Key facts
UNE unit code: ECON328
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Pandemics, financial crises and climate change present immense challenges to governments across the world and all have, and will, require significant government actions.
Good policy design requires an understanding of how government policy interacts with and influences the economy. Professionals with this understanding are highly employable in a wide variety of different sectors.
Studying this unit will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of how welfare economics can be applied to evaluate policy. You will explore microeconomic models for public policy analysis and investigate policy aspects of production and supply decisions, the effects of policy interventions in competitive markets, and the analysis of market failure and institutional choice. This unit uses real-world case-studies (including examples from the agricultural and resource sectors) to illustrate the underlying theory.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate in-depth understanding of the microeconomic principles underlying public policy analysis;
- learn to use models of individual choice in policy analysis; and
- critically review the theory of market failure and public policy intervention.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Oral presentation with PowerPoint No. Words: 750 |
| Assignment 2 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Written task No. Words: 2000 |
| Final Examination | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Students must obtain at least 50% in the exam (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass (or better) in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
The Microeconomics of Public Policy Analysis
ISBN: 9780691089348
Friedman, L.S., Princeton University Press 2002
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
19 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 19 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2025
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 2025
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-time Employment
Good Universities Guide 2025 (Undergraduate)
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
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
