TOPICS IN EMPIRICAL MICROECONOMICS - 2025/6

Module code: ECOD021

Module Overview

This module will present several techniques used in cutting-edge empirical microeconomics. The module will critically evaluate the potential of the various techniques and their actual application.

Module provider

Economics

Module Leader

PAREY Matthias (Economics)

Number of Credits: 0

ECTS Credits: 0

Framework: FHEQ Level 8

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 54

Lecture Hours: 33

Guided Learning: 30

Captured Content: 33

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:


  • The problem of econometric identification.

  • The benefits and limitations of regression and matching models.

  • Quasi-experimental methods

    • Instrumental variables

    • Regression discontinuity designs





Differences in differences

Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Oral exam or presentation Individual Presentation (15 minutes) 50
Coursework Individual Report (3000 words) 50

Alternative Assessment

None

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate current literature and their capability in research design.

 

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:


  • A report comprised of mini literature review of several papers relating to the students’ research interests submitted in week 11.

  • A presentation on a research paper of the students choice given in week 14.



 

Formative assessment

Students will be assessed formatively through interactive teaching and learning methods and in office hours.

 

Feedback

Students will receive written feedback on their presentation as well as on their coursework as soon as possible after the deadline for submission.

Module aims

  • To explain various advanced techniques of quantitative evaluation commonly used in applied microeconomics.
  • To enable students to develop the skills required to critically evaluate the potential of the various techniques.
  • To discuss recent papers in the literature so that students are able to become critical readers.
  • To allow students to develop their empirical skills using STATA.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 To demonstrate advanced understanding of the main methods used in empirical microeconomics KCPT
002 To be able to critically evaluate the methods used both in principle and in applications KCPT
003 To apply the techniques learned to real life data CPT
004 To interpret the results obtained from data analysis CPT
005 To be able to present critical analysis both verbally and in writing CPT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

 


  • provide research-led teaching that introduces students to the latest findings in this subject area. The learning and teaching strategy aims to develop their powers of critical insight and intellectual synthesis as well as knowledge of the specific content taught in this module.

  • give students practical experience of applying evaluation methods.

  • Allow students to develop their writing and presentation skills.



 

The learning and teaching methods include:


  • 11 taught sessions, these will include the presentation of material, interactive discussion and presentations from students.


Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ECOD021

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Economics PHD 1 Compulsory A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.