Intermediate Macroeconomics
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This course builds on your introductory knowledge of national income accounting, calculus, statistics, and spreadsheet analysis. For those eager to deepen their toolkit, there will be optional pathways into econometrics, matrix algebra, and coding.
Classes will combine instructor-led teaching with interactive group discussions. Some sessions will be dedicated entirely to problem-solving or collaborative research – ideal preparation for in-class exams and final essays.
We’ll tackle both theoretical and real-world macroeconomic questions. The theory component spans a broad spectrum: from foundational models like the multiplier-accelerator and basic Keynesian demand-supply analysis, through the Solow growth model, and on to modern frameworks including Real Business Cycle theory and New Keynesian DSGE models. Along the way, we’ll explore how these models help us understand the world around us. Expect to engage with contemporary debates such as:
- Are GDP and other macro data reliable?
- How to model the impact of AI on trends and cycles?
- What are the key macro ingredients for economic success?
- How are financial markets and macro outcomes linked?
- Is policy uncertainty good or bad for the economy?
- What exactly is R-Star – and why does it matter?
- Are public sector debt burdens out of control?
- How do large-scale macro models feed into policy decisions?
Designed for anyone curious about current policy debates or keen to strengthen their analytical skills, this course offers a challenging but rewarding deep dive into modern macroeconomics.
Money & Banking
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If you are aiming for a finance career, want to sharpen your investing instincts, or are just curious about what makes the economy tick, this course will give you a strong foundation. Money & Banking is not just for economics majors: it teaches real-world citizen skills: how to borrow and invest wisely, spot scams, and stay clear-headed amid fintech hype and crypto jargon.
This course is designed for students with little background in economics or mathematics – but with plenty of curiosity and a willingness to pick up key tools for financial analysis. You will learn practical techniques such as basic financial accounting, discounted present value, and core statistical concepts like standard deviations, covariances, and correlations.
Classes combine instructor-led teaching with group discussions, hands-on problem-solving, role-playing simulations, and collaborative research projects. These activities help prepare you for exams and other summative assessments, while also developing your critical thinking and communication skills.
The course includes some historical context: the origins of money, the rise of central banks, early attempts at global monetary coordination, and the evolution of financial regulation. But most of our time will be spent tackling pressing, real-world questions that shape today’s financial landscape. Topics will include:
- What is the difference between debt and equity?
- Are Bitcoins and Stablecoins actually money? What is Tokenisation all about?
- Are traditional banks becoming obsolete? Is modern banking safe – both traditional and “shadow”? Why such a fuss about private markets?
- How do interest rates and mortgage repayments really work?
- Can financial crises be predicted – or prevented? Why does bank regulation matter? Are recent relaxations of capital rules dangerous?
- How do futures and swaps work? What is the difference between hedging and speculation?
- How do market pros try to “read the tea leaves” of Fed policy? What is the new Fed chairman seeking to achieve?
- Is the US dollar losing its global dominance? What foreign currency arrangements work best?
Finance and civilisation have been joined at the hip for thousands of years. It is because both are ultimately about trust, promises, transparency, and accountability. Understanding those basic principles, albeit with a money and banking focus, will help you navigate modern life – and contribute to a healthier society.