Ecological Economics MSc
The following modules are available in 2023/24 for Ecological Economics MSc and are examples of the modules you are likely to study. All Modules are subject to change. You will study 180 credits in total.
Compulsory modules:
Research Methods – 15 credits
By the end of this module, you should be aware of what defines science as a knowledge production system as well as the existence of different research paradigms and strategies. You should understand relationships between theory, conceptualization, method, hypotheses or research questions, evidence and measurement in the context of social sciences, as well as issues related to objectivity, generalisability, reliability and utility of research.
Research Project – 60 credits
Using the knowledge that you have gained throughout your degree you will identify and develop a research question and complete a well-structured and fully-argued piece of work making use of appropriate primary and secondary sources and tools of analysis.
Introduction to Ecological Economics – 15 credits
The main objective of the module is to give you a good understanding of the basic concepts and terminology of ecological economics, and to inspire students to think differently about the relationship between economic activity and the environment. It provides a sound foundation in ecological economics that you can apply in your research or use as a base for more advanced study.
Environmental Economics and Policy – 15 credits
The module introduces the micro-economic approach to environmental issues, which conceptualises environmental problems as market failures leading to a loss of social welfare and environmental policies as interventions that seek to restore optimal allocation of resources. The module provides an overview of the key areas of environmental economics and will help you to develop an ability to interpret, analyse and assess in economic terms environmental issues and policies that you will encounter as part of your studies and career.
Tools and Techniques in Ecological Economics – 15 credits
This module aims to develop research skills to enable you to carry out quantitative research projects, which integrate environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainability. The content of this module is relevant to some of the most innovative and cutting edge research in ecological economics, effectively paving the way towards a systematic understanding of sustainability. This module will cover both top-down macro-economic approaches and bottom-up social and technical approaches, providing you with a broad foundation for your future work and research.
Optional modules include:
Macroeconomics – 15 credits
The module aims to provide you with an advanced treatment of macroeconomics topics to the level required to move into research or professional careers. It includes conflicting views of unemployment, money and inflation, together with debates and consensus in the design of macroeconomic policies, the links between distribution and macroeconomics and available empirical evidence.
Econometrics – 15 credits
This module aims to provide you with a solid theoretical understanding of a range of standard econometric techniques. Besides the standard regression techniques, the course provides students with an appreciation and understanding of econometric issues that may pose difficulties in econometric analyses, as well as techniques to overcome these issues.
Behavioural Economics – 15 credits
Behavioural Economics studies important deviations from the standard neoclassical model in terms of preferences, beliefs and decision-making. The aim of this module aims to provide an introduction to foundational concepts and theories in Behavioural Economics and their application to core issues in organisational economics and the theory of the firm (pay, incentives, authority, matching).
Issues and Cases in Corporate Social Responsibility – 15 credits
You will learn about the varying business and corporate social responsibility (CSR) requirements and link the theoretical basis of sustainable business and corporate responsibility to practical approaches and issues. You will explore various 'real-life' cases and be able to identify which management technique, within the field of sustainable business and CSR, is appropriate in various settings. Lastly, you will be able to identify, evaluate and provide appropriate solutions to the social aspects of sustainable business and CSR.
The full list of module information can be read in the course catalogue.