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Contemporary Economic Issues and Analysis - ECO00039H

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  • Department: Economics and Related Studies
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Additional information

prerequisite module: Quantitative Methods or Probability and Statistics

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

  • The identification of theories applicable to issues of economic policy

  • The identification of the form of evidence against which the predictions of such theories can be tested and the results of tests carried out

  • The conclusions and recommendations for policy derivable from theory and empirical evidence

Module learning outcomes

On completing the module a student should be able to answer the following questions:

  • Why is a particular outcome a policy problem? What is wrong with, say, low levels of social mobility?

  • Which economic theories are relevant for an analysis of the defined problem, and in particular what alternative predictions and explanations of outcome do these theories offer?

  • What is the most reliable form of evidence against which theories can be tested and which theory does the weight of available evidence support?

  • What should and can be done by way of policy?

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

During the seminars, students can hand in work each week - but are required to hand in at least one per lecturer (i.e. twice a semester). These will be example small questions in the same format as the first part of the coursework assessment and will give direct feedback on the final assessment work.

The final week contains a open group feedback session where students can ask questions to the group, or specifically to the lecturer.

Indicative reading

This is a course based on academic papers rather than text books.

An example might be a handbook chapter or a symposia in a journal on a specific issue.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.