Master of Economic and Regional Development

Communities and regions face complex challenges as they work towards improving living standards and wellbeing. Economists play a critical role in community and regional development by informing the decisions of government and non-government agencies as they strive for sustainable economics growth and stability around the world.

UNE’s Master of Economic and Regional Development will equip you with the expertise to help solve the issues faced by regions and nations as they define their directions and chart a course toward a better future.

Why study the Master of Economic and Regional Development with UNE?

Whether you already work in the field of economic and regional development, or you wish to turn your career focus towards this sector, this course will help you build on your experiences to solve real issues facing communities and regions.

UNE has research and teaching strengths in economics, agricultural and resource economics and econometrics — areas essential to analysing, designing and evaluating community-based development projects in regional and international contexts.

Our economics postgraduate courses were awarded 5-star ratings for Learning Resources and Full-Time Employment by the 2021 Good Universities Guide. We are also proud that year on year, students award 5-star ratings to UNE for Overall Experience and Student Support.

What makes our course different?

Our course will provide you with an advanced body of knowledge and skills in economics that you can apply when dealing with regional and community development issues in either urban or rural contexts. In addition to honing your economic and quantitative analysis skills, you will develop a deep understanding of the significance of the cultural, ethical, legal and social dimensions of economic issues in developing countries.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Select one of the four majors offered or tailor and diversify your studies to achieve your personal career goals by selecting units from the general program.
• Choose from a wide range of units allowing you to focus on areas of interest and relevance to your career.
• Participate in online discussions with a variety of stakeholders worldwide, allowing you to apply knowledge and skills in a real-world context.
• Focus your studies on the Asia-Pacific region.
• Study on campus in Armidale or online, taking advantage of UNE’s expertise in providing online education to support lifelong learning for experienced professionals.
• Study full-time or part-time, giving you the flexibility to balance your studies with your work and personal commitments.
• Apply your academic knowledge and further enhance your skills in the workplace through our Work-Integrated Learning unit.
• Participate in our Overseas Study Experience unit with fellow students and academic staff to gain short term international experience to complement your coursework.

If you are unable to complete the Master’s program, you may be eligible to graduate with either the Graduate Certificate in Applied Economics or the Graduate Diploma in Economics if you satisfy the requirements of those programs.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.