A great economist uses ideas, data and models to uncover the workings of the economy. Information and communications technology (ICT) has profoundly changed the way economists function. Economists with strong ICT skills have enhanced analytical skills. This combined degree merges the study of ICT with an economics specialisation, with an emphasis on developing analytical skills. This degree is an opportunity to gain qualifications that will provide more breadth and offer wider opportunities for employment. In the Economics component of the degree, you choose a major in either Economic Foundations or Economic Analysis and complete a compulsory minor in Economics. In the ICT component of the degree, you complete the compulsory ICT Professional major and choose a second major in either Games and Creative Technology or Software Development. Course objectives The Bachelor of Economics component allows students to develop a detailed understanding of the economic issues and factors, both national and international, that determine how macro and micro economic systems are organised and how decisions are made by individuals, firms, and governments. The Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (BICT) component aims to give students the opportunity to explore a broad range of aspects of ICT, and to graduate them with knowledge and skills in a variety of key areas of ICT for a lifelong career. The combined degree offers units across the complete spectrum of ICT, ranging from non-technical areas such as the nature of information and organisational needs for ICT, through the hardware, software, network and creative technologies which are used to satisfy these needs, to the communication, design, development and management skills needed to create, implement and integrate ICT components. It produces ICT professionals who are confident and articulate team players, and who are attuned to the needs, methods and attitudes of business and society. It also aims to provide ICT students with the skills and knowledge to take on appropriate professional positions in industry upon graduation and grow into leadership positions, achieve entrepreneurial ambition, or pursue research and graduate studies in ICT. Career outcomes Graduates of the BEc-BICT combined degree should expect to have the same career outcomes as identified for the Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of ICT. Graduates of the combined degree would be particularly valuable to government and large business organisations. Professional Recognition The BICT degree has been developed in consultation with the Australian Computer Society (ACS), but as a new degree full accreditation can only be received after there have been some graduates. Professional level accreditation of the course will be sought. It is anticipated that graduates of the BEc-BICT will be eligible for membership of the ACS. There are no professional bodies in the economics discipline. While undertaking the Bachelor of Economics degree, students can apply to become special members of the Economics Society of Australia.