Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or overseas equivalent.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or overseas equivalent. English language requirements must also be met.
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- 006319F
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2026 | Trimester 2 – June 2026 | Trimester 3 – October 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
In modern economies, the relationships between global growth, prices, supply and demand are complex and dynamic. Using quantitative modelling and critical thinking, economists analyse how these economic forces interact and explore how to solve current challenges to trade, commerce, policy and living standards in a constantly changing world.
With UNE's Graduate Diploma in Economics you will upgrade your analytical skills and build advanced economic knowledge to enhance your career, enabling you to add value in all sectors of business, government and society.
Why study the Graduate Diploma in Economics with UNE?
If you have a degree in a discipline unrelated to economics, our graduate diploma offers specialised knowledge and skills in economics and provides you with a formal qualification in this field.
This course will also suit you if you have an economics degree and wish to refresh your knowledge of economics or extend your expertise into areas of economics that you have not previously studied. After completing UNE's Graduate Diploma in Economics, you may consider progressing to higher level studies, particularly the Master of Economics program.
UNE is an industry leader in providing online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
What makes our course different?
You will develop the advanced quantitative analytical skills necessary to identify patterns in data, assess your findings in the context of current events, and communicate economic and social data in clear and persuasive language to a range of stakeholders. Our course provides you with options to:
- Tailor your studies to suit your interests and career goals by selecting from a broad range of units.
- Study flexibly. Choose between a full-time and part-time study program, and study on campus or online, allowing you to balance your study with your other commitments.
- Apply your academic knowledge and further enhance your skills in the workplaces through our Work Integrated Learning unit.
- Resolve your own real-world challenge, problem or opportunity as part of our Innovation in Business unit, where you will develop a new business idea, change an existing process, or create a marketing plan. It could be a start-up, existing for-profit enterprise, not-for-profit, or social enterprise – the choice is yours.
- Contribute to our SMART Region Incubator which is run by the Business School and provides a supportive community for start-ups in the region. As a student you can be part of this lively entrepreneurial network.
- Participate in our Overseas Study Experience unit with fellow students and academic staff to gain short term international experience to complement your coursework.
- Exit with a Graduate Certificate in Applied Economics if you don't complete the full course but do satisfy the requirements of that program.
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.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia:
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
This course is offered under two admission rules, each with their its own Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Economics
- Economic Statistics
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
This course is offered under two admission rules, each with their its own Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Economics
- Economic Statistics
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
If you are admitted under Rule B, you will be granted 18 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing, comprising the following units:
- ECON101 Introductory Microeconomics
- ECON102 Introductory Macroeconomics
- QM461 Quantitative Techniques for Management
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for up to 24 credit points of Advanced Standing .
- If you are admitted under Rule B, you can apply for up to a further 6 credit points of Advanced Standing.
This course is offered under two admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Economics
- Economic Statistics
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
If you are admitted under Rule B, you will be granted 18 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing, comprising the following units:
- ECON101 Introductory Microeconomics
- ECON102 Introductory Macroeconomics
- QM461 Quantitative Techniques for Management
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for up to 24 credit points of Advanced Standing .
- If you are admitted under Rule B, you can apply for up to a further 6 credit points of Advanced Standing.
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points with at least 30 credit points at 400-level or above.
48 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule (a)24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from the following units. Note: You may choose only ONE of the following units: ECON101 or ECON102ECON202 or ECON301
- Microeconomics I: Understanding Markets, Prices and Competition (ECON101) – 6 credit points
- Macroeconomics I: Business Cycles and Global Trade (ECON102) – 6 credit points
- Macroeconomics II: Fluctuations and Policy (ECON202) – 6 credit points
- Microeconomics II: Consumers, Markets and Trade (ECON301) – 6 credit points
- Economics in Practice: Capstone Project (ECON480) – 6 credit points
- Quantitative Techniques for Management (QM461) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from the following units:- Banking and Finance (ECON405) – 6 credit points
- Climate Change: Economics and Policy (ECON410) – 6 credit points
- International Trade and Finance (ECON417) – 6 credit points
- Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (ECON429) – 6 credit points
- Behavioural Economics (ECON508) – 6 credit points
- International Political Economy (ECON520) – 6 credit points
- Benefit-Cost Analysis (ECON526) – 6 credit points
- Energy Economics (ECON540) – 6 credit points
- Applied Econometrics (ECON576) – 6 credit points
- Economics of Development (ECON590) – 6 credit points
- Work Integrated Learning - Professional Skills Development (WORK500) – 6 credit points
48 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule (b)18 credit points
Candidates admitted under Rule (b) may be granted a maximum of 18 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. This advanced standing shall be for units that are deemed to be equivalent to ECON101, ECON102 and QM461.6 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Economics in Practice: Capstone Project (ECON480) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from the following units:- Banking and Finance (ECON405) – 6 credit points
- Climate Change: Economics and Policy (ECON410) – 6 credit points
- International Trade and Finance (ECON417) – 6 credit points
- Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (ECON429) – 6 credit points
- Behavioural Economics (ECON508) – 6 credit points
- International Political Economy (ECON520) – 6 credit points
- Benefit-Cost Analysis (ECON526) – 6 credit points
- Energy Economics (ECON540) – 6 credit points
- Applied Econometrics (ECON576) – 6 credit points
- Economics of Development (ECON590) – 6 credit points
- Work Integrated Learning - Professional Skills Development (WORK500) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
Understanding Your Course Fees
Your total course fees are based on the number of units you complete, not the length of time you study. This gives you flexibility to tailor your study journey to suit your circumstances.
Here's how it works:
- Unit-based pricing - Each unit has its own fee. Visit our Fees and Costs section for detailed unit pricing information
- Advanced standing - If you're eligible for credit for previous study, you'll complete fewer units and pay less overall
- Study pace - Choose part-time or full-time study to fit your schedule without affecting unit costs
- Trimester 3 option - Students who choose to accelerate their progress by studying during Trimester 3 can do so without increasing overall costs
The table below shows estimated fees for a typical full-time year of study (48 credit points which typically equates to 8 units)
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Fee (no government subsidy) | $29,712* |
| International | $34,176* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $17,376* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $373 |
* Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2025. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
UNE’s Graduate Diploma in Economics provides you with the economic and quantitative expertise to explore a variety of professional career options, such as:
- policy officer or analyst
- economic modeller or adviser
- trade and industry officer
- commodities or futures trader
- importer/exporter.
Economists have hourly earnings in the top 3 per cent of earnings by occupation, according to analysis by the Reserve Bank of Australia. Demand is particularly strong for professionals with expertise in agribusiness and resource economics to support the National Farmers’ Federation target of lifting Australia’s farm-gate output to $100 billion by 2030 from $59 billion in 2019–20.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate integrated knowledge of core economic principles and quantitative methods, progressing from introductory to advanced levels;
- apply economic reasoning and analytical skills to identify, investigate, and solve complex real-world problems across a range of contexts;
- reflect critically on the assumptions, value judgements, and ethical, social, and global dimensions that underpin economic analysis, policy, and professional practice;
- select and use appropriate quantitative and qualitative techniques to analyse data and inform economic decision-making; and
- communicate economic concepts, analyses, and findings clearly and effectively in both written and oral formats for diverse audiences.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Students develop advanced knowledge in the areas of economics and related fields 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, examinations and report writing.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
Communication skills are essential in this course and students will develop both written and oral competency. These communication skills will be taught, practised and assessed in numerous activities including written assignments, report writing based on professional workplace experience, oral presentations, in-class and online discussions.
- 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 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.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Students are taught numerous dimensions of social responsibility in relation to economic decision making. 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.
- 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.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026 Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026 Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate) Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
I am ever grateful for my experiences at UNE. The degree was great and the lecturers at UNE genuinely helped me well beyond expectations.
Why study with us?
UNE has a great academic environment, access to unlimited learning resources, exposure to leading academic staff in a university of international reputation.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 24 February 2026 | 23 February 2026 |
| Trimester 2 | 23 June 2026 | 22 June 2026 |
| Trimester 3 | 9 October 2026 | 19 October 2026 |
