Course unit details:
The Chinese Economy

Course unit fact file
Unit code ECON30102
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 3
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Offered by Economics
Available as a free choice unit? Yes

Overview

The aims of this course are:

(i) to provide an overview of the Chinese economy; (ii) to discuss the different perspectives on the current issues of the Chinese economy; (iii) to evaluate the problems and potentials of Chinese economy; (iv) to familiarise students with the economic/business environment in China; (v) to apply economic theories to a real economy.

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title Unit code Requirement type Description
Principles of Microeconomic Theory 1: Consumers, Welfare, Production and Costs ECON10171 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
Macroeconomic Analysis 1 ECON10181 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
Microeconomics 1 ECON10221 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
Macroeconomics 1 ECON10241 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
Macroeconomics 1 ECON10252 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
Microeconomics 1 ECON10331 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
(ECON10221 and ECON10252) or (ECON10331 and ECON10241) or (ECON10171 and ECON10181)

(ECON10221 Micro 1 and ECON10252 Macro 1) or (ECON10331 Micro 1 and ECON10241 Macro 1) or (ECON10171 Micro Analysis 1 and ECON10181 Macro Analysis 1)

Aims

The aims of this course are:

  1. To provide an overview of the Chinese economy.
  2. To discuss the different perspectives on the current issues of the Chinese economy.
  3. To evaluate the problems and potentials of Chinese economy.
  4. To familiarise students with the economic/business environment in China.
  5. To apply economic theories to a real economy.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, successful students will be able to:

  1. Gain an understanding of Chinese economic history.
  2. Explore the degree and characteristics of China's transition and economic development.
  3. Identify the major economic problems China is facing today and consider potential solutions.
  4. Be familiar with and have a clear understanding of the current hot discussions about China.
     

Syllabus

Provisional

Topic 1: Chinese Economic History before 1949.
Topic 2: Economic Development from 1949 to 1978 and the Reforms since 1978. 
Topic 3: International Trade and Structural Transformation
Topic 4: Banking and Financial System in China. 
Topic 5: Income Distribution in China. 
Topic 6: Labour Market in China.
Topic 7: Growth Accounting and Growth Potential.

Teaching and learning methods

Synchronous activities (such as Lectures or Review and Q&A sessions, and tutorials), and guided self-study

Employability skills

Analytical skills
Skills of analysis, and the application of analytical models. The evaluation and critical analysis of arguments, theories and policies. Synthesise and evaluate data.
Research
Independently locate and assess relevant literature, and to draw on these to develop understanding and to construct arguments.
Other
Manage time and work to deadlines.

Assessment methods

10% In-Term Tests x 2 (5% each).

90% Final Exam 
 

Feedback methods

  • Tutorial discussion.
  • Q&As.
  • Revision sessions.
  • Office hours.
  • Discussion boards.

Recommended reading

  • Naughton, Barry., (2007), The Chinese Economy: Transitions and Growth, Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press.
  • Lin, Justin Yifu., (2011), Demystifying the Chinese Economy, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
     

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Xiaobing Wang Unit coordinator

Additional notes

For every 10 course unit credits we expect students to work for around 100 hours. This time generally includes any contact times (online or face to face, recorded and live), but also independent study, work for coursework, and group work. This amount is only a guidance and individual study time will vary

Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £34,800 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.

Learn more about student finance options for UK students.

Learn more about fees and finance for international students.

As an international student you may be eligible for our Global Futures Scholarships. This is open to students starting their studies in September 2026.

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