Accessibility statement

Public Economics - ECO00099M

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

Module summary

This module studies the role of the public sector in the economy. It provides theoretical and empirical tools to examine the reasons behind government intervention, extent of that intervention, and the response of private agents to the government’s actions.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

To give students the necessary theoretical background to (i) follow the theoretical debate in the most relevant journals in the public economics area; and to (ii) understand the theoretical principles underlying the provision of public goods, and the state provision of private goods, such as environmental quality, health, and education; and social insurance.

Module learning outcomes

On completion, the student will have the necessary theoretical background to (i) follow the debate in the most relevant journals in the public economics area, (ii) use advanced analytical reasoning to advise on policy in different areas of government intervention such as public goods, environmental protection or social insurance, (iii) be able to proceed towards doctoral study in public economics.

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 given in line with University guidelines

Indicative reading

  • Gruber, J., Public Finance and Public Policy, Worth Publishers, 2019

  • Myles, G. D., Public Economics, Cambridge UniversityPress, 1995

  • Atkinson, A., and Stiglitz, J., Lectures on Public Economics. McGraw Hill, 1980.

  • Stiglitz J., Economics of the Public Sector. Norton, 1999


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.