Economic History
Contents
Why study Economic History at UNE?
We all know how fundamental economic matters are to national and international affairs. Living standards, economic growth, social change, institutions, the role of government, world poverty and inequality, the causes and consequences of wars ... all such basic elements of our existence are almost always rooted in economics. When we study economic history we look at how economies (both our own economy in Australia and those of other countries) have evolved and changed in the past. We try to answer such questions as why some nations and continents have grown strongly at particular times (Britain in the eighteenth century, Japan in our own day, for example) and why some countries remain poor and underdeveloped. What has caused economic change? What have been the social and environmental consequences of economic change? Is economic progress shaped by unstoppable historical forces (such as market capitalism or socialism)? Why does economic activity proceed in fits and starts? Why has Asia become such a dynamic economic force? These are important questions, and history holds important clues.
Economic History is in some ways the core discipline of all social science, for without understanding the economic and social past we cannot make sense of the economic and social present.
It is possible to study Economics and Economic History at UNE in a wide range of degree programs. Undergraduates wishing to specialise in economics should complete an economics major within the three-year Bachelor of Economics program or a business economics major within the three-year Bachelor of Business program. These majors build on compulsory units in microeconomics and macroeconomics, and provide opportunities for further study in areas such as international trade and payments, banking and finance, economic history and labour economics. The Bachelor of Economics with Honours program offers a fourth year of specialised training in economics. It seeks to equip students with the advanced knowledge and research skills appropriate for a career as a professional economist. This program can also provide a gateway to candidature for a Masters or PhD degree in economics.
UNE has been consistently awarded five stars in the Good Universities Guide for student satisfaction. We have excellent student/staff ratios which means our academics have more time to spend with each student, offering you a more personal experience. The UNE Business School is ranked highly for student satisfaction. Our academic team include active researchers who bring their expertise to the classroom, maximising your learning.
Flexible learning environments
We offer flexible learning environments for on- and off-campus students including a fully supported, interactive online learning experience. Students who choose to study on-campus get to experience our beautiful and expansive campus. If you choose to study by distance education you can be assured of great IT support with your interactive online learning experience. UNE’s online technology allows all students close engagement with both academics and your peers.
Courses
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business
Bachelor of Business
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Economics
Bachelor of Economics
Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws
Postgraduate
Graduate Diploma in Economics
Master of Economics
Master of Economic Studies
Bachelor of Economics with Honours
Careers
Private Sector
- Banks and financial institutions
- Wholesale/retail/export
- Agriculture and other resource industries
- Agribusiness firms: e.g. food and fibre processing; merchandising of farm inputs and outputs; consultancy
- Manufacturing and Infrastructure
- Information technology
Government Sector
- Policy-making roles involving analysis and implementation of economic policy issues, such as Treasury, Planning Departments
- Research and development in government bodies such as CSIRO, Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics
- Teaching: Secondary; University
- International agency work, such as International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, Asian Development Bank
Some Australian Examples of Research in the School
- Local government amalgamation: should local governments be larger?
- A study of the way economic institutions have evolved in Australia
- Devising market solutions to environmental problems, such as salinity
- Estimating the cost of weeds to Australian agriculture
Partnerships, Networks and Industry Links
Economics Society
Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI)
Institute for Rural Futures
Department of Primary Industries
Meat & Livestock Australia
Sheep CRC
Carbon
NSW Agriculture
World Agroforestry Centre
Members who teach, research or publish in Economic History
Link to School of Business, Economics and Public Policy staff page.