Public Economics - ECO00099M
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 2025-26 |
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
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Gruber, J., Public Finance and Public Policy, Worth Publishers, 2019
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Myles, G. D., Public Economics, Cambridge UniversityPress, 1995
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Atkinson, A., and Stiglitz, J., Lectures on Public Economics. McGraw Hill, 1980.
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Stiglitz J., Economics of the Public Sector. Norton, 1999