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ECO-20063 - Module Specification
Keele Business School
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 17 March 2026

ECO-20063 - Economic Growth Strategies
Coordinator: Paul Sissons
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 733094

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

Economic growth over the long-term has underpinned the development of modern societies. This module will focus on understanding the fundamentals which underpin economic growth, as well as the role of Government and institutions in this process. The module also considers important questions around the distribution of the benefits of growth and social issues such as income inequalities. Both theoretical and empirical work is employed to examine the patterns and determinants of economic growth, productivity and the changing shape of economies. This material will include a range of different countries and time-periods. Issues relating to the use of economic data such as understanding the measurement of growth and productivity will also be covered.

Aims
The module aims to introduce and develop students’ knowledge of the topic of economic growth, and to embed an understanding of the fundamentals of the determinants of growth. The module will also introduce important issues relating to the relationships between growth, the role of government and policy, and social outcomes (such as poverty and inequality). Both theoretical and empirical work will be used to inform an understanding of the determinants of economic growth, productivity, and to consider the changing shape of economies. Issues of measurement relating to growth and productivity will also be covered. The role of institutions and their role in economic development will be considered and aspects of economic policy decision-making explored. The module will also introduce issues of relevance to uneven regional development.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe the essential features and determinants of economic growth and productivity.: 1
assess regional differences in growth and development, and potential explanations for these.: 1
summarise theoretical and empirical work on economic growth.: 1
evaluate the role of government in economic growth and different types of policies.: 2
interpret relevant economic data in the context of the fundamentals of economic growth.: 2

Study hours

Interactive lectures 38 hours
Tutorials 6 hours
Presentation sessions 4 hours (presenting in peer groups)
Presentation preparation 8 hours
Project assessment work 24 hours
Group study 36 hours
Private study 184 hours (required module academic reading, background research on frameworks of policy decision-making, searching and sourcing of relevant economic data).

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Presentation weighted 40%
Presentation on economic growth strategies
An individual presentation in which students will summarise theoretical and empirical learning applied to different aspects of economic growth strategies. The format will be a 10 min presentation followed by questions and answers. Students will be presenting to peers, and peers will be able to ask questions, but there will not be peer evaluation.

2: Project weighted 60%
Policy Project
Students will produce a policy project which selects from particular government policies and assesses these in relation to the issues covered in the module. This assessment will include the use of relevant data and supporting evidence. (2000 words)

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 17 March 2026