Economics and Philosophy – (M.A.)

Contents

Course Structure

Core modules totalling 160 credits are as follows:

* The Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) of Social Choice The module covers a range of topics - such as decision making, rights and justice - relating to social choice (broadly interpreted) at an advanced level. It is inter-disciplinary and jointly taught by the members of the three PPE departments. (20 credits)


* Microeconomic Theory This is the first part of the Applied Microeconomics module offered by the Department of Economics. It covers central topics in micro-economics including consumer theory, decision theory, welfare and market equlibrium and efficiency. (10 credits)


* Ethics This module covers central topics in ethics split into those relating to the `good´ (varieties of goods, desires, reasons and virtues) and the `right´ (duties, obligations, rights and responsibilities) and consequentialism and contractualism. (20 credits)


* International Macroeconomics This module addresses important policy questions and provides an understanding of exchange rate determination, balance of payments problems and implications for macroeconomic and financial linkages between economies. (10 credits)


* Quantitative Analysis This module covers probability theory, hypothesis testing and regression analysis. It provides research training in quantitative analysis for economists. (20 credits)


* Personal and Career Development Skills & Research Management and Dissemination These modules provide students with a range of skills for Social Scientists including transferable skills useful outside academic life. (10 credits)


* Dissertation Proposal This module covers issues relating to the writing of dissertations, with specific guidance relating to dissertations in economics where at least one other PPE discipline is relevant. (10 credits)


* Dissertation This is a focussed piece of writing of about 12000 words in which students are expected to display skills acquired in taught modules. (60 credits)

Students also do a short-course in Mathematics for Economics in weeks 2, 3 and 4 of the Autumn term. This is not assessed.

Optional Modules:

Students choose a total of 20 credits as follows:

EITHER:
One or two Economics modules from:

* Corporate Finance
* Cost-Benefit Analysis
* Experimental Economics
* Game Theory
* Labour Economics
* Public Finance
* Public Sector Economics
* Development Economics
* Social Policy Analysis
* Theory of Finance

OR:
One Philosophy module from:

* Bioethics
* Environmental Philosophy
* Ethical Thinking
* Metaphysics and Epistemology
* Philosophy of Law
* Philosophy of Mind and Language

There is some additional flexibility on this course since students who wish to pursue more advanced training in economics/econometrics can make a request to the Board of Studies to do so.

Assessment Structure:

The Philosophy, Politics and Economics of Social Choice (11%)
Microeconomic Theory(5.5%)
Ethics (11% Credits)
International Macroeconomics (5.5%)
Optional Module(s) (11%)
Quantitative Analysis (11%)
Personal and Career Development Skills (2.25%)
Research Management and Dissemination (2.25%)
Dissertation Proposal (5.5%)
Dissertation (34%)