Master of Economics

Why study the Master of Economics at UNE?

The Master of Economics program is an excellent means of obtaining advanced-level qualifications in the disciplines of Economics, Agricultural and Resource Economics and Econometrics which are all areas of research and teaching strength at UNE. The program can be studied on a full-time basis over two years, or by part-time or distance education for up to six years. This is a flexible program that can be pursued through a combination of coursework and independent research so that you can develop research skills and expertise that are relevant to your work and career goals.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Economics will have skills that will provide career opportunities and advancements in government and non-government organisations that are involved in economic analysis, economic and social policy development, project management and policy evaluation. Opportunities include positions as economists and policy analysts, researchers, project officers and consultants. Students who do well in the research component and achieve good results can proceed to a doctoral program in economics and pursue an Academic/Research career.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

1 or 1.5 or 2 Years Full-time
Up to 6 years Part-time

FEES

CSP (quotas apply)
Full Fee
International

2018 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale

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

Official Abbreviation MEc
Course Type Postgraduate
CRICOS Code 064590K
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
Course Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 or 2 Years Full-time
  • Up to 6 years Part-time
Fees CSP (quotas apply) / Full Fee / International
Total Credit Points 96
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:

(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification with a major in a non-relevant discipline; or

(b) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification with a major in a relevant discipline*; or

(c) hold an AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma qualification in a relevant discipline*.

*Relevant disciplines include, but are not restricted to:

Agricultural Economics

Economics

Econometrics

Practical, Clinical or Work Experience

Students may complete an overseas study tour (OSSE500) during their course.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Candidates admitted under Rule (b) shall be granted a maximum of 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 24 credit points may be granted based on units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based.

Candidates admitted under Rule (c) shall be granted a maximum of 48 credit points of Block Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature.

No advanced standing will be granted for BUS505, BUS581A or BUS581C.

Academic Colours

Peacock Blue (BCC 120)

Further Information

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

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall:
(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification with a major in a non-relevant discipline; or
(b) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification with a major in a relevant discipline*; or
(c) hold an AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma qualification in a relevant discipline*.

*Relevant disciplines include, but are not restricted to:

Agricultural Economics
Economics
Econometrics

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.
Candidates admitted under Rule (b) shall be granted a maximum of 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 24 credit points may be granted based on units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based.

Candidates admitted under Rule (c) shall be granted a maximum of 48 credit points of Block Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature.

No advanced standing will be granted for BUS505, BUS581A or BUS581C.

Period of Candidature

For candidates admitted under Rule (a), the period of candidature shall be:
(a) two years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to six years as a part-time candidate.

For candidates admitted under Rule (b), the period of candidature shall be:
(a) 1.5 years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to six years as a part-time candidate.

For candidates admitted under Rule (c), the period of candidature shall be:
(a) one year as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to four years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate admitted under Rule (a) shall complete units to the value of 96 credit points including not more than 18 credit points at 100-level, not more than 18 credit points at 200-level, not more than 24 credit points at 300/400-level and at least 36 credit points at 500-level as identified in the program of study.

To qualify for the award a candidate admitted under Rule (b) shall complete units to the value of 96 credit points including not more than 18 credit points at 300/400-level and at least 36 credit points at 500-level as identified in the program of study.

To qualify for the award a candidate admitted under Rule (c) shall complete units to the value of 96 credit points including not more than 12 credit points at 300/400-level and at least 36 credit points at 500-level as identified in the program of study.

Program of Study

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

For candidates admitted under Rule (a)
Course Structure Credit Points
Core Units 54 cps
Complete ONE Major
OR
General Program
42 cps
Total 96 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

For candidates admitted under Rule (b)
Course Structure Credit Points
Block Advanced Standing 24 cps
Core Units 30 cps
Complete ONE Major
OR
General Program
42 cps
Total 96 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

For candidates admitted under Rule (c)
Course Structure Credit Points
Block Advanced Standing 48 cps
Core Units 30 cps
General Program 18 cps
Total 96 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Master of Economics.

Minor Dissertation

1. In order to enrol in BUS581C candidates must achieve an overall Grade Point Average of 5 (Credit) in all coursework units. Candidates who enrol in BUS581C must submit a dissertation embodying an original investigation of a topic within an approved field of study.

2. Except with the permission of the school, on the recommendation of the candidate's supervisor, the dissertation shall not exceed 20 000 words of text, excluding appendices.

3. Except with the permission of the school, a candidate shall not submit a dissertation until all other course work is complete.

4. A full-time candidate shall be required to enrol in and complete the dissertation over one trimester; in all other cases candidates shall be required to enrol in and complete the dissertation over two consecutive trimesters, which shall not include the first trimester of candidature unless advanced standing has been granted and the period of candidature has been reduced.

5. Except with the permission of the head of school or nominee, on the recommendation of the course coordinator, a candidate shall be in full-time attendance at the University or arrange other forms of personal contact with the supervisor for a minimum of five days during the period of enrolment in the BUS581C unit for a candidate undertaking a dissertation.

Submission of Dissertation

The candidate shall:
(a) not present as a dissertation any work that has been submitted for the award of a degree or Graduate Diploma at this University or another institution, but the candidate will not be precluded from incorporating such work in the dissertation provided that, in presenting the dissertation, the part of the work that has been so incorporated is indicated;
(b) state specifically on the title page that the work is a minor dissertation;
(c) state generally in a preface to the dissertation and specifically in notes the source of information and the extent to which the candidate has availed himself or herself of the work of others (candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct Rules);
(d) incorporate in the dissertation immediately following the title page an abstract of approximately 300 words.

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.

Examination of Dissertation

The dissertation is examined by two examiners. The examiners are to be recommended by the supervisor. The supervisor must submit the names 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 potential examiners, but the names of the examiners 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 his or her 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 resubmitted 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.

Exit Pathways

Subject to meeting the Advanced Standing rules, candidates admitted under Rules (a) or (b) who apply to discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Applied Economics on completion of 24 credit points corresponding to the program of study for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Economics, including at least 18 credit points at 400/500-level. Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies and exit with the Graduate Certificate in Applied Economics and then decide to continue in the Master of Economics must apply for re-admission. They will then be subject to current course requirements of the Master of Economics. This may mean that they will not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University requirements.

Subject to meeting the Advanced Standing rules, candidates admitted under Rules (a) or (b) who apply to discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma in Economics on completion of 48 credit points corresponding to the program of study for the Graduate Diploma in Economics including at least 30 credit points at 400/500-level. Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies and exit with the Graduate Diploma in Economics and then decide to continue their studies in the Master of Economics must apply for re-admission. They will then be subject to current course requirements of the Master of Economics. This may mean that they will not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University requirements.

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

This course can provide a formal advanced-level qualification in the field of economics for graduates who hold at least an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification. It is also a broadening course for those who wish to extend their knowledge of economics into areas not previously studied such as Economic Development and Agricultural and Resource Economics.

This is a program that can be pursued through a combination of coursework and independent research so that you can develop research skills and expertise that are relevant to your work and career goals. Finally, it can be a qualifying step towards higher studies, particularly the PhD in Economics program.

Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  1. identify, coherently explain and synthesise core and advanced economic concepts, including recent developments in the discipline;
  2. frame and critically analyse problems in terms of core and advanced economic concepts and principles, apply advanced economic reasoning and analytical skills, including quantitative techniques where appropriate, in order to make informed judgements and decisions, and plan and execute a research-based project;
  3. use advanced quantitative economic analytical methods to select and apply an appropriate empirical method to address typical problems faced by economists, and critically evaluate the results;
  4. reflect on and evaluate: the nature and implications of assumptions and value judgments in economic analysis and policy; interactions between economic thinking and economic events, both historical and contemporary; the responsibilities of economists and their role in society; and
  5. communicate complex ideas clearly and coherently, in written form and interactive oral form to expert and non-expert audiences, individually or in collaborative contexts.
Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline

The course will provide students with an opportunity to learn core concepts in economics, agricultural and resource economics, economic development and efficiency and productivity analysis. These concepts will be taught through lectures, readings and online components and will be assessed through various types of assessments such as assignments, examinations and report writing. The Master of Economics course offers students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in a real-world context. This course emphasises the use and application of economic skills in regional, national and international contexts. A global perspective is important in understanding issues confronting economists in a continuously changing environment.

Communication Skills

In this course, students will develop, enhance and promote effective communication skills. These will be taught, practised and assessed in various units within the course. Students are expected to articulate knowledge in different schools of thought through activities such as assignment and report writing and oral discourse. Students will also participate in online discussions with different stakeholders.

Problem Solving

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 issues.

Information Literacy

Students will be taught and assessed on skills to examine, analyse and interpret economic, quantitative and qualitative data and information. Students will acquire information through different forms of media and use this in the framework stipulated in different areas of study within the course.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Students are taught numerous dimensions of social responsibility in relation to economic decision making. Students are also taught the importance of acknowledging and respecting the viewpoints and ideas of others, and understanding the cultural, ethical, economic, legal and social dimensions of economic issues.

Lifelong Learning

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 economic issues. Students have the opportunity to undertake independent research and gain experience in oral seminar presentations.

Independence and Collaboration

Students will have worked independently and collaboratively with 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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