BEL Faculty, Professor Iain Watson, said economics and finance were closely related disciplines, but traditionally were taught separately.

“UQ has one of Australia’s top business schools and an internationally renowned school of economics,” he said.

“High-achieving school-leavers with an OP1 now have an attractive choice beyond medicine, law, or engineering.

“There is a strong demand for elite economics and finance graduates and very bright career prospects in areas such as banking, finance, insurance and public policy.

“We believe this degree offers an attractive alternative pathway for our highest achievers.

“The graduating students will form a close-knit cohort of future leaders with the skills to create change on the global stage.”

Media:  Danielle Koopman, d.koopman@uq.edu.au, 07 3346 0700.