EC5228 Game Theory

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

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 11

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

To be arranged.

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

Module coordinator

Dr L Bridet

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

Module Staff

Luc Bridet

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

Module description

Game theory is a formal method of studying strategic interactions: interactions between multiple decision-makers involving conflict and cooperation. Game theory is a central part of the modern economics toolkit and has many applications across multiple subjects, including business strategy, finance, biology, sociology, political science, computer science. This module will cover core models and solution concepts from game theory and apply them to selected topics among the following: bargaining, oligopolies and industrial organisation, pricing, auctions, market design, competition between political parties, signalling, strategic information transmission, social learning. While the module does not require advanced mathematical knowledge beyond what is necessary for MSc-level microeconomics, students are expected to have solid training in microeconomics and should be aware that this module primarily requires problem-solving.

Assessment pattern

40% Coursework, 60% exam

Re-assessment

Exam 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2-hour lecture (x 6 weeks), 1-hour tutorial (x 9 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

21

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

Guided independent study hours

129

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand and apply the core analytic tools of game theory, such as Nash equilibrium and subgame-perfection.
  • Understand modelling decisions such as commitment assumptions, timing, solution concept.
  • Apply decision-making criteria in settings featuring both strategic- and non-strategic uncertainty.
  • Use the same core tools and concepts in a variety of economic applications.