Directed Readings in Economics 1

15 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department

Directed Readings in Economics II

15 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department

Time Series and Stochastic Processes

Analysis of sequentially collected data including data modelling and forecasting techniques.

15 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department

STAT456

Econometrics II-600

This course teaches advanced skills in practical econometrics. Our coverage will include the following topics: OLS, FGLS, robust standard errors, panel data, Stata programming, writing .do files, Monte Carlo experiments, bootstrapping, model selection, and exercises in data cleaning. While the course will present some theory, the emphasis in this class is on doing. A distinctive characteristic of the class is that we will illustrate key concepts using computer simulations so that students can "see" the practical consequences of the issues they are studying. Students will develop their own Monte Carlo experiments to investigate econometric questions.

15 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

ECON324

Microeconomic Analysis

Application of fundamental mathematical techniques for modelling standard economic problems.

15 points

Subject to approval of Head of Department

ECON321

Macro and Monetary Economics

Monetary economics, financial crises, economic growth.

15 points

Subject to approval of Head of Department

ECON326

Financial Economics

The economics of finance with applications to asset valuation, corporate finance, and portfolio management. ECON 618 students will be expected to apply advanced theories to these concepts.

15 points

Subject to approval of Head of Department

ECON331

Advanced Econometrics

In econometrics, one often gives a causal interpretation to estimated coefficients. Unfortunately, in most cases such causal interpretation is not warranted. In this course, we will focus on the difference between causality and correlation and study analytical approaches that aim for causal estimates. Techniques covered include randomized controlled trials / experiments, matching estimators, regression discontinuity design, difference-in-difference estimators, instrumental variable estimators, event studies, and synthetic control estimators. The course will cover both theory and applications using R.

15 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

ECON601

Monetary Economics: Theory

This course surveys a number of important topics in monetary and financial theory. A few topics such as the implementation of monetary policy in New Zealand and the theory of the banking firm draw heavily on microeconomics. The lectures cover topics ranging from asymmetric information in credit markets to the term structure of interest rates. The topical nature of the course is brought out by a discussion of macroprudential and microprudential regulation, the behavior of banks in a low-interest rate environment, and the changing nature of financing decisions by firms since the Global Financial crisis.

15 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

FINC641

Monetary Economics: Policy

The focus of this course is on the conduct of optimal monetary policy in open and closed economies. Various issues in monetary policy under uncertainty are explored. A great deal of attention is devoted to issues pertaining to rules vs. discretion in policy-making. We address topics as diverse as interest rate pegs, nominal income targeting vs. price level/ inflation targeting, collection of seigniorage, central bank independence, and others.

15 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department

Advanced International Finance

This course introduces students to selected relevant topics in international finance. It will familiarise students with the analytical techniques needed to understand different theoretical issues and evaluate the empirical performance of the models. The main topics covered in this course are exchange rate movements, current account determination, foreign exchange intervention and volatility, sovereign debt and crisis, financial development, financial liberalisation and international capital flows, currency crisis, banking system stability and systemic risk, and the role of international institutions like the IMF.

15 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department. RP: ECON344 or FINC344

FINC643

International Trade

This course explains why countries trade goods and services, patterns of trade, and the consequences of trade and of trade interventions. It extends the basic theory of international trade to more complex, interesting and empirically relevant cases. It will provide students with an advanced understanding of the core of modern trade theory, from both positive and normative perspectives.

15 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department

Health Economics

The application of microeconomic and empirical tools to the study of health and medical care. Topics covered include: the differences between health care markets and other markets; the asymmetric relationships between patients, insurance companies, and physicians; the production of health; the effects of various policies and treatment regimens; health-related behaviour, including addiction; and the supply side of the health care market.

15 points

Experimental Economics

This course will provide students with an in-depth treatment of this increasingly popular method for testing and stimulating economic theory. The course aims to equip students in three main areas: to become familiar with experimental methods; learn some major areas of applications; and critically evaluate the potential and limitations of laboratory experimental research.

15 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

Internship or Consultancy Project

An internship or consultancy project is an opportunity to experience a professional work environment. You are expected to develop a good understanding of a sector, market or organisation. The work you submit will show an application of the tools, ideas or concepts of economics. You will be required to reflect critically on the requirements of transitioning from an academic to a work environment and the skills valued in a professional workplace. You will also need to provide a critical analysis of the work undertaken.

15 points

Subject to Head of Department approval

FINC679

Research Exercise

This course forms the research component of the BCom(Hons), BSc(Hons) and BA(Hons) degrees in Economics.

30 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department

MA Thesis

120 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

Economics Masters Dissertation

This forms the research component of the MA in Economics.

60 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department

ECON680

MA Dissertation

MA Dissertation

60 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

MCom Thesis

MCom Thesis

90 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

MCom Thesis

120 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

Economics Masters Thesis

120 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.