The Economic Analysis of Public Policy

There are several key economic concepts that policymakers need to be able to understand and apply during the policy process, including devising policy, critiquing policy proposals and evaluating policy.

This module equips you with the key tools and methodologies needed to focus these concepts on their real-world application.You will learn to navigate the common difficulties and pitfalls that arise in a policymaking and will study detailed policy-relevant analyses produced by professional economists and other analysts.

This module will strengthen your analytical skills and enhance your performance at work. Notably, you will be able to assess the applicability of theoretical frameworks to real-life work situations, analyse and assess service provision from different perspectives, and devise policy solutions that make better use of economic data.

Week 1: The role of economics in policymaking

In the first week we will examine the importance of economics to policymakers and how economics can be used to analyse policy proposals. We will investigate markets, understanding their role, in conjunction with the symbiotic role of government/law in creating and shaping markets.

Week 2: Examining inequality

The second week will focus on the distributional issues and inequality. We will consider why distributional issues matter to politicians and policymakers; and, why even conventional economics says inequality matters?

Week 3: Evaluating the impact of public policy

In the final week, we will turn our focus to programme or policy evaluation and examining the common pitfalls of commonplace methods of evaluation.

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

•  Apply the theoretical frameworks discussed to real-life work situations. 
• Analyse and assess service provision from different perspectives. 
• Devise policy solutions that make better use of economic data

This short course is for mid-career professionals. Standard entry requirements are a 2:1 degree plus 3 years of relevant work experience. Applicants without a 2:1 or higher degree are welcome to apply and typically require 5+ years of relevant work experience.

One written assignment, plus participation in webinars and discussion forums.

Our modules offer high levels of interaction with regular points of assessment and feedback. Each four week module is worth five Master's level academic credits and includes three webinars with a King's lecturer and peer group of global professionals.

Format: Fully online, plus 3 x 1-hour weekly webinars

This module has been designed specifically for an online audience. It uses a range of interactive activities to support learning including discussion forums, online readings, interactive lectures videos and online tutorials.

Tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Module Creators

Professor Jonathan Portes, Professor of Economics and Public Policy. Jonathan started his career at HM Treasury in 1987 and spent most of his career as a civil servant, serving as Chief Economist at the Department for Work and Pensions from 2002 to 2008 and Chief Economist at the Cabinet Office from 2008 to 201

Please note that this is only indicative information. Lecturers and course content are subject to change. Please contact us directly for the most recent information.