Postgraduate taught 

Environment & Sustainable Development MSc

The Economics of Migration ECON5117

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: Adam Smith Business School
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: No

Short Description

This course covers some of the main economic aspects around the economics of migration. We discuss some of the most important contributions to migration research in economics and point out links between the different areas of analysis. We also critically analyse empirical evidence within clearly structured economic models. At every stage, our analysis is going to be linked to the current debate on migration. Students should have a good understanding of the basics of microeconomics and microeconometrics.

Timetable

Lectures: 10 x 2 hour lectures

Additional 1 hour revision lecture after regular teaching

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

ILO

Course Aims

The aims of this course include:

■ Introducing students to core material in the area of the economics of migration, including exposure to the core theories in the field as well as to empirical regularities

■ Acquiring important skills that are relevant for policy evaluation, focusing on research design and on the limitations of different approaches. The acquired skills can be beneficial for students who would like to further specialise in economics and also for students who are thinking about other professional directions.

■ Learning to utilise the material covered in class to critically analyse possible effects of migration in different contexts while also using a range of soft skills that can be beneficial for students, including academic writing skills, presentation skills and skills related to managing team work.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Critically analyse migration trends and patterns, both at the cross-sectional level (for example comparing countries, and looking at different types of migration) and at the aggregate level and over time;

2. Apply the main insights of the main recent theoretical models in the economics of migration to understand empirical findings and discuss the possible effects of different policy options;

3. Critically analyse the main issues around the evaluation of the effects of migration for different populations;

4. Collaborate effectively with others and work in teams to deliver a shared output that investigate a specific migration context.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.