The development of units/subjects in an area of study in higher education is often a piecemeal process which can result in the proliferation of units as staff members develop new units independently, to reflect their academic interests. Eventually, there may be a realization that there are overlaps, and deficiencies among the units, leading to dissatisfaction among academic staff and students. In addition there may be pressure on academics to reduce unit offerings as a part of economic rationalisation. This paper describes an alternative to economic rationalisation, namely, academic rationalisation, which involves academic staff working collaboratively to develop or redevelop unit offerings. This approach has been attempted at the University of New England, in relation to the research methods units offered in the Faculty of Education, Health and Professional Studies. It is argued that support is required for effective academic rationalisation and for collaboration.