Module Code - Title:
EC6142
-
LABOUR AND EDUCATION ECONOMICS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the central theoretical and empirical issues raised within both education and labour from an economic perspective. In allowing students to view the educational and labour processes in this way, it will enable students to critically analyse areas such as the links between education and economic growth, theories of education participation and education financing.
The module is based on a blend of the latest theoretical models, descriptive historical information, empirical analysis and use of applied case studies. Thus, although theoretical analysis forms an essential part of the module, such as the supply of labor, empirical assessment of the validity of relevant empirical work in the area will also be discussed, whenever available. The objective is to equip students with a thorough understanding of the theoretical basis of these issues and the debate surrounding them
Syllabus:
Topic 1: Introduction and Context
Topic 2: Human Capital
Topic 3: Labour Demand and Supply
Topic 4: Compensating Wage Differentials
Topic 5: Inequality and Education Outcomes
Topic 6: Education Financing
Topic 7: Large Scale Assessments in Education
Topic 8: Mismatch in Education
Topic 9: Contemporary Topics in Labour and Education Economics
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Show an understanding of the implications of theoretical models and empirical work in labour and education economics in relation to policy issues.
2. Critically evaluate the theoretical literature relating to labour and education economics
3. Assess the quality of empirical work published in the area of labour and education economics
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Communicate and present complex arguments in oral and written form with clarity and
succinctness.
2. Engage in abstract thinking by extracting the essential features of complex systems to facilitate problem solving and decision-making.
3. Challenge changes within education and labour market policy from an objective viewpoint.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be delivered using standard lectures. Lectures will focus on the application of economic concepts to policy issues within healthcare. Guest speakers may also be involved within the delivery of the module to expose students to contemporary research findings in the area.
The University of Limerick Graduate Attributes will be developed by: Broadening students' curiosity and agility through encouraging independent and directed study as well as emphasising student's responsibility to organise their time in an efficient manner and to work to specific deadlines.
The module will draw from recent policy developments and published research in the relevant topics to help extend student's understanding.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Bradley, S. and Green, C. (2021)
The Economics of Education: A Comprehensive Overview
, Elsevier
THOMAS HYCLAK, GERAINT JOHNES AND ROBERT THORNTON (2020)
FUNDAMENTALS OF LABOR ECONOMICS
, Cengage
Silvia Mendolia, Martin O'Brien, Alfredo R. Paloyo, Oleg Yerokhin (2022)
Critical Perspectives on Economics of Education
, Routledge
Other Relevant Texts:
Johnes, G., Johnes, J., Agasisti. T. and Lopez-Torres (2017)
Handbook of Contemporary Education Economics
, Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd.
LOVENHEIM AND TURNER (2019)
ECONOMICS OF EDUCATION
, MAC MILLAN
Ronald G. Ehrenberg, Robert S. Smith, Kevin F. Hallock (2025)
Modern Labour Economics
, Routledge
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Darragh.Flannery@ul.ie