McMaster University
Economics I
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
West Hamilton ON L8S 4L8
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Intake
September 2027
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Course Overview
Economics I at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Business economics graduates enter finance, economic consultancy, government policy, research analysis and corporate strategy roles. Many pursue further study, the CFA qualification or civil service fast-stream programmes.
Student life (indicative)
Hamilton offers a comfortable and affordable Canadian student lifestyle — a solid café and bar scene, good local culture, and a welcoming community. A great base for exploring the surrounding province.
The University at a Glance
Student Population
36,062
Staff Ratio
17.0:1
International
16.1%
Career Prospects
Avg Starting Salary
£40,290
First-year earnings
Placement Year
✓ Available
Work experience option
Costs & Living
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Check the university's official fee page
City & Location
Mid-size city (200k-499k inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Economics I
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Economics I topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Economics I
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
36,062
Total students
Staff Ratio
17:1
Students per staff
International Students
16%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
City Size
Mid-size city (200k-499k inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Four seasons
Safety Index (indicative)
8.0/10
Transport
Moderate (coach or indirect connections)
Social Scene
Friendly community
Student Life & City (indicative)
Hamilton offers a comfortable and affordable Canadian student lifestyle — a solid café and bar scene, good local culture, and a welcoming community. A great base for exploring the surrounding province.
- Hamilton offers a comfortable and affordable Canadian student lifestyle — a solid café and bar scene, good local culture, and a welcoming community.
- A great base for exploring the surrounding province.
What Students Love
- Active music scene
- Street food & markets
- Outdoor & nature activities
- Great café culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Avg Starting Salary
£40,290
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✓ Available
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Business economics graduates enter finance, economic consultancy, government policy, research analysis and corporate strategy roles. Many pursue further study, the CFA qualification or civil service fast-stream programmes.
- Business economics graduates enter finance, economic consultancy, government policy, research analysis and corporate strategy roles.
- Many pursue further study, the CFA qualification or civil service fast-stream programmes.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Business
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Check the university's official fee page
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
MEDIUM
This location has moderate living costs. Standard student budget recommended.
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
One of Canada's more affordable student cities — a $1,624/month budget (housing $949, food $365, transport $90) covers everything comfortably. Hamilton is one of Ontario's most affordable cities — growing fast in arts and food culture.
- One of Canada's more affordable student cities — a $1,624/month budget (housing $949, food $365, transport $90) covers everything comfortably.
- Hamilton is one of Ontario's most affordable cities — growing fast in arts and food culture.