EC4431 Economics of Education

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

When confirmed, check online https://timetables.st-andrews.ac.uk/.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module Staff

To be confirmed

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module explores the microeconomic foundations of the economics of education. After outlining the human capital model, students will discuss the impact of early childhood investments, school incentives (such as autonomy and competition) and inputs (teachers and peers) on education and labour market outcomes. The module will introduce screening and signalling models, estimates of the returns to education and the determinants of income inequality and intergenerational mobility. Students will also examine new issues linked to online education. This module places emphasis on developing analytical understanding by combining theory and evidence. There will be a strong focus on the policy implications that can be drawn from the empirical evidence.

Relationship to other modules

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU PASS EC4403

Assessment pattern

50% = Coursework 50% = Written Exam

Re-assessment

Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

20 hours of lectures over 11 weeks, 1-hour tutorials (x 5 weeks) .

Scheduled learning hours

25

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

168

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • By the end of the module, students will be familiar with economic approaches to education
  • By the end of the module, students will be able to discuss education policies from an economic perspective
  • By the end of the module, students will be able to appreciate and understand the evaluation of education policies
  • By the end of the module, students will be familiar with key issues in contemporary economics of education