Current Economic Problems

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 4
• Convenor: Professor Andy Ross
• Assessment: short pieces of written work up to 5000 words (100%)

In this module we aim to identify and study current economic issues drawing on only basic knowledge in economics but using economic analysis and techniques in a rigorous fashion. Our approach simulates the issues encountered by professional practitioner economists in the public or private sector.

We will teach you how to analyse the problems and formulate policy recommendations in the style that may be used to present to, say, a government minister or a CEO.

Past topics have included:

• banking regulation
• Brexit
• climate change
• defence policy
• income distribution
• financial crises
• migration
• the digital economy
• UK house prices.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• identify current economic issues and problems
• analyse key aspects using simple economic constructs
• identify sources of information and data relevant to the problem and access this data
• use data to inform your analysis and propose solutions
• present your proposals in a coherent and concise manner.