Public Economic Theory

Undergraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
ECON X404
Course ID icon
Course ID
206063
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
4
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course deepens critical thinking, reasoning, and mathematical problem-solving of public economics with a focus on public goods, including allocation and efficiency. The topics covered typically include efficiency in allocation of public goods, private and public provision of public goods, externalities, VCG mechanisms, congestion etc. Students will engage in presentations on topics within public economics of their choosing, fostering a deep understanding of the subject.

Course learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge of advanced tools and models prevalent in Public Economics
  • Modify, suitably apply and analyse models used in public economics
  • Analyse public policy from theoretical models and empirical tests
  • Explain the process of public policy formulation and its divergence from the theoretical norms of normative public economics
  • Analyse and evaluate academic articles and policies, via critical discussion and critique, using advanced tools from the discipline of public economics

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A