Bachelor of Economics with Honours

If you’re curious about how economies really work and love asking big questions, the Honours year in Economics at UNE is built for you — and it’s all about learning by doing, not just sitting through lectures. You’ll have the freedom to explore a research question that genuinely excites you, work with real-world economic data, and uncover insights that can make a difference for businesses, policymakers, or communities. Along the way, you’ll build practical skills like advanced data analysis, critical thinking, and clear communication — all through hands-on research, not just exams. It’s the kind of experience that shows future employers and postgraduate programs that you’re ready to tackle real economic challenges with confidence.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Independent research project: You pick a topic that matters to you and dive deep, guided by a specialist supervisor who supports your journey.

• Work with real economic data: Analyse trends, draw meaningful insights, and see how your results connect to what’s happening in the world today.

• Advanced analytical techniques: Learn the same quantitative and analytical methods that professional economists and analysts use in government and business.

• Professional communication: Present your findings clearly and persuasively, so your work makes an impact beyond the classroom.

• Tailored electives: Choose advanced units in statistics, maths, or related areas to strengthen your research and build practical quantitative skills.

• Flexible study options: Study online with flexible engagement or immerse yourself on campus in the supportive environment of Armidale.

Good news first: if you graduate from UNE’s Bachelor of Economics with Honours, you’ll come out with advanced analytical, research, and economic reasoning skills that really stand out to Australian employers and global organisations. This honours year isn’t just another line on your resume — it gives you a strong edge if you’re aiming for specialised roles, professional work, or even further study. Many graduates step straight into roles like economic analyst, policy officer, economic modeller, or economic adviser across government, private firms, and international organisations.

Here’s what this means for you:

Support that really helps you succeed: UNE is serious about giving students the help they need. You’ll have access to 24/7 tutor support, detailed feedback on your academic writing, and workshops to sharpen your research and quantitative skills. On top of that, dedicated career services will help you with CVs, interview prep, and building the job-ready skills employers want.

Real-world insight: Economists are among the higher‑earning professionals thanks to their problem-solving and analytical expertise. UNE graduates often find themselves in policy, consulting, finance, or public service roles — all areas where these skills are in high demand.

Connections that matter: Through UNE Business School’s research community and strong links with governments and private sector organisations, you’ll get the chance to see how economic theory applies to real-world problems — and connect with the kinds of workplaces that hire economists.

The long-term value of honours: The honours year isn’t just an extra credential. It’s a research-intensive experience where you’ll tackle a dissertation under expert supervision, demonstrating independent thinking and advanced analysis — the exact qualities employers and scholarship panels look for.

Further academic opportunities: If research excites you or you’re thinking about postgraduate study, UNE makes that pathway clear. Many honours graduates go on to a Master of Economics or other postgraduate coursework, and if you’re aiming for a PhD, the honours year gives you the foundation you need to succeed.

In short: this degree combines strong analytical training with practical opportunities, giving you both immediate career traction and the flexibility to explore advanced study in the future.