Econometrics University of Pretoria

Overview

The core modules for specialisation in econometrics are economics, mathematical statistics and mathematics. Econometrics is the measurement and quantitative analysis of actual economic and business phenomena. For the professional, econometrics is a fascinating subject that provides for the measurement and analysis of economic phenomena and the forecasting of future economic trends. Econometrics is primarily applied in the quantification and validation of economic theory as well as the analysis of real-world transactions associated with human behaviour. The discipline is relevant to public policy including health education, transportation, housing and environmental protection. The tools and results can also be applied to other disciplines, especially in the social sciences such as history, political science, sociology and psychology. 

Graduates of the Econometrics degree from University of Pretoria are employed as analysts, consultants, researchers and traders in both the private and public sectors. The government, the South African Reserve Bank, private and commercial banks and leading local and international stockbrokers and consultancies employ graduates in econometrics. Students are strongly advised to proceed with postgraduate studies.

Econometrics is concerned with the measurement of economic behaviour, economic outcomes and the impact of economic policies. This is done using economic theory, data and statistical techniques. Econometricians are statistically and mathematically inclined.

Career Opportunities

Econometricians are employed by the government, the central bank, private and commercial banks, leading stockbrokers and consultancies, both locally and internationally. Positions include analysts, consultants, researchers, traders or brokers, and academics. The work mostly entails statistical analysis (forecasting, structural and policy analysis) of economic and financial markets and interrelationships.