International Trade and Migration

About

This module introduces you to the economics of globalisation.

You will look at reasons why classical economists thought that comparative advantage (or differences between countries) was the basis for international trade, while in the past few decades the bulk of international trade has been between very similar countries.

You will also study the effects of the growing importance of international trade, focusing on recent trade agreements and their projected consequences.

The second part of this module will consider one of the hottest topics in any country – immigration.

You will study the causes and effects of migration and use data and policy analysis to investigate the immigration regimes of some popular migrant destinations.

Week one:
Empirical Trends and the Economic Theory of International Trade
Empirical trends in globalisation and immigration
The economic theory behind why countries trade
Do countries benefit from more openness? Do individuals benefit?

Week two:
International Trade and Inequality
Empirical trends in global inequality
Theoretical analysis of the relationship between international trade and inequality
Testing the theories

Week three:
Migration and Labour Markets
Empirical trends in migration
How do economists analyse migration?
Analysis of migration policies and welfare

Course aim

This module aims to:

- Introduce you to the study of international trade and migration using the tools of an economist.
- Improve your analysis of current events and controversies such as the new TTIP agreement and the ever-present problem of immigration.
- Equip you with the ability to analyse these issues in a formal way and, thereby, to have an informed opinion on them.

Fee info