Principles of Macroeconomics - ECOX3003

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Module delivery information

Location Term Level1 Credits (ECTS)2 Current Convenor3 2026 to 2027
Canterbury
Autumn to Spring Terms 4 15 (7.5) Alfred Duncan checkmark-circle

Overview

The module provides students with a thorough understanding of macroeconomics at an introductory level and provides the basis for all subsequent study that is taken on macroeconomics parts of the degree courses. It is designed to teach students how to think as a macroeconomist and how to construct and use macroeconomic models. It shows them how to be critical of macroeconomic models. The module shows how empirical evidence can be used in macroeconomic and policy analysis. There is strong emphasis on analysing policy and using empirical evidence.

The module covers the principles of macroeconomics and shows how they can be applied to economic policies. The emphasis throughout is to demonstrate the usefulness and limitations of macroeconomics as an analytical tool for thinking about real world problems, explaining and investigating empirical evidence, and analysing polices.

Details

Contact hours

Directed learning time 100 hours
Private study time 50 hours
Total study hours: 150

Availability

Compulsory to the following courses:
• Economics BSc (Professional Economist) (Hons)

Method of assessment

Assessment
VLE quiz/ Test (40 minutes) (25%)
Essay/Report (800 words) (25%)
Take Home Examination, 2 hours (50%)

Reassessment
100% coursework
Taken again in the following trimester, in order to achieve the overall pass mark of 40%

Indicative reading

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.

Learning outcomes

The module outcomes have references to the knowledge, skills and behaviours defined by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education for the Professional Economist (Integrated Degree): Professional economist (integrated degree) / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

On successfully completing the module students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of macroeconomics (K3)
2. Understand the way in which macroeconomics can be used to analyse the outcomes of decisions by individuals, firms and government (K3, K6)
3. Apply relevant knowledge and understanding of macroeconomic theory to contemporary economic policies, issues and debates (K1, K3,M K4, K5, K6)
4. Demonstrate analytical, graphical and numerical skills to address macroeconomic problems (K3, K7, S1)
5. Utilise and solve simple economic models that explain macroeconomic policies, behaviour and phenomena (K3, K7, S1)

Notes

  1. Credit level 4. Certificate level module usually taken in the first stage of an undergraduate degree.
  2. ECTS credits are recognised throughout the EU and allow you to transfer credit easily from one university to another.
  3. The named convenor is the convenor for the current academic session.
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