Introductory description

The module will provide students with the ability to discuss, critically evaluate and recommend policy options in various areas of macroeconomics.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The syllabus may cover, but is not limited to, the following areas:

1. Monetary policy
2. Fiscal policy
3. Immigration policy
4. Employment, unemployment and participation policy
5. Inequality policy

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Subject knowledge and understanding:...have a good overview of policy issues and solutions in the broad area of macroeconomics. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome: the lectures will give an overview of important topics in macroeconomic policy. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: assignment, final exam.
• Subject knowledge and understanding:...discuss policy options in a variety of areas with understanding of the underlying principles, their practical problems and consequences. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome: the lectures will cover a variety of policy topics, explaining and critically evaluating policy options. In all cases theoretical argument, empirical evidence, and elements of political economy will be discussed and used to evaluate possible policies. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: assignment, final exam.
• Cognitive skills:...critically evaluate existing work, including journal articles, policy documents, and media reports, on macroeconomic policy topics. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome: the lectures will encourage discussion and evaluation of strengths and weaknesses of academic, policymaker and journalist policy-related work. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: assignment, final exam.

Indicative reading list

Please see Talis Aspire link for most up to date list.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in:
Analytical thinking and communication
Analytical reasoning
Critical thinking
Creative thinking
Problem-solving
Policy evaluation
Analysis of optimisation

Transferable skills

Students will have the opportunity to develop:
Research skills
Numeracy and quantitative skills
IT skills
Written communication skills
Oral communication skills
Mathematical, statistical and data-based research skills