Economic Policy Making

Module description

This module aims to provide an introduction to the theory and practices of economic policy-making. To understand economic policy-making, we will take an economic as well as a political perspective. We will focus on the rationale behind economic policies, and will seek to understand major changes in economic policy,and variation in policies across countries. We will also look at individual preferences for these policies, and their implications for the policy- making process. In the process, we cover areas such as economic liberalisation, financial regulation, labour market policies, and policies of poverty reduction and social insurance. The module takes an empirical and comparative approach, and its focus is generic, though most of the literature is concerned with policy-making in EU and OECD countries. 

Assessment details

2-hour in person exam (100%)

SEM1-only students will be given an appropriate alternative assessment for In person January exams.

Educational aims & objectives

This module aims to provide an introduction to the theory and practices of economic policy - making. We will explain major changes in economic policy, and variation in economic policy across countries, focusing on policy areas such as taxation, privatisation, monetary policy, labour market regulation, financial regulation, trade policy, industrial policy, welfare policy, and the management of natural resources. To account for policy variation and change, we assess functional explanations as well as the role of economic ideas, party politics, lobbying, international and supranational organisations, and policy diffusion. Different explanations of variation and change are provided in the literature, but these explanations often conflict with one another. We will, for each of the policy areas, evaluate the merits and importance of the different explanations. The module takes an empirical and comparative approach, and its focus is generic, though the literature is mainly concerned with economic policy - making in EU and OECD countries.

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.