Course Catalogue

Urban Economy PUBPOL4043

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Social and Political Sciences
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

The course is structured in two sections. The first looks at urban economic models of cities to enable students to understand why they grow and decline. The second introduces students to main economic theories and the planning policy responses in the last 40 years that have attempted to manage and shape urban economic development.

Timetable

One hour weekly lecture

Requirements of Entry

Entry to Honours Social & Public Policy normally requires a grade point average of 12 (grade C3) over Social & Public Policy 2A and 2B (formerly Public Policy 2A and 2B) as a first attempt.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

One exam, weighted at 60%.

An essay of 2,500 words, weighted at 40%.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? No

It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.

[No exceptions]

Course Aims

To introduce students to an economic analysis of cities and to explore contemporary global urban problems and themes through the economics lens.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

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

 

• Understand and apply the key concepts of urbanization, agglomeration and other core urban economics principles associated with the growth and decline of cities and systems of cities.

• Understand key dimensions of and relationships within urban growth systems.

• Audit the principal economic challenges and problems facing contemporary cities.

• Debate specific economic dimensions, policy considerations and international variation in urban themes such as housing, labour markets, spatial planning and policies for urban economic growth.

• Assess the capacity of urban economics to contribute to wider urban debates about sustainability and social justice.

•Appreciate the contribution of alternative and heterodox economic approaches to the urban economy.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions