EC441 One Unit
Microeconomics for MRes students
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Andrew Ellis
Prof Gilat Levy
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MRes in Economics, MRes in Economics and Management and MRes in Finance. This course is not available as an outside option to students on other programmes. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
For queries contact: econ.mres.phd@lse.ac.uk
Requisites
Additional requisites:
A good undergraduate knowledge of economic theory and calculus is required.
Course content
The aim of the course is to:
i. introduce the basic analytical tools that are necessary to conduct theoretical research in many fields in economics.
ii. give the students a full understanding of the classic Microeconomic Theory and of the modern developments of Microeconomic Theory
iii. enable students to address a microeconomic problem by structuring it as a mathematical model and enhance the understanding of economic issues though the use of mathematical tools.
Topics include: consumer theory, producer theory, general equilibrium, welfare, choice under uncertainty, game theory, economics of information, agency theory, contracts, topics in mechanism design.
Teaching
60 hours of lectures and 30 hours of classes.
Attendance at classes is compulsory. We may run a lecture/seminar in ST week 1.
Formative assessment
Compulsory exercises are set for each class. A mock exam will take place in early WT.
Formative feedback will be given on one submission of problem set in WT.
Indicative reading
The main text is Mas-Collel, Whinston & Green, Microeconomic Theory, OUP.
Other sources include:
D Fudenberg & J Tirole, Game Theory, MIT Press; D M Kreps, Microeconomic Foundations I & II, Princeton Press; A Rubinstein, Lecture Notes in Microeconomic Theory, Princeton Press; H R Varian, Microeconomic Analysis (3rd edn), Norton; M J Osbourne & A Rubinstein, A Course in Game Theory, MIT Press; G A Jehle & P J Reny, Advanced Microeconomic Theory, Longman.
Assessment
Exam (100%), duration: 180 Minutes, reading time: 15 minutes in the Spring exam period
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: 26
Average class size 2024/25: 13
Controlled access 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.