Module: Urban & Regional Economics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Urban & Regional Economics
Module Code	ECO1016 (ITS: EF333)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will introduce students to principal theories in Urban and Regional Economics. The module will address the role of market forces and government policy in shaping the physical spatial structure and growth of cities and regions. Economic models addressing social problems and their interrelation with the physical environment will be examined. Students will draw on empirical evidence to assess theoretical models.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate understanding of the processes through which urban and regional spatial economic structures emerge.
2. Apply economic theories to investigate societal issues within cities and regions; e.g. the complex relationship between multinational subsidiaries and regions.
3. Evaluate urban and regional growth and development policies.
4. Assess theoretical urban and regional economics models in the light of empirical evidence.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lecture attendance
Independent Study	48	Preparatory reading for lectures
Independent Study	33	Project: planning, research and write up
Directed learning	20	Exam preparation
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20252	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Declan Curran	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group presentation	Student groups select a case-study region and assess the key features in the economic development of that region.	20%	Week 25
Written Exam	Review questions (2 from 4) in which students demonstrate their ability to critically discuss urban and regional economic issues covered within the module.	50%	Sem 2 End
Essay	Students critically discuss prominent theories of regional development.	30%	Week 20

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Market forces in the development of cities and regions
Why do cities exist? What determines their development and hierarchy? Where do cities develop?

Land rent and land use patterns
How are activities arranged within cities and regions? How do government policies affect the land use pattern?

Regional labour markets
Regional disparities in employment and growth. Factors promoting convergence in labour market outcomes. The European context.

Transport policy
Transport infrastructure and regional development. Congestion pricing, second best solutions and social acceptance.

Local/Regional Government and finance
Property taxes and local public expenditure. Tax setting policies in a context of local competition and cross subsidisation.

Housing and poverty
Special characteristics of the housing market. Segregation. Gentrification. Geographic and social mobility.

Crime
Economic model of crime and crime prevention strategies.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Pike, A., Rodriguez-Pose, A., and J. Tomaney: 2016, Local and Regional Development, 2, Routledge,
Philip McCann: 2013, Modern Urban and Regional Economics, 2nd, 0199582009
Mary E. Edwards: 2007, Regional and urban economics and economic development, Auerbach Publications, Boca Raton, FL, 978-0849383175
Jan K. Brueckner: 2011, Lectures on Urban Economics, MIT Press, 296, 978-0-262-01636-0

Articles:

0: Further readings provided during semester,

Other Resources

None