GY404      Half Unit
Topics in Local Economic Development

This information is for the 2017/18 session.

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Local Economic Development. This course is available on the MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Pre-requisites

A good background is required in one of the fields of economic geography, economics, management or regional and urban studies.

Course content

This course is concerned with the practical implementation of local economic development in both the global north and south. In the MT, each session begins with theoretical overview of the topic following which students work to critically evaluate a case study in local economic development. Topics include a background to LED, urban labour markets, and Inclusive Growth. The aim is for students to develop the skills to critically analyse economic development policy in this area. In the LT each topic is given by a leading academic from outside the course. Topics covered vary by year, but are likely to include migration, global cities, and the What Works agenda.

Teaching

18 hours of seminars and 5 hours of workshops in the MT. 18 hours of seminars in the LT.

Formative coursework

Students will be expected to make presentations and participate actively in seminars.

Indicative reading

OECD. 2014. All on board: Making inclusive growth happen. Paris: OECD; E Moretti The New Geography of Jobs, 2013; How Regions Grow, OECD, 2009; Lee et al. Cities, Growth and Poverty: Evidence review, JRF, 2014.  

Assessment

Exam (75%, duration: 3 hours) in the main exam period.
Project (25%, 2500 words).

Student performance results

(2013/14 - 2015/16 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 13.5
Merit 77.4
Pass 9
Fail 0

Key facts

Department: Geography & Environment

Total students 2016/17: 45

Average class size 2016/17: 45

Controlled access 2016/17: Yes

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Commercial awareness
  • Specialist skills