58勛圖

PP5020 Education Policy

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Thurs 10am - 12 noon

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof D A Jaeger

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Prof David Jaeger

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module examines how education policies affect learning, adult outcomes, and inequality through their impact on the educational production function and access to higher education. The module focuses on the role of key policy instruments such as early childhood interventions, school resources, teacher policy, accountability systems, and higher education finance. Emphasis is placed on the use of quantitative methods and causal evidence to evaluate policy effectiveness, drawing on findings from randomised controlled trials and natural experiments. Students will develop the ability to interpret empirical research, assess cost-effectiveness, and critically evaluate the design and implementation of education reforms. The module equips students with the analytical skills required to formulate evidence-based education policy recommendations in domestic and international contexts.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS PP5001 AND PASS PP5002 AND PASS PP5004

Assessment pattern

Coursework= 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework= 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 hour seminar (x 10 weeks)

Intended learning outcomes

  • Analyse education policies using quantitative data to assess their effects on learning outcomes and adult economic outcomes.
  • Interpret and evaluate causal empirical evidence from randomised and natural experiments in education research.
  • Assess the cost-effectiveness and distributional impacts of education policies, with particular attention to inequality and social mobility.
  • Apply economic theory and policy evaluation methods to understand the educational production function and the role of key policy instruments.