Course Catalogue

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The "AI & Digital Economics" course explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and digital technologies on modern economic systems. The course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how digital data, platforms, and AI innovations reshape markets, labour dynamics, and productivity across various sectors. Integrating both theoretical and empirical research, students will analyse the economic implications of network effects, data-driven strategies, ethical considerations, and regulatory challenges. Through a focus on research-informed insights, future-oriented analysis, and a commitment to societal and environmental responsibility, this course equips students to critically assess and navigate the digital economy. 

Key topics include the introduction to digital economics, the economic properties of data and digital infrastructure, algorithmic bias, network effects, the regulation of digital platforms and examples of digital economics in retail, higher education, entertainment etc. The course proceeds in defining Artificial Intelligence and examine its role in policy, innovation, productivity, political economy as well as the macroeconomy.

The course also fosters problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills, promoting independence and adaptability. Students will engage in collaborative group work, simulating real-world, team-based environments that mirror professional and hybrid work settings, where interdisciplinary and international collaboration is essential. The course offers peer-learning opportunities and exposure to international perspectives, fostering a collaborative approach. Through these activities, students engage with diverse economic methodologies, datasets, and digital economic challenges, promoting experiential learning by connecting theoretical concepts with practical applications.

10 x 1-hour lectures on campus

10 x 1-hour workshops on campus

4 x 1-hour tutorials on campus

Asynchronous activity: micro-lectures, case studies, and online discussion forums.

Students must be registered on one of the associated programmes listed in this course specification

None

None.

ILO being assessed

This course aims to

■ Explore the foundational principles and transformative role of AI and digital technologies on modern economic structures.

■ Examine ethical, regulatory, and societal challenges associated with AI, including privacy, algorithmic bias, and the implications for policy development in digital economies.

■ Prepare students to engage with and contribute to the evolving field of digital and AI economics, through data-driven and model-based analysis to address key economic questions.

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

1. Critically analyse the ways in which artificial intelligence and digital technologies transform economic behaviour.

2. Evaluate key ethical, regulatory and societal considerations shaping digital economies.

3. Design and execute rigorous investigations to address emerging questions in AI-driven economics.

4. Synthesise and communicate theoretical and data-driven insights to draw evidence-based conclusions.

5. Work collaboratively in a group to produce a combined piece of coursework.

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