Executive education online: Beginner's guide to macroeconomics for the public sector

This course revisits the fundamentals of macroeconomics and provides a framework for understanding how the economy works, including financial systems, labor markets, product markets, and the role of government in stabilizing the economy.

There is no math or equations. The course is taught through practical case studies, focusing on real-world challenges to build understanding.

Key topics include:

• The role of Australia in the global economy and the importance of trade.
• Macroeconomic statistics such as GDP and inflation.
• The role of institutions like the Reserve Bank of Australia.
• The relationship between economic growth, environmental sustainability, productivity, and innovation.
• Government’s role in stabilizing the economy.

At a glance

Format: Online

Duration: 3 weeks (excluding orientation)

Commitment: 5-6 hours per week

Cost: $1,495 (or $1,195 for early bird registrations by 26 May)

Start/end date: 26 June - 10 July 2025 with a course orientation / meet and greet on 3 June

Group discounts available.

Course curriculum

• Module 1 The whole story: Macroeconomics and the Australian economy
• Module 2 The labour market and the market for loanable funds
• Module 3 The government and the economy: Monetary policy, fiscal policy, and structural reform
• Module 4 The economy in the long-term
• Module 5 The future of macroeconomics, the Australian economy and the world (expert panel discussion)

Learning outcomes

• Understanding of macroeconomic concepts such as economic output, productivity, inflation, foreign investment, and trade.
• Application of macroeconomic statistics used by governments and media, including GDP and inflation.
• Analysing the role of government in economic stabilisation and setting conditions for long-term growth in living standards.
• Developing a framework for thinking about economic challenges through practical case studies.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for individuals at any level of their career who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of basic economics and its useful application to policy issues.

This course is designed for those with no economic background.

Session schedule

This course will run as an online and distance program in 2025. It is scheduled to run across three weeks 26 June - 10 July 2025 with a course orientation / meet and greet on 3 June. Specific dates and times to note in your diary are as follows:

• 1pm-2pm Tuesday 3 June 2025 – course introduction/meet and greet session
• 1pm-2:30pm Thursday 26 June 2025
• 1pm-2:30pm Thursday 3 July 2025 
• 1pm-2pm Thursday 10 July 2025

Note: Dates and times are in Canberra time (AEST). The calendar invite for each session should automatically adjust to your timezone when you add it to your calendar. You can check at a site like this to be sure.