Duncan Watson

Duncan, a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, is primarily a labour economist. While he remains dedicated to this domain, his recent research has taken a more unconventional direction. He has ventured beyond typical economic parameters, applying labour theory to a variety of unique subjects that many consider outside the conventional scope of the field. His innovative, interdisciplinary studies encompass areas such as the integration of economic psychology with housing demand modeling, the use of firm organization theory in addressing skill shortages, examining the effect of military spending on labour demand, and researching the implications of labour market inefficiencies on financial sector expenses.

Duncan is deeply involved in researching the student experience in education. He has contributed to the field of economics education with publications on curriculum design to optimise student engagement and a comprehensive overview of diverse assessment methods, from seminar evaluations and reflective exercises to group assessments and online discussion boards, all aimed at enriching the learning experience for students.

My research centres on enhancing Pedagogical Content Knowledge, which commits to advancing both disciplinary and educational research methodologies. The disciplinary aspect of my work draws on applied economics to empirically test hypotheses across a broad spectrum of issues, avoiding an overly narrow focus within the field. Meanwhile, my burgeoning work in pedagogical research examines the impact of teaching-only contracts on student experiences and emphasises the significance of economic pluralism. This approach advocates for diverse teaching methodologies, enriching student options for learning economics and fostering a more inclusive educational environment.