About the programme
The Bachelor of Commerce (Food and Resource Economics) is an NZQF Level 7 undergraduate degree at Lincoln University that trains economists for the global food and natural resource industries. It carries 360 credits and takes 3 years of full-time study on the Lincoln University campus; graduates receive a Bachelor of Commerce with a Food and Resource Economics major.
Food production is a worldwide need, yet much of it is shaped by the economics of natural resources. The programme therefore looks at the role of food production in the New Zealand and global economies, covering global value chains, food economics and policy, market structure and performance, and the economics of natural resources, development and trade.
Year one provides the commerce core: commercial law, management, economics and markets, financial information, marketing and statistics. Year two covers macroeconomic policy, markets, firms and consumers, and business analytics and statistics. Year three focuses on the economics of natural resources and the environment, food markets and policy, and development, plus a choice of econometrics or international economics. Students learn to apply economic theory to problems in global food markets, use quantitative tools to analyse data and support policy advice, and reflect on current food, resource, development and international economic issues.
Part of the degree can be completed overseas through the LincOE exchange programme, and an additional major or minor may be possible. The programme suits students aiming for economist or analyst roles in government or industry.
Entry requirements
- University Entrance through NCEA or an approved equivalent, with separate guidance for overseas qualifications.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must meet additional English language requirements.
- English and maths or statistics are highly recommended; accounting, business studies, computing, economics and Māori studies are also useful.
What you study
- Economies and Markets
- Introductory Statistics
- Macroeconomic Issues and Policies
- Markets, Firms and Consumers
- Analytics and Statistics for Business
- The Economics of Natural Resources and the Environment
- The Economics of Food Markets and Policy
- The Economics of Development
- Econometrics or International Economics
Careers after graduation
- Economist
- Economic or business analyst
- Trade and enterprise policy analyst and advisor
- Researcher
- Roles in government and industry
Post-study work visa
Equal to the length of the programme, 3 years maximum
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website