Key facts

UNE unit code: ECON417

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

Start
  • Trimester 2 - On Campus
  • Trimester 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
  • UNE Sydney Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home

Why do countries trade? What impedes trade and why do some countries erect deliberate trade barriers? Studying this unit, you will investigate the answers to these questions and more.

Exploring a range of issues related to international trade theory and policy, you will expand your knowledge of the fundamentals of international monetary economics and how the international monetary system operates.

You will examine what goods countries trade and their motivations for supporting or inhibiting international trade.

You will also investigate topics such as the impacts of fiscal and monetary policies under systems of fixed and flexible exchange rates.

Offerings

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

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 2On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 2On Campus, UNE Sydney Campus
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
48cp and ECON201 and ECON202 or candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
ECON317
Combined units

Notes

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

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Subashini Perera
Subashini PereraLecturer in Economics - Teaching Focus - Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law; UNE Business School

Learning outcomes

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

  1. demonstrate critical understanding of various trade models in theoretical terms and their applicability to the real world;
  2. investigate critically how trade takes place between countries and the basis for such trade;
  3. use empirical data in evaluating international trade and finance issues to derive policy related conclusions;
  4. evaluate and demonstrate a specialist understanding of how international payments are made;
  5. conduct independent policy-related research concerning global trade and finance issues; and
  6. critically evaluate various trade and macroeconomic policies, which have direct bearing on Australia's international trade and finance;

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
Assignment 1 - Policy Brief Yes25%All offerings

No. Words: 2000

Assignment 2 - Economic Dashboard Yes15%All offerings

Economic Dashboard: one page photo type dashboard for the reflection of Assignment 1.

Final Examination - Assurance TaskYes50%All offerings

There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. 

Students must obtain at least 50% in the examination (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass (or better) in the unit.

QuizYes10%All offerings

There will be four (4) quizzes with a weighting of 2.5% each.

Each quiz is compulsory, myLearn based and unsupervised.

  • Quiz 1 –  Topics 1 and 2
  • Quiz 2 – Topics 3 and 4
  • Quiz 3 – Topics 5 and 6
  • Quiz 4 – Topics 7 and 8

Topics 9 and 10 will be covered as a part of final examination. 

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.

International Economics: Theory and Policy, Global Edition

ISBN: 9781292409719

Krugman, P., Obstfeld, M. and Melitz, M., Pearson 12th Ed. 2022

Text refers to: All offerings

Excellence in experience, equity and employability

2026 Overall Experience

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
2026 Social Equality

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
2026 Graduate Employment

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)
2026 Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.

ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Woman studying online at home

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

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 TOUCHUniversity campus with students on a sunny day, historic brick building and green lawn

Why study with us?

Graduate Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

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.

Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

What happens next?

laptop icon
1. Decide on your course

Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.

pencil icon
2. Apply

2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

form icon
3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.