Master of Economics

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.

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: identify, coherently explain and synthesise core and advanced economic concepts, including recent developments in the discipline; 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; 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; 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 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.