Public Economics
This course typically explores the role of government in the economy, examining how tax policies, public spending, and regulation could affect resource allocation and the distribution of income. Students learn about public goods, externalities, taxation systems, and welfare programmes, assessing their impact on efficiency and equity in markets.
Econometrics
Econometrics combines statistical methods with economic theory to test hypotheses and estimate future trends. This course covers regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and forecasting models, enabling students to interpret complex data and make informed economic predictions. It is very typical of the work of a ‘professional economist’.
Climate Change Economics
This area of study focuses on the economic impacts of climate change and the analysis of policy responses. Students explore topics such as carbon pricing, renewable energy economics, and the cost-benefit analyses of climate policies. The course aims to equip students with the tools to assess environmental projects and policies.
Economic Geography
This course examines the spatial aspects of economies, exploring how economic activities are distributed across different regions and the factors influencing this distribution. Students study regional development, the location of industries, the role of multinational corporations, and the impact of globalisation on local economies. The course may also consider urban economics, transportation, and the economics of cities and regions.
Financial Economics
Financial economics focuses on the workings of financial markets (nationally and internationally) and the pricing of financial assets. Students learn about portfolio theory, asset valuation, risk management, and the behaviour of stock, bond, and derivative markets. The course also delves into the macroeconomic aspects of finance. It may be quite mathematical.
Game Theory
Game theory is a branch of pure maths, which provides frameworks for analysing situations where outcomes depend on the actions of multiple agents (people / firms) with conflicting interests. This course usually covers the analysis of strategic games to determine equilibria/outcomes, and their applications in economics, political science, and business strategies.
Behavioural Economics
This course examines the psychological and social factors influencing economic decisions. Students explore deviations from traditional economic theories due to biases, irrational behaviour, and social influences. There is usually a focus on the reasons for people’s behaviours, and also the implications of behavioral insights for public policy.
Health Economics
This course investigates the economic aspects of health care systems and the health-related behaviours of individuals and institutions. Topics include demand and supply of health care services, the role of health insurance, economic evaluations of health interventions, and the impact of public policies on health outcomes. Students learn about cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis, pricing of pharmaceuticals, and issues related to equity and efficiency in health care provision.
Industrial Economics
This course focuses on the structure, functioning, and outcomes of markets and industries. It examines ho w firms opera te, compete, and make strategic decisions. Topics include pricing strategies, product differentiation, market entry and exit barriers, mergers and acquisitions, and the role of innovation and technology in industry dynamics. Students also explore the impact of public policies such as antitrust laws and regulation.
Economic History
Economic history investigates the evolution of economies over time. This course covers significant economic shifts, the development of economic institutions, the impact of technological changes, and major economic crises. Students learn about the historical context of contemporary economic structures and theories, and how historical events have shaped economic policy and responses. It may focus on particular regions of the world.
Operations Research
Operations research (OR) involves the application of mathematical models and analytical methods to decision-making processes. This course covers linear programming, network flows, simulation, and optimisation techniques. Students learn to solve complex problems in logistics, production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation, enhancing efficiency and productivity in business operations.
International Economics
This area of study analyses economic transactions between countries, covering trade theory, international finance, and exchange rates. Students examine the causes and consequences of trade, the effects of tariffs and quotas, balance of payments issues, and the role of international economic institutions.
International Political Economy
This interdisciplinary course explores the interaction between economics and politics on a global scale. Students analyse how political forces and economic realities influence each other and shape global economic policies, trade, and investment flows. Topics typically include the politics of trade agreements, the economic impacts of political decisions, and the roles of international institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
Microeconomic Analysis
Microeconomic analysis involves the study of individual agents, including households and firms, and their interactions in markets. The course covers theories of demand, supply, market structures, factor markets, and economic welfare. It provides students with a fairly mathematical toolkit to analyse market outcomes and predict the effects of economic policies.
Money and Banking
This course examines the role of money, banks, and financial institutions in the economy, and may be national or international in focus. Topics include money supply processes, central banking, monetary policy, and the regulation of financial markets. Students also explore the implications of financial systems on economic stability and growth.
Ethical Economics
This course explores the intersection of economic theory and ethical considerations, examining how moral values influence economic decisions and policies. It addresses questions such as the fairness of income distribution, the ethical implications of market choices, and the responsibilities of economic agents. Topics include the economics of welfare, corporate social responsibility, ethical consumerism, and the role of ethics in public policy and international trade.
Education Economics
This course typically examines how education serves as a key economic variable influencing productivity and growth. Topics include the economics of schooling, human capital theory, the returns to education, and links to economic development. Students analyse public and private investment in education, the effectiveness of education reforms, and disparities in educational access and outcomes. to equity and efficiency in health care provision.
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