Graduate Diploma in Agricultural and Resource Economics

Year

View in 2021+ Handbook

Course Overview
Further Information
Course Rules & Plans
Course Outcomes

Why study the Graduate Diploma in Agricultural and Resource Economics at UNE?

This course was previously known as Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Economics

The Graduate Diploma in Agricultural and Resource Economics is designed to give graduates specialised training in agricultural economics. It is particularly useful for commerce, agriculture or economics graduates who wish to enhance their skills and employment prospects in the area of agricultural economics. The diploma can also be used as a bridge between undergraduate degrees and the Master of Economics degree. Students can major in such areas as rural policy, resource economics, agribusiness management, farm management, rural development policy, and macroeconomics and trade.

Please note: this course was previously known as the Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Economics.

Career Opportunities

The Graduate Diploma in Agricultural and Resource Economics allows graduates to take up professional, managerial or executive positions in such areas as banking, international agencies, agribusiness, education, agriculture or the public sector.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

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

FEES

CSP (quotas apply)
Full Fee
International

2015 STUDY OPTIONS

Armidale

Trimester 1, Off Campus
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Off Campus
Trimester 2, On Campus

Official Abbreviation

GradDipAgResEc

Course Type

Postgraduate

CRICOS Code

006318G

Commencing

Location	Admission Period	Mode of Study
Armidale	Trimester 1	Off Campus
Armidale	Trimester 1	On Campus
Armidale	Trimester 2	Off Campus
Armidale	Trimester 2	On Campus

Course Duration

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

Fees

CSP (quotas apply) / Full Fee / International

Total Credit Points

Intensive Schools

Intensive mandatory 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 degree in a non-relevant discipline; or

(b) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline*.

*Relevant disciplines include, but are not restricted to:

Agricultural Economics

Economics

Econometrics

Natural Resource Economics

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Candidates admitted under Rule (b) shall be granted 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.

No advanced standing shall be granted for BUS491A.

Scholarships

The University offers a number of 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 Graduate Diploma in Agricultural and Resource Economics in 2015.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall:
(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree in a non-relevant discipline; or
(b) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline*.

*Relevant disciplines include, but are not restricted to:

Agricultural Economics
Economics
Econometrics
Natural Resource Economics

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.
Candidates admitted under Rule (b) shall be granted 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.
No advanced standing shall be granted for BUS491A.

Period of Candidature

For candidates admitted under Rule (a), 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 (b), 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 must pass units to the value of 72 credit points with at least 30 credit points at 400-level and not more than 18 credit points at 500-level.

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	24 cps
Listed Units	36-48 cps
Elective Units	0-12 cps
Total	72 cps

To view the complete Program of Study click here

For candidates admitted under Rule (b)

Course Structure	Credit Points
Block Advanced Standing	24 cps
Listed Units	36-48 cps
Elective Units	0-12 cps
Total	72 cps

To view the complete Program of Study click here

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Agricultural and Resource Economics.

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 10,000 words of text, excluding appendices.
5. Candidates shall be required to enrol in and complete the dissertation in one trimester in the case of full-time candidature and in two trimesters in the case of part-time candidature.

Submission of Dissertation

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 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 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 University Policy on Student Appeals.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct Rules.

Course Aims	The Graduate Diploma in Agricultural and Resource Economics is designed for graduates who wish to gain specialised knowledge and skills in the area of agricultural and natural resource economics. It also offers a pathway for graduates who wish to proceed to a Masters degree in agricultural economics and related fields.
Learning Outcomes	Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate advanced knowledge of agricultural and resource economics by applying the principles of disciplinary concepts to agricultural and natural resource issues; critically analyse and solve complex agricultural and resource economics problems by: applying knowledge of a range of problems and the solutions used to overcome them; and demonstrating cognitive skills to locate, review, analyse information and data, consolidate and synthesise knowledge and identify and provide solutions to complex problems; utilise ICT within a range of contexts to critically analyse agricultural and natural resource issues and application in economic and business decision-making and policy decisions; be effective communicators of agricultural and resource economics by communicating complex information or arguments, to a range of audiences, using a range of communication modes; advanced understanding of theoretical concepts; communicating complex ideas as simple concepts; developed responsibility and accountability for personal outputs and professional practice; and 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 In this course students develop advanced knowledge in the areas of agricultural and resource economics issues through lectures, tutorials, readings, online activities, practical experience and interaction with unit coordinators. Knowledge will be assessed through a variety of assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations. Communication Skills Communication skills are essential in this course and students will develop both written and oral competency. These communication skills will include oral, graphical, online and written communication appropriate for a range of different audiences and involve a variety of media. Communication skills will be taught, practised and assessed in numerous activities including written assignments, oral presentations, in-class and on-line discussions. Global Perspectives 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. Information Literacy 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. Life-Long 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 agricultural and natural resource issues. Students have the opportunity to undertake independent research. 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 situations. Social Responsibility 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. Team Work Students will have worked collaboratively within a multidisciplinary group to achieve common goals, solve problems, contribute specialist knowledge and contribute to group performance.