Taxation and Welfare

Module Code: ECP77333

ECTS Credit: 5
Mandatory/Optional: Elective Module
Period: Semester 3
Module Coordinator: Dr. Karina Doorley
Teaching Staff: Dr. Karina Doorley, Dr. Claire Keane, Dr. Barra Roantree

Module Content

This module will examine the design of the tax, welfare and pensions system, with a focus on the effects it has on individuals, redistribution and incentives to work. Students will be introduced to microsimulation, a tool widely used by policy makers and researchers to simulate the impact of actual or proposed reforms on households.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

MLO12.1 Demonstrate the rationale for taxation and government spending on pensions and welfare
MLO12.2 Explain who pays taxes and receives benefit or pension payments

MLO12.3 Assess how payments and taxes redistribute income and affect the decisions of individuals and households

MLO12.4 Simulate changes to the tax-benefit system using microsimulation

MLO12.5 Interpret the effects of proposed or actual policy reforms on individuals, redistribution and incentives