Labour Economics

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the application of microeconomic principles and methods to the analysis of labour markets.
• the central theoretical and practical concepts in labour economics
• the relation between labour market policy evaluation and the underlying model assumptions

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• communicate logical arguments in written form and through presentation
• use problem solving skills
• Use quantitative reasoning in economic and policy contexts

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• abstract complex economic problems into models of the labour market to critically evaluate policy debates in the area

The module aims to relate both theory and evidence to key policy issues. The module reviews key developments in modern labour markets. It takes as its starting point the theory of competitive labour markets, analysing the role of demand and supply factors in determining the wage structure. We analyse the role of investment in education and training in determining the interpersonal wage structure. The second part of the module focuses on those aspects of the labour market that are more difficult to explain in terms of standard competitive theory. We look at imperfectly competitive labour markets; we explore the implications of imperfect information for the operation of the labour market and the role of various labour market institutions. We will be looking at different methods used in this area, from economic theory to empirical and, possibly, experimental methods.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and small group sessions.

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

To be assigned during the academic year.

Material on Blackboard: videos, readings, etc..

Textbooks

Labor Economics. McGraw Hill.

Assessment strategy

Final assessment (worth 70% of the final mark), a group video presentation (20%) and online tests (10%). This is supported by continuous formative assessment through problem sets. This is the same for internal repeat. Assessment for external repeat and referral is through 100% final assessment.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External