This course is an introductory course in Public Sector Economics. It provides an overview of the most important topics in Public Sector Economics, such as: microeconomic foundations (externalities, failures of a competitive market, experimental evidence), social welfare and theory of public choice, education, social security (with examples from current research agenda), taxation, fiscal policy (including debt analysis). The course is designed in a way that allows students develop tools of analysis of topics in Public Sector Economics and contribute to class-based discussions.
In terms of structure of the course, in the beginning microeconomic foundations are considered. Students are presented with notions of public goods, externalities, asymmetric information, and imperfect competition. In this context failures of competitive markets are studied. Among other empirical studies, evidence from Experimental Economics is recalled in order to motivate further progress.
In the second part of the course topics of taxation are considered. Efficiency of taxation and social welfare considerations are of main interest, in particular students consider various aspects of income, wealth, and goods taxation. In particular, implications of taxation on economic growth are considered. Voting-dependence and economics of public debt are also mentioned.
In the final part of the course public expenditures on education and social security are analyzed in detail. This part of the course is supplemented with issues of inequality and wealth redistribution. Insights from Behavioral Economics in terms of policy design are presented. Research agenda in that regard is outlined.
It is assumed that all applicants have completed 2 years of undergraduate training in Economics, i.e. they are familiar with basic theories in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Students should usually have at least 3 Economics courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this) for entry to this course. This must include courses in both Macroeconomics and Microeconomics. We will only consider University/College level courses.
After completing the course, students will have developed knowledge and understanding in the following areas:
- the microeconomic foundations of Public Sector Economics, social welfare and efficiency measures, and various aspects of taxation;
- the implications of public debt and various aspects of taxation;
- the role of Behavioural Economics in policy design.
Furthermore, the course will have provided each student with the ability to undertake the following learning activities:
- analyse specific aspects of economic policies, for example expenditures on education or redistributive function of taxation;
- discuss the relevance of behavioural theories in various contexts;
- discuss and critically comment on current research in the area of Public Sector Economics.
In addition, each student will have developed tools to analyse the theoretical implications of hypothetical policies.
The fees for this course have been laid out fully on our course fees page.
As course fees and accommodation costs are payable separately, it will not be possible to reduce the tuition fee cost for those students who opt to arrange their own accommodation off-campus.
Tuition Fee
£575 per week
Accommodation
You have a choice of accommodation options for varying prices, dependent on your preferences:
- Standard Single, DB&B: £294.00 per week
- En-suite Single, DB&B: £469.00 per week
- Self-Catered, Shared: £168.00 per week
Social Programme
To enhance your experience at the University of Edinburgh Summer School, a variety of social and cultural activities will be organized to allow you to explore and discover the history, traditions and beauty of Scotland whilst meeting people from across the world. Each student can participate in the social and cultural activities which are included in the course fee. A free gym membership is included as well as a variety of fun and interesting things to do and see in Edinburgh. Additionally, students can book on to day and weekend tours to explore the rest and best of Scotland (at a discounted rate for Summer School students).
Other costs
Please note you will also need to pay for any essential books on the reading lists provided and any entrance fees for exhibits and other related fees on study visits.
Scholarship - Scottish Summer Endeavour
Scholarship application opens on 1st December
Scottish Summer Endeavour Scholarships are offered to students from all countries who can display evidence of outstanding academic merit.
Eligibility
The scholarships are competitive and awarded broadly on the basis of academic merit. A minimum of 3.3 GPA or equivalent is required and evidence of this must be provided along with your application.
In order to apply, you should be a full-time university/college student who can demonstrate that you meet the academic and language requirements of your preferred course.
To apply:
1. Choose the course you are interested in.
2. Go to your preferred programme page and select ‘click here to apply now’, located towards the top right of your screen. This will enable you to request an application form and further guidance regarding the application process.
2. Fill out the application form and attach the documents required in order to support your application. This will include the following:
- one letter of recommendation provided by your academic referee (no longer than 500 words)
- (interim) degree transcripts
- Evidence of an internationally recognised English language qualification (if appropriate).
4. Send back the application form stating in your email that you would like to apply for the Scottish Summer Endeavour Scholarship.
5. Remember to enclose any other documents that will support your application.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://www.summerschool.ed.ac.uk/course/micro-economics-0