Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Economics

Why study the Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UNE?

Demand for agricultural business professionals continues to grow. The Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UNE is the longest running agricultural and resource economics degree in Australia.

Through the study of agricultural and resource economics you will gain an understanding of the key challenges and trade-offs confronting business, government and the community at large. You will develop the knowledge, skills and attributes required for high level problem solving and economic decision making across a diverse range of agricultural and natural resource issues such as food safety and security, natural resource depletion, climate change, sustainability and increasing globalisation and integration of agricultural and food networks.

Core units include microeconomics and macroeconomics, farm and resource management, rural finance and risk management, environmental and natural resource economics, international trade and business, and economic analysis of chains and networks. This degree is taught with a global perspective to ensure you understand the current challenging issues across the economic, environmental, social and political environments. You will also develop an understanding of social responsibility in relation to agricultural and business practices, and an appreciation of the importance of the environment and sustainability.

The degree gives students the flexibility to choose between a coursework only option and an embedded Honours program in which you undertake a supervised program of reading and research involving the preparation of a dissertation that reports on a particular investigation of an area of economic enquiry. Opportunities also exist to undertake practical work experience and to participate in overseas study tours and study exchange programs that value add to the degree.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities include employment in the private and public sectors, domestically and internationally in professional, managerial or executive positions in such areas as banking, finance and insurance, international agencies, government departments, agribusiness, commodity trading, policy analysis, agriculture or education.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

4 Years Full-time
Up to 10 years Part-time

FEES

CSP
International

2017 ATAR / OP

72.55 / 12

2018 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale

Trimester 1, Online
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Online
Trimester 2, On Campus
Trimester 3, Online

Official Abbreviation BAgResEc
Course Type Undergraduate
CRICOS Code 055701E
Commencing
Location Admission Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Online
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 2 Online
Armidale Trimester 2 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 3 Online
Course Duration
  • 4 Years Full-time
  • Up to 10 years Part-time
2017 ATAR 72.55
2017 OP 12
Fees CSP / International
Total Credit Points 192
Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures).

Assumed knowledge is any two units of English. For some units in the economics, finance and quantitative areas it is recommended that students have previously studied mathematics.

Practical, Clinical or Work Experience

Students may complete work integrated learning and professional skills development (WORK300) with approved institutions and/or an overseas study tour (OSSE300) during their degree.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Advanced standing will not be granted for BUS481C.

Scholarships

The university offers a number of faculty/college and country scholarships available to Australian citizens and permanent residents.

Academic Colours

Peacock Blue (BCC 120)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Economics in 2018.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and the Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures).

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Advanced standing will not be granted for BUS481C.

Period of Candidature

The period of candidature shall be:
(a) four years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to ten years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

(a) To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 192 credit points with not more than 60 credit points at 100 level; at least 72 credit points at 300 level; and not more than 24 credit points at 400 level.
(b) To qualify for the award of Honours a candidate must pass units to the value of 192 credit points with not more than 60 credit points at 100 level; at least 36 credit points at 300 level; and at least 42 credit points at 400 level including BUS481C.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

Rule (a) Coursework Candidates:
Course Structure Credit Points
Core Units 120 cps
Listed Units 48 cps
Elective Units 24 cps
Total 192 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Rule (b) Honours Candidates:
Course Structure Credit Points
Core Units 150 cps
Listed Units 36 cps
Elective Units 6 cps
Total 192 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

 

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements under Rule (a) shall be awarded the Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Economics.

Candidates who meet the course requirements under Rule (b) shall be awarded the Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Economics with Honours.

Award of Honours

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Economics with Honours students must:
(a) have achieved at least a GPA of no less than 5 during the first three years (144 credit points) of the degree; and
(b) must complete BUS305 and must complete 42 credit points at 400-level comprising ECON428, ECON429, ECON435 and BUS481C. Honours places are subject to the availability of supervision.

Classes of Honours

1. There shall be three classes of honours, namely Class I, Class II and Class III. Class II shall have two divisions. Whilst these classes of Honours relate to the University grading system (Class I = HD, Class II Division 1 = D, Class II Division 2 = C, Class III = P) numerical conversion scores and aggregate marks will be used to determine each Class of Honours.
2. An exceptionally distinguished student who has been awarded First Class Honours may be awarded a University Medal.

Calculation of Honours Result

The ratio of assessment components will equal the ratio of marks within the final grade.

Dissertation

1. A candidate shall submit a dissertation embodying an original investigation on a topic approved by the course coordinator.

2. Depending on the topic under investigation, the approval of the relevant Ethics Committee must be sought if required.

3. The School, on the advice of the Course Coordinator, shall appoint a supervisor, who shall be a member of the teaching or research staff of the University or an associate of the University. The supervisor shall advise and supervise the candidate during the period of candidature.

4. Except with the permission of the School, on the recommendation of the supervisor, the dissertation shall not exceed 20,000 words of text, excluding appendices.

5. Candidates shall be required to enrol in an complete the dissertation in two semesters in the case of full-time candidature and in four semesters in the case of part-time candidature.

Submission of Dissertation

(a) Dissertations are due in the last week of the teaching period. Candidates must submit an electronic copy of the dissertation for examination. An electronic version of the dissertation, incorporating any changes suggested following examination, must also be submitted prior to a grade being awarded for the dissertation. The copies must be submitted to: The Coordinator - Minor Dissertations, UNE Business School. The supervisor's name should normally be included in the acknowledgements section of the dissertation. The presentation of the dissertation must follow the guidelines outlined in the UNE Business School Honours Handbook.

(b) The student must state generally in the preface of the dissertation, and specifically in footnotes or endnotes where appropriate, the sources from which the information is derived, the extent to which the student has made use of the work of others and the portion of the work which is claimed as original.
The student may not present, as the dissertation, any work that has been the basis of the award of a degree at this or another university, but will not be precluded from incorporating such in the dissertation provided that, in presenting the dissertation, the student clearly indicates the part of the work which has been so incorporated.
At the time the dissertation is submitted, the principal supervisor shall inform the course coordinator in writing that:
(i) the principal supervisor and co-supervisor(s) have discussed with the student and amongst themselves the academic content of the dissertation in the form submitted and that, while neither expressing nor implying a judgement about the merit of the work, in the principal supervisor's opinion all are agreed that it is ready for submission for examination; and
(ii) the physical form and presentation of the dissertation are appropriate to the discipline.

(c) The student shall, upon submission of the dissertation, following protocols approved by the course coordinator, make arrangements for all original data to be retained in an area of safe storage for a period of not less than five years from the date of submission. The data stored must be in a form that would, at a minimum, permit replication of all analyses reported in the dissertation.

Examination of Dissertation

The dissertation is examined by two examiners. A dissertation will not be examined by a student's supervisor, but the supervisor should be consulted in the determination of the final result. The supervisor must submit the name and contact details of the recommended examiners to the Coordinator - Minor Dissertations at least two weeks prior to submission of the dissertation for examination. A short statement should accompany the recommendation when an examiner is external indicating the qualifications of the recommended examiner and the reason why the recommended examiner is deemed appropriate to examine the dissertation.

The supervisor may consult with the candidate prior to the submission of the dissertation regarding a potential examiner, but the name of the examiner finally recommended by the supervisor to the Coordinator - Minor Dissertations should not be made available to the candidate.

The supervisor must provide a statement to the Coordinator - Minor Dissertations indicating that the dissertation is suitable for examination.

Examiners are normally expected to complete and return their report within FOUR (4) weeks of the dissertation being delivered. The Coordinator - Minor Dissertations will advise the supervisors of the outcome of the examination, along with a summary of examiners' reports as appropriate, indicating any amendments to be considered. Students need to consult with the supervisor and undertake any minor amendments to the satisfaction of the supervisor.

The supervisor is to send a note to the Coordinator - Minor Dissertations, that any amendments suggested by the examiners have been addressed to the supervisor's satisfaction and that the result may be finalised. The Coordinator - Minor Dissertations will finalise the result and make a summary recommendation to the School Teaching and Learning Committee regarding:
(a) the grade to be awarded for the dissertation (Fail, Pass, Credit, Distinction or High Distinction);
(b) the percentage to be awarded for the dissertation;
(c) if amendments to the dissertation were made before the grade was finalised;
(d) whether the candidate should be allowed to revise and resubmit the dissertation for re-examination (a maximum grade of Pass and score of 50% shall be given for any re-submitted dissertation).

The School Teaching and Learning Committee shall make the final determination as to the outcome of the examination, based on the recommendation from the Coordinator - Minor Dissertations.

Appeals

Candidates are referred to the Academic Assessment Appeals Policy and the Academic Assessment Appeals Procedures.

Course Progression

Candidates are referred to the Course Progression Rule and the Course Progression Procedures.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Rule and the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Procedures.

Course Aims

The Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Economics aims to produce professional graduates with the knowledge, skills and attributes required for problem solving and economic decision making across a diverse range of agricultural and natural resource issues. This degree provides students with a strong economic and quantitative background that allows them to explore a variety of professional career options or to advance to higher degree studies.

Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  1. BAgResEc: understand, explain and apply disciplinary concepts to agricultural and natural resource issues;
  2. with initiative and judgement apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to address real agricultural and natural resource issues;
  3. use quantitative data to critically analyse agricultural and natural resource issues and understand their role in economic and business decision-making and policy decisions;
  4. be effective communicators of agriculture and resource economics by communicating results, information or arguments to a range of audiences for a range of purposes and using a variety of modes; and
  5. be accountable for their own learning and work by being independent and self-directed learners; working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context; taking responsibility and accountability for personal outputs and all aspects of the work or function of others within broad parameters; and demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to agricultural and resource economics and personally practising ethical conduct.
  6. BAgResEc with Honours: demonstrate an advanced understanding, explanation and application of disciplinary concepts to complex agricultural and natural resource issues;
  7. with initiative and judgement apply critical thinking and advanced problem solving skills to address complex agricultural and natural resource issues and develop new understanding;
  8. be effective communicators of agriculture and resource economics by communicating results and research to informed professional audiences;
  9. conduct a research investigation under supervision in a research or professional environment by critically analysing a challenging complex or multi-faceted problem, identifying research questions, designing and planning a project; selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools to address a research question; analysing, interpreting and critically evaluating research findings; and
  10. be accountable for their own learning and work by being independent and self-directed learners; working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context; taking responsibility and accountability for personal outputs and all aspects of the work or function of others within broad parameters; and demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to agricultural and resource economics and personally practising ethical conduct.
Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline

BAgResEc students: In this course students develop advanced knowledge in the areas of economics, econometrics and agricultural and natural resource issues through lectures, tutorials, readings, online activities, practical experience and interaction with unit coordinators. A global perspective is important in understanding the current challenging issues confronting the agricultural and natural resource sectors in continuously changing economic, environmental, social and political environments. Knowledge will be assessed through a variety of assessment tasks such as assignments, examinations and report writing. BAgResEc with Honours students: In this course students develop advanced knowledge in the areas of economics, econometrics and agricultural and natural resource issues through lectures, tutorials, readings, online activities, practical experience, interaction with unit coordinators and dissertation supervisor(s) and independent research. A global perspective is important in understanding the current challenging issues confronting the agricultural and natural resource sectors in continuously changing economic, environmental, social and political environments. Knowledge will be assessed through a variety of assessment tasks such as assignments, examinations, report writing and a written dissertation.

Communication Skills

BAgResEc students: Communication skills are essential in this course and students will develop both written and oral competency. These communication skills will be taught, practised and assessed in numerous activities including written assignments, oral presentations, in-class and online discussions. BAgResEc with Honours students: Communication skills are essential in this course and students will develop both written and oral competency. These communication skills will be taught, practised and assessed in numerous activities including written assignments, oral presentations, in-class and online discussions and a written dissertation.

Problem Solving

BAgResEc students: Students will combine discipline knowledge with information literacy skills to develop their adeptness in being able to apply critical thinking to identify problems and to formulate solutions, particularly through the application of advanced discipline knowledge to real-world situations. BAgResEc with Honours students: Students will combine discipline knowledge with information literacy skills to develop their adeptness in being able to apply critical thinking to identify problems and to formulate solutions, particularly through the application of advanced discipline knowledge to real-world situations.

Information Literacy

BAgResEc students: Students will use various forms of media to obtain information and data for written assignments and other assessment tasks. Students will be able to use, critically analyse, interpret, construct and communicate economic and quantitative data, with an emphasis on economic decision making and policy applications. BAgResEc with Honours students: Students will use various forms of media to obtain information and data for written assignments and other assessment tasks. Students will be able to use, critically analyse, interpret, construct and communicate economic and quantitative data, with an emphasis on economic decision making and policy applications.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

BAgResEc students: Students are taught numerous dimensions of social responsibility in relation to agricultural and business practices. Students will be able to acknowledge and respect the viewpoints and ideas of others, behave ethically, and appreciate the importance of the environment and sustainability. BAgResEc with Honours students: Students are taught numerous dimensions of social responsibility in relation to agricultural and business practices. Students will be able to acknowledge and respect the viewpoints and ideas of others, behave ethically, and appreciate the importance of the environment and sustainability.

Lifelong Learning

BAgResEc students: Lifelong learning skills are taught and practised in assessment tasks. The discipline knowledge, information literacy and problem solving skills obtained in this course equip students with the ability to understand, interpret and critically evaluate regional, national and international agricultural and natural resource issues. Students have the opportunity to undertake independent research and gain experience in oral seminar presentations. BAgResEc with Honours students: Lifelong learning skills are taught and practised in assessment tasks. The discipline knowledge, information literacy and problem solving skills obtained in this course equip students with the ability to understand, interpret and critically evaluate regional, national and international agricultural and natural resource issues. Students have the opportunity to undertake independent research and gain experience in oral seminar presentations.

Independence and Collaboration

BAgResEc students: Students will have worked independently, as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary group to achieve common goals, solve problems, contribute specialist knowledge and contribute to group performance. BAgResEc with Honours students: Students will have worked independently, as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary group to achieve common goals, solve problems, contribute specialist knowledge and contribute to group performance.

How to Apply

Domestic Students

All domestic students apply through the link below

For more information, click here

International Students

International students apply direct to UNE through UNE International

For more information, click here

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