Postgraduate study

Postgraduate taught 

Economic Development MSc

Growth And Development ECON5015

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: Adam Smith Business School
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course analyses the main theories and concepts which seek to explain economic development or its absence. It critically evaluates different measures and models of economic growth and development. Examples of growth models are Solow model, the endogenous growth model, and the Lewis dual economy model. We will discuss relevant growth models each year. The course will also discuss economic variables that can affect growth and development. Some examples of the topics that maybe included are population, migration, trade openness and institutions from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. This is a course with theory, applications, and is discussion based, where students are expected to discuss the growth and development experiences of different countries. 

Timetable

A weekly 2-hour lecture for 10 weeks.

1-hour tutorial for 5 weeks.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

1. Written assignment, including essay; Individual; 2 A4 Pages; 40%; ILOs 1-3.

2. Degree exam: in-person; Individual; 90 minutes; 60%; ILOs 1-4.

Main Assessment In: December

Course Aims

■ Analyse and interpret various theories of economic growth, assessing how growth can be quantified through multiple measurement tools and frameworks

■ Evaluate the processes of economic development and examine the contributions of different sectors to overall development, applying these insights to real-world examples.

■ Enable students to critically evaluate the approaches, strengths, weaknesses, challenges, successes of different economies.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Evaluate theoretical models and empirical work in economic growth. 

2. Assess how the economies evolve in development status from theoretical and empirical perspectives. 

3. Analyse the distinction between correlation and causation in the context of growth.

4. Critically analyse key issues and challenges in economic growth and development.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions