Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2026-2027
Module ECON3081: Labour Economics
Department: Economics
ECON3081: Labour Economics
| Type | Tied | Level | 3 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2026/2027 | Module Cap | Location | Durham |
|---|
| Tied to | L100 |
|---|---|
| Tied to | L106 |
| Tied to | L109 |
| Tied to | L103 |
| Tied to | L104 |
| Tied to | L105 |
| Tied to | L130 |
| Tied to | L131 |
| Tied to | L132 |
| Tied to | L133 |
| Tied to | L134 |
| Tied to | L135 |
| Tied to | LL12 |
| Tied to | LL02 |
| Tied to | L1R1 |
| Tied to | LL01 |
| Tied to | VL52 |
| Tied to | VLL6 |
| Tied to | VLLA |
| Tied to | CFG0 |
| Tied to | CFC0 |
| Tied to | FGC0 |
| Tied to | CFG1 |
| Tied to | CFC1 |
| Tied to | FGC1 |
| Tied to | CFG2 |
| Tied to | CFC2 |
| Tied to | LA01 |
| Tied to | LA02 |
| Tied to | LA03 |
| Tied to | LMVA |
| Tied to | LMV0 |
| Tied to | LMVP |
Prerequisites
- Macroeconomics (ECON2011) AND Microeconomics (ECON2021) OR Economic Theory (ECON2291)
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None.
Aims
- The module aims to build upon material introduced at Levels 1 and 2 in order to develop an understanding of some of the principal issues in modern labour economics, while providing opportunities to practise and develop a range of key skills.
Content
- Topics are likely to include:
- The demand and supply for labour
- Models of trade union determination
- Minimum wages
- Worker participation
- Job search and unemployment
- Human capital and information
- Compensating differentials
- Discrimination in the labour market
- Incentives, labour effort and pay
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key aspects of modern labour economics, drawing on relevant theory and empirical evidence.
Subject-specific Skills:
- On completion of the module, students should be able to apply the tools of economic analysis to selected issues in labour market policy.
Key Skills:
- Written Communication - through formative and summative assessment
- Initiative - by selecting and researching relevant literature and information in preparation for tutorial classes, formative assessment and the written examination.
- Problem solving and analysis - by exercising critical thinking in applying relevant theory and empirical evidence to the analysis of problems and issues encountered in tutorial worksheets and summative assessment.
- Numeracy - by applying core mathematical and quantitative skills to complete a range of tutorial exercises.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Teaching is by lectures and tutorials. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in tutorials and private study. Formative assessment is by means of a piece of written work. Summative assessment is by means of a written examination.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 | 1 per week | 1 hour | 20 | |
| Tutorials | 8 | 4 in term 1, 4 in term 2 | 1 hour | 8 | Yes ■ |
| Revision Classes | 2 | 2 in term 3 | 1 hour | 2 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 170 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| On Campus Written Examination | 2 hours | 100% | |
Formative Assessment:
One written piece of work to prepare students for the summative examination.
■ 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.