This module equips you with the theoretical tools to investigate recent developments in modern economies. It adopts a pluralist view of economic theory, allowing you to understand debates between different approaches and develop skills to apply your learning to real-world problems.
The module consists of four blocks. The first three focus on economic theory, applications, and research methods used by economists to investigate real-world issues. In the final block, you will apply these methods in your own research project.
Block 1: Growth and inequality
You'll begin by exploring economic theories designed to explain the factors driving economic growth and various types of inequalities across countries, social groups, and different types of workers. You’ll learn to construct and test hypotheses using statistical methods, how to conduct a literature review, and get introduced to the final project.
Block 2: Innovation and market power
This block examines the impact of firms on the economy as key agents in capitalist systems. You’ll learn how competition drives firms to become more efficient and innovative through new products, improved processes, and new organisational forms. You’ll also explore how firms can hinder efficiency and innovation if they become too large and powerful, and how governments design policies to improve competition and innovation. Additionally, you’ll learn to analyse quantitative data using econometric modelling, apply qualitative research methods, and conduct research ethically.
Block 3: Environment
In Block 3, you’ll learn how to use economic theories and techniques to analyse environmental problems caused by human activities and evaluate policies that could reduce ecological damage. You’ll learn about integrating economic and social systems with the planet's biophysical system, techniques for valuing environmental goods and services, and how fiscal and monetary policies can improve environmental outcomes, especially regarding climate change. By the end of this block, you’ll be prepared to submit a research plan for your final project and will have expanded your knowledge of research methods.
Block 4: Project work
In the last weeks of the module, you'll complete a project of your choice, which will serve as your end-of-module assessment.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You'll be provided with a printed module book for each block of study and have access to a module website, which includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
DD320 is a compulsory module in our:
DD320 is an option module in our:
Doing economics: inequalities, innovation and environment starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2036.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
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We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
