Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook
This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2025-2026 (archived)

Module ECON3071: International Economics

Department: Economics

ECON3071: International Economics

TypeLevelCreditsAvailabilityModule CapLocation
Tied 3 20 Available in 2025/2026 Durham

Tied To

Pre-requisites

  • Macroeconomics (ECON2011) AND Microeconomics (ECON2021) OR Economic Theory (ECON2291)

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide, by building on the skills and knowledge from level 2, an understanding of traditional and modern theories of international trade and international finance. In addition, it seeks to provide students with the skills necessary to appreciate and discuss policy issues.

Content

  • Topics in international trade and international finance such as the following:
  • Ricardian Trade Theory
  • Heckscher-Ohlin Trade Theory
  • Gravity Models
  • Models of exchange rate determination
  • Currency Crises
  • Intertemporal approach to the current account
  • Globalisation
  • International Labour Migration

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge
  • At the end of the module students should:
  • Understand knowledge of how well theories can explain actual trade and understand finance flows.
  • Understand positive and normative theories of international trade and international finance.
  • Enrich students’ engagement with a more equitable and sustainable world by addressing topics such as the sustainability of the current account.
Subject-specific Skills
  • Be able to solve models of international trade and international finance.
  • Be able to apply international trade and finance theories to practical problems.
Key Skills
  • Written Communication - through summative assessment.
  • Group work and presentation skills - though group presentation at seminars.
  • Planning, Organisation and Time Management - preparing for examinations.
  • Problem Solving and Analysis - e.g. by applying the necessary analytical and quantitative skills, as well as the ability to manipulate concepts in international trade and finance, in undertaking assessed work.
  • Numeracy - e.g. by applying core mathematical and statistical skills to answer a range of examination questions.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching is by lectures and seminars. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in tutorial classes, and private study. Formative assessment to help perpare for the exam. Summative assessment is by means of an in-person examination and a written assignment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotal HoursAttendance Monitored
Lectures 10 1 every 2 weeks 2 hours 20
Revision Classes 2 2 in term 2 1 hour 2
Seminars 8 4 in term 1, 4 in term 2 1 hour 8 Yes
Preparation and Reading 170
Total 200

Summative Assessment

ComponentComponent WeightingElementLength/DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Assignment 25% One written assignment 1500 words 100%
Examination 75% On Campus Written Examination 2 hours 100%

Formative Assessment

Via group presentation during seminars (work prepared by students for seminars; answers to questions either discussed during a seminar, or posted on Learn Ultra) and one piece of written work.


Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.