Key facts

UNE unit code: GEPL501

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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The fortune and feel of modern cities is shaped by many things but arguably most fundamental is economic change.

An understanding of economics can help us to answer questions such as: Why do cities exist? Why do houses cost as much as do? Why do corporations locate their offices in particular cities? And why is hosting the Olympics such a big deal for a city?

In this unit you will explore the interconnected nature of economic change and urban development drawing on contemporary case studies from Australian cities.

Future proof your career in planning and public policy and learn more about how economics affects development at every level.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
GEPL301 or GEPL401
Combined units

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Nikki Larder
Nikki LarderLecturer - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate advanced and integrated theoretical knowledge of a range of contemporary dynamic economic factors that impact and shape urban environments;
  2. engage expertly in debates on a variety of contemporary urban development issues and their relationship to economics;
  3. select, critically analyse and expertly synthesise material relevant to economics and urban development from a broad range of sources and transmit findings with expert communication skills; and
  4. independently gather and apply knowledge of economic change and urban development and apply it with advanced judgment in dynamic professional contexts.

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.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Small Discussion Group Yes25%All offerings

Ten-minutes (approx.) per student

No. Words: 1000 (equivalent)

Small Discussion Group - Assurance Task 1Yes35%All offerings

Twelve-minutes (approx.) per student

Students must pass both Assurance Tasks in order to pass the unit.

No. Words: 2000 (equivalent)

Small Discussion Group - Assurance Task 2Yes40%All offerings

Fifteen-minutes (approx.) per student

Students must pass both Assurance Tasks in order to pass the unit.

No. Words: 3000 (equivalent)

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.

Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

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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.*

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UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.

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