Economics of Social Policy - ECO00053H
Module summary
The module investigates how economic theory can be applied to the analysis and appraisal of social policy: topics covered include the welfare state, equity and redistribution, income maintenance, education, housing, retirement pensions and social care.
Related modules
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2025-26 |
Module aims
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To assess the economic aspects of social policy and consider how they relate to the non-economic aspects
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To show that all social policy gives rise to economic problems that can be analysed through the standard techniques of economics
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To make use of the relevant economic theories and methods in evaluating social policy
Module learning outcomes
On completing the module a student will be able to:
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Appraise the economic and non-economic objectives of the Welfare State
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Apply economic techniques to the analysis of social policy
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Evaluate current social policies within a formal economic framework
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Think critically about social policy matters
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
Feedback will be provided in line with University policy
Indicative reading
Barr, N. (2020), The Economics of the Welfare State, 6th edn, Oxford University Press.