This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The module summarizes key advances in contemporary labour economics and provides deep understanding of how present-days labour markets function. It starts with considering strategic interactions between supply and demand sides of the labour market and acknowledging importance of incomplete information in these interactions. Then it looks into origins of unemployment and analyses the role of government in reducing unemployment and increasing participation. It addresses the process of wage determination and explains why similar workers are paid differently and have different career progression paths. It also analyses the related problem of investment in education in view of uncertain career prospects. Ultimately, module scrutinizes the origins of inequality and outlines the scope of public policies in maintaining efficient labour market in an equitable society. It concludes with studying international aspects of labour movements.
The module is essential for those who see their career in national and supra-national institutions that design, regulate and evaluate public policies at the labour market and beyond.
Private Study: 120
Contact Hours: 30
Total: 150
Compulsory to the following course:
• MSc Economics
Optional to the following courses:
• MSc Economics and Econometrics
• MSc Development Economics
Individual presentations, (10 minutes per student): 20%
Take Home Test (60 minutes): 20%
Examination (2 hours): 60%
Reassessment method: 100% Exam
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Design and apply at high level of abstraction theory and empirical models in their relation to modern labour markets
2 Systematically understand complexity of strategic interactions between all participants of the labour market and acknowledge the controversial role of institutions in these interactions
3 Flexibly apply knowledge to identify emerging issues at the global labour market
4 Critically analyse labour-related debates in the media.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
