Short course
Public Policy Economics
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Location:
Online
Dates:
25/01/2027 - 09/04/2027
Study format:
Online - flexible
Fees:
£430.00
All of us are affected by government policies, and governments place particular emphasis on economic policies. This course covers some of the most important questions about the aims and tools of economic policy. It will equip students to evaluate the economic arguments made about public policy choices.
All of us as citizens are affected by government policies, and governments place particular emphasis on economic policies. These are therefore prominent in political debate and in the news. Yet few people have the knowledge to be able to evaluate claims and counterclaims. This course covers some of the most important questions about the aims and tools of economic policy, ranging from competition policy and regulation to industrial policy, from public spending choices to incorporating behavioural psychology 'nudges' in policy decisions. It covers the role of the state versus the market, and the government's responsibility for sustainability. It will equip students to evaluate the economic arguments made about public policy choices.
Listen to Dr Diane Coyle talking about the course:
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Programme details
The course is broken down into 10 units over 10 weeks, each requiring approximately 10 hours of study time. The following topics are covered:
1. The aims of public policy
2. Social welfare and growth
3. Market Failures
4. State ownership, privatisation and regulation
5. Industrial policy
6. Social choice and individual choice
7. Social security
8. Behavioural public policy
9. Government Failure
10. Evaluating public policies
We strongly recommend that you try to find a little time each week to engage in the online conversations (at times that are convenient to you) as the forums are an integral and very rewarding part of the course and the online learning experience.
Level and demands
This course is open to all, and no prior knowledge is required.
This course is offered at FHEQ level 4 (first year undergraduate level), and you will be expected to engage in independent study in preparation for your assignments. Our 10-week Short Online Courses come with an expected total commitment of 100 study hours.
English Language Requirements
We do not insist that applicants hold an English language certification, but we warn that they may be at a disadvantage if their language skills are not of a comparable level to those qualifications listed on our website. If you are confident in your proficiency, please feel free to enrol. For more information regarding English language requirements, please see here.
Course aims
This course aims to:
- Explore the rationale for public policy interventions in the economy.
- Provide an overview of a wide range of areas of applied microeconomics used in public policy, including relevant historical and international experience.
- Discuss the role of economics in the political process; (iv) provide an introduction to the evaluation of economic policies. It will have some interdisciplinary elements, touching on political economy and behavioural economics.
This course will enable participants to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the criteria for successful microeconomic public policy interventions.
- Show understanding of the reasons for the variation in policy interventions over time and in different contexts.
- Evaluate critically policy proposals, including demonstrating awareness of sources of empirical evidence.
- Demonstrate knowledge of specific topics in public policy economics.
- Contribute to public and policy debates about a range of economic issues.
IT requirements
This course is delivered online; to participate, you must be familiar with using a computer for purposes such as sending email and searching the Internet. You will also need regular access to the Internet and a computer meeting our recommended minimum computer specification.
Programme details
The course is broken down into 10 units over 10 weeks, each requiring approximately 10 hours of study time. The following topics are covered:
1. The aims of public policy
2. Social welfare and growth
3. Market Failures
4. State ownership, privatisation and regulation
5. Industrial policy
6. Social choice and individual choice
7. Social security
8. Behavioural public policy
9. Government Failure
10. Evaluating public policies
We strongly recommend that you try to find a little time each week to engage in the online conversations (at times that are convenient to you) as the forums are an integral and very rewarding part of the course and the online learning experience.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, the participants will understand:
- The importance of definitions and ethics in framing policy questions and public debate.
- The limitations of both states and markets in collective action.
- The many trade-offs and choices that inevitably arise in economic policy.
By the end of this course, students will be expected to have gained the following skills:
- Critically evaluate data, evidence and arguments about economic policy questions.
- Contribute to debates themselves in a more evidence-based way.
- Link policy choices to social welfare or ethical goals.
- Connect economic trade-offs with issues of political choice and practical implementation.
Assessment methods
You will be set two pieces of work for the course. The first 500 word assignment is due halfway through your course. This does not count towards your final outcome, but preparing for it and the feedback you are given will help you prepare for your assessed piece of work of 1,500 words due at the end of the course. The assessed work is marked pass or fail.
Dr Szilvi Schmitsek
Szilvia Schmitsek graduated with her PhD in Employment Research (Institute for Employment Research, Warwick University) in 2018. She was awarded a Warwick Chancellor’s Scholarship for the duration of her studies. Her decision to pursue a PhD on Early School Leaving was strongly influenced by her commitment to disadvantaged youth, which has always been her main field of interest. Previously Szilvia gained an MPhil in Social Sciences Research and MA in Education, a BA in Social Science; Speech and Language Therapy and Special Education, and a Diploma in Media Studies. She became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) in November 2024.
Assessment methods
You will be set two pieces of work for the course. The first 500 word assignment is due halfway through your course. This does not count towards your final outcome, but preparing for it and the feedback you are given will help you prepare for your assessed piece of work of 1,500 words due at the end of the course. The assessed work is marked pass or fail.
Level and demands
This course is open to all, and no prior knowledge is required.
This course is offered at FHEQ level 4 (first year undergraduate level), and you will be expected to engage in independent study in preparation for your assignments. Our 10-week Short Online Courses come with an expected total commitment of 100 study hours.
English Language Requirements
We do not insist that applicants hold an English language certification, but we warn that they may be at a disadvantage if their language skills are not of a comparable level to those qualifications listed on our website. If you are confident in your proficiency, please feel free to enrol. For more information regarding English language requirements, please see here.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course Fee | £430.00 |
Module code: O26P412SOV
Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page.