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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.

Testimonials

A greater understanding of economic cycles, inflation, GDP and counter-cyclical government policies stands me in good stead to better understand and analyse market forces and economics surrounding industry sectors.

Real-world Application

By examining challenges like stagnant living standards, rising inequality, and the impact of Covid-19, participants will gain insight into how macroeconomic policies affect the economy and society.

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)

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.

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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.

Presenter

Ippei Fujiwara
Ippei Fujiwara

Prof Ippei Fujiwara

Ippei Fujiwara is a Professor of Macroeconomics at both the Australian National University (ANU) and Keio University. He serves as Associate Editor of the European Economic Review and Co-Editor of the Japanese Economic Review.

He holds several prominent research and advisory roles, including:

  • Research Fellow at the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR)
  • Fellow at the Asian Bureau of Finance and Economic Research (ABFER)
  • Deputy Director at the Center for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis (CAMA), ANU
  • Japan Director of the Australia-Japan Research Centre (AJRC), ANU
  • International Advisory Board Member at the Asian Bureau of Economic Research (ABER), ANU
  • Faculty Fellow at the Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI)
  • Advisory Board Member at the Macroeconomics, Growth and History Centre (MaGHiC), University of Kent

Professor Fujiwara earned a D.Phil. in Economics from the University of Oxford (Nuffield College) and a Ph.D. in Applied Economics from Osaka University. Prior to joining ANU in 2011, he spent 18 years at the Bank of Japan.

His research interests lie in international finance, monetary economics, and macroeconomics. His work has been published in leading journals, including the American Economic Review, Journal of Applied Econometrics, Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Journal of International Economics, Journal of International Money and Finance, Journal of Money, Credit and Banking, Journal of Monetary Economics, Macroeconomic Dynamics, Review of Economic Dynamics, and Theoretical Economics. He has authored 17 articles in A* journals listed in the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) ranking.

Online training: How it works

This is a real-time, date-specific course, in which you will join live classes, engage and connect with experts, other course participants and the Executive Education team. Here’s how it works:

  • Pre-course live session. This is an opportunity for you to grab a cuppa and join our meet and greet before the course commences.
  • Practice + Study. Set aside 5 to 6 hours per week – this time commitment will vary depending on how deeply you choose to engage with the material. It is up to you.
  • Course pack. Each participant will receive a carefully curated workbook, which includes everything you need to guide you through the course.
  • Live sessions with presenter. This is a specified date and time for you to come together with the presenter and other participants to consolidate your learning.
  • Post-course. On completion of the course, you will receive your post-course resources for your reference and further learning.

 

Why choose online training?

  • No time off work – study and practice when you can.
  • Busy schedule? No problem, you can go at your own pace, join just the live classes, and do the course work whenever suits you best. We know that work and family obligations can be overwhelming. Mix and match the schedule to fit your life.
  • No travel. This is a course right at your fingertips. With no travel expenses, this is a very affordable option for high-level training with world-leading experts.
  • Live interaction with world-leading experts. You’ll have direct access to all the best resources and trainers.
  • Working remotely? With the online and distance format, we welcome participants from around the world to join us.

 

FAQs

What if I can’t make a live session? No problem, we understand you are busy. Live sessions are recorded for you to catch up in your own time.

What if I’m in a different time zone? All advertised course times from 6th October 2024 to 6th April 2025 are scheduled in Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) otherwise known as GMT+11. From 6th April 2025 scheduled times are Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) or GMT+10. Convert for your time zone here.

What if I am not tech savvy? As long as you have access to a phone or computer, you will have no problems. Our online courses require a working laptop, desktop or smart device with good internet connection. Bring your headset. Join the tech-check session for support and insider tips.

I would like to purchase multiple courses, are there any discounts available? Yes, discount offers are available if you would like to book multiple courses throughout the year. You may contact us to discuss further options.

I work for a company or organisation that would like to enrol multiple employees in the same time. Is it possible? Yes, discounted rates are available for groups attending from the same organisation. Get in touch with us if you want to register as a group.

Can’t find the answers are you looking for? Contact our team for support at csee@anu.edu.au.

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