International Economics MSc

This module covers the following:

• International linkages in economics as a result of exchange rate movements, capital movements and spillovers
• Factors which determine the level of the exchange rate and trade effects
• International effects of monetary and fiscal policies

This module provides an overview of the theory of international trade, the theory of trade policy and each of their applications, utilising the techniques of general equilibrium theory and the theories of perfectly competitive and imperfectly competitive markets as appropriate. Recent developments in these areas will be emphasised.

This module covers:

• modern techniques of microeconomic theory
• foundations and applications of game theory
• information economics

This module will cover analytical and theoretical issues in macroeconomics including:

• modelling aggregate variables under adaptive and rational expectations
• modelling with imperfect competition
• constructing overlapping generations models
• price inertia

This module teaches the core techniques of econometric theory, including:

• detailed analysis of the multiple linear regression model
• large sample theory
• asymptotic testing procedures
• non-linear techniques
• mis-specification testing

This module provides you with 'hands on' training in the use, presentation and interpretation of economic data, including time series, cross-section and panel data. It comprises of:

• an introduction to basic principles of economic data analysis
• descriptive statistics
• hypothesis testing
• simple and multiple regression
• introduction to panel data
• introduction to dynamic modelling
• time series models

The module will include a series of practical classes using econometrics software packages.

This module covers the following:

• A review of perspectives on the principles and philosophical foundations of economic enquiry
• The construction and evaluation of theories and research programmes
• The role of models and concepts of rationality in economics
• Alternative empirical methods
• Professional practice

A period of research and study designed to allow you to demonstrate familiarity with a particular area of economic theory or policy, or of applied economics or econometrics, and the ability to apply a specific analytical and/or empirical technique.

This module covers the theory for the solution and estimation of dynamic stochastic models that are widely used in all fields of macroeconomics. The module is structured in a way such that you will be exposed both to theory and the practical implementation of the methods taught.

It covers topics from approximation methods for stochastic non-linear macroeconomic models, such as linear and higher-order Taylor approximation as well as dynamic programming techniques. It also exposes students to the empirical evaluation of these models ranging from calibration to classical and Bayesian estimation methods.

The module applies the techniques to contemporary general equilibrium macroeconomic models designed for positive and policy analysis such as the New Keynesian model but also models that are designed to explain partial equilibrium behaviour such as consumer saving and industry investment.

This module examines central theoretical aspects from modern microeconomic theory, paying particular emphasis on game theory, imperfect competition and incomplete information.

The module considers modern econometric techniques for modelling microeconomic data. It covers four broad econometric techniques:

• Robust standard errors and applications
• Discrete choices model
• Microeconometric policy evaluation methods for observational studies
• Instrumental variables and GMM estimation

The module explores the psychological underpinnings of economic behaviour and of recent theories in behavioural economics. Topics covered include:

• Introduction to behavioural economics
• Choice and risk
• Reference-dependence and loss aversion
• Choice and time
• Social preferences I: inequality aversion
• Social preferences II: reciprocity and psychological games
• Models of strategic thinking

Examples of types of policy issues addressed include:

• randomised controlled trials to evaluate policy interventions
• trade policy reform
• welfare impact of economic partnership agreements
• growth and innovation
• dealing with public debt

The module extends the coverage of advanced econometric modelling techniques and considers their application through the study of selected topics in finance and macroeconomics, developing familiarity and critical awareness of empirical research in these areas.

It covers techniques for the analysis of stationary ARMA processes, Vector Autoregressions (VARs), linear regression models, linear systems of simultaneous equations, cointegration, long-run structural VARs, forecasting, and models of changing volatility. The selected topics include the econometric analysis of business cycle fluctuations, wage, price and (un)employment determination, portfolio choice and stock market returns.

The module covers fundamental properties of time series and various classes of stochastic processes. Issues in estimation and forecasting of time series models; concepts of contemporary interest to time series econometricians are also covered.

This module covers empirical models of international trade and several topics in trade policy. It discusses firms’ decision to export; the evaluation of export promotion policies; the link between globalisation and labour markets; the gravity model of international trade; free trade agreements; multinational firms; the political economy of trade policy.