Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

1.       To provide students with the opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge of contested markets
with practical skills to tackle a real-world policy issue of their own choosing.
2.       To equip students with the skills necessary to think systematically and critically about the
political significance of market practices that test the moral boundaries and to sharpen their
skills of written and oral argumentation.
3.       To demonstrate the interplay between moral and empirical considerations when it comes to
assessing, proposing, and recommending policies.
4.       To help students to explore and draw conclusions about the moral limits of markets, linking
these conclusions to practical public policy issues through case studies and structured policy
development.
5.       To cultivate advanced analytical skills for evaluating the implications and effectiveness of
policies in contested markets, alongside clear, persuasive communication skills for engaging
with stakeholders and advocating for policy proposals.
6.       To prepare students for real-world policy-making by fostering teamwork, considering
stakeholder engagement and peer feedback essential for addressing the complexities of
regulating contested markets.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module examines the moral issues that arise in the use of markets as a form of economic organisation, giving particular attention to the limits of markets and exploring why some goods and services should not be for sale or purchase.

This module provides students with the opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge of contested markets with practical skills to tackle real-world policy issues of their choosing. Through a series of workshops students will learn to identify policy issues relating to contested markets, situate them within the relevant academic literature, develop a policy brief to address these issues, and learn to convey arguments to stakeholders through a process of peer feedback and engagement.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this module, students should have knowledge and understanding of:
-       Theoretical and public policy debates surrounding the moral limits of markets.
-       Analytical frameworks and methodologies used to evaluate the defensibility, viability, and
impact of policies in the context of contested markets
-       Case studies that illustrate the challenges and complexities of policy development in
contested markets.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The module equips students with skills directly applicable to the political and policy-making arenas, particularly in the context of contested markets. By the end of the module, students should have transferable skills including:

•       The ability to source, analyse, and reconstruct arguments on markets as a mode of economic
organisation.

•       The ability to discuss policies and claims in terms of their underlying theoretical
assumptions, combining theoretical knowledge with practical policy applications.

•       The ability to analyse evidence critically and construct coherent arguments on the limits of
markets.

•       Written and oral skills vital for the dissemination and advocacy of policy proposals to a
variety of stakeholders.

•       Team working skills essential for addressing complex policy issues that require multi-
stakeholder engagement.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The teaching methods are grounded in active and participatory learning and are intended to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding of contested markets and practical applications. The workshop series fosters an environment for deep discussion, critical thinking, and collaborative learning, simulating the practical contexts in which policy analysts operate. Students will evaluate real-life policy issues and develop the nuanced analytical and communication skills essential for effective policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The portfolio encourages precision in students' thought processes, reflecting the conciseness required for policy briefs and other policy-related writing. The assessment is designed to build students’ confidence and competence in addressing complex policy issues that require multi-stakeholder engagement.

General Notes

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