EC423 One Unit
Labour Economics
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Prof Guy Michaels
Dr Christiane Szerman
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, MSc in Economics, MSc in Economics (2 Year Programme) and MSc in Economics and Management. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
How to apply: These courses are intended for MSc Economics, MSc Economics (2 Year Programme), and MSc EME Students. Any external student must have successfully completed EC400 or EC451 in September and/or have approval of the Department of Economics.
Deadline for application: Please apply as soon as possible after the opening of course selection for all courses.
For queries contact: Econ.msc@lse.ac.uk
Requisites
Pre-requisites:
Students must have completed EC400 before taking this course.
Additional requisites:
In exceptional circumstances, students may take this course without EC400 provided they meet the necessary requirements and have received approval from the course conveners, the MSc Economics Programme Director and their own Programme Director. Contact the Department of Economics for more information (econ.msc@lse.ac.uk) regarding entry to this course.
Course content
An advanced course in labour economics issues, including theory, evidence, and policy. The course aims to familiarise students with the main theoretical and empirical issues in current labour economics and to provide them with the tools for developing independent research interests. The course has a strong applied focus. For each major topic covered, we will discuss theoretical implications, provide insights into the research methodology, discuss the advantages and limitations of existing empirical work, and where possible draw policy conclusions. The course will include hands-on experience in applying econometric tools, working with data, and thinking critically about results and their interpretation. Topics include labour supply and welfare systems, human capital, immigration, inequality and technological change, discrimination, labour market institutions, place-based policies, and intergenerational mobility.
Teaching
1 hours of seminars in the Spring Term.
10 hours of seminars and 20 hours of lectures in the Winter Term.
20 hours of lectures and 9 hours of seminars in the Autumn Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn and Winter Term.
Formative assessment
At least two marked assignments per term.
Indicative reading
Most of the reading is from journal articles. A detailed reading list is available on Moodle.
Assessment
Assessment Pathway 1
Exam (50%), duration: 120 Minutes, reading time: 15 minutes in the Spring exam period
Essay (50%, 6000 words)
Assessment Pathway 2
Exam (100%), duration: 120 Minutes, reading time: 15 minutes in the Spring exam period
MSc Economics & Management students must follow assessment path 2
All other students must follow assessment path 1
This course is IRDAP-enabled, meaning that resit and deferred assessments will take place in August 2026.
Key facts
Department: Economics
Course Study Period: Autumn, Winter and Spring Term
Unit value: One unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 10
Average class size 2024/25: 10
Controlled access 2024/25: YesCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.