Module manager: Adrian Murton
Email: A.C.S.Murton@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is approved as a discovery module
The module focuses on changes in the structure of the economy and industry in the UK and elsewhere; examining issues of economic growth, questions of ownership, finance together with the changing nature of firms and economic activity. These are explored within the shifting contexts of the global economy. The final part of the module explores the role of regulation in terms of government policy towards industry and competition and enterprise.
The module aims to introduce students to the role played by institutions broadly defined in influencing and shaping economic activity. Specifically in supporting growth and in regulating areas of economic activity. It aims to develop a good knowledge of the structures and institutions of industry and to introduce a range of topical debates related to contemporary developments in institutions, and regulations and their impact on economic performance.
Upon completion of the module students will be able to:
- Assess the relevance and contribution of institutional factors to growth, enterprise and entrepreneurship in the economy
- Appreciate the various ways in which economic activity can be regulated and how government policies impact on the structure of UK industry and on competition and enterprise
- Demonstrate the ability to assess and analyse UK industry and sectoral performance over time.
Upon completion of the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate analytical skills and critical thinking
- Demonstrate global and cultural insight
- Illustrate commercial insight in evaluating the activities of institutional actors
- The ability to evaluate theory and evidence to support and argument
- Plan and organise work within time constraints
- Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
Topics to be covered will include;
The role of institutional factors in influencing growth and shaping economic activity generally
Changes in economic structures over time
Historical and comparative performance of economic sectors
Firms, their size, form, ownership and growth
Multinational firms; global supply chains and their implications for nation states
New forms of economic organisation: platforms, AI and regulation
The role of governments and other institutions in regulating economic activity: industrial and competition policy.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 84 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 16 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
This could include a variety of activities, such as reading, watching videos, question practice and exam preparation.
The module provides a number of opportunities for formative feedback. The first and main mechanism is through seminars, when questions, small case studies and debates are considered, discussed, analysed and evaluated. These relate to the core content and are relevant to the topics considered in the summative assessment.
In addition the module uses the Minerva platform to offer self-test questions, multiple-choice questions as well as the opportunity to practice answering questions from past exams.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S1) | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100 | |
The resit for this module will be 100% by 2-hour examination.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team