Ecological Economics MSc | School of Earth and Environment

Overview

Join one of the largest and most renowned centres of ecological economics research in the world on a course that challenges conventional thinking and introduces a real-world approach to teaching economics.

The course is based in the School of Earth and Environment with some of the modules being taught by the Leeds University Business School.

It reflects a new approach to teaching economics that focuses on real-world problems and integrates a wide range of different perspectives.

Many of the most serious environmental and social problems that we face can be traced to root causes in our economic system.

On this course, you'll develop an understanding of how economic activity gives rise to environmental and social problems, and be introduced to the main tools to tackle them.

You can combine modules that help you build strong conceptual foundations in ecological and environmental economics, with specialist modules in heterodox economics and sustainability.

The course is ideal if you have an interest in economic issues with a focus on their social and environmental consequences, but you don't need to have completed a previous degree in economics.

Course highlights

Study topics ranging from the value of ecosystem services to managing an economy without growth.
Learn analytical tools such as input-output analysis and system dynamics.
Gain skills that are in demand by organisations ranging from government and academia to international NGOs and social enterprises, and have access to career opportunities through our vibrant alumni community.
Potentially carry-out your research dissertation project with a partner organisation. This collaborative arrangement is designed to help you to deliver research that generates a real-world impact, while at the same time creating high employment prospects.

Programme Team

You will be taught by a world-leading team of economists and social scientists from within the School of Earth and Environment and the Leeds University Business School.

Instructors are part of some of the UK’s most important research centres:

The course is led by Dr Dan O’Neill, an ecological economist whose work on achieving a prosperous economy without growth is known internationally.

Course content

You are expected to complete 8 modules (5 compulsory plus 3 optional) and a research dissertation.

You'll have 2 semesters of lectures and seminars followed by approximately 4 months of individual work leading to the submission of a dissertation in late August.

You can potentially carry-out your research dissertation project with a partner organisation. This collaborative arrangement is designed to help you to deliver research that generates a real-world impact, while at the same time creating high employment prospects.

When completed on a full-time basis, this Masters is a 12-month course split into 3 semesters. When undertaken on a part-time basis, the course runs for 2 years with 2 taught modules completed in each semester.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Ecological Economics MSc Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Ecological Economics MSc Part Time in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Research Methods 15 credits
Research Project 60 credits
Introduction to Ecological Economics 15 credits
Environmental Economics and Policy 15 credits
Introduction to Sustainability 15 credits
Tools and Techniques in Ecological Economics 15 credits

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Macroeconomics 15 credits
Economics of Globalisation and the International Economy 15 credits
Econometrics 15 credits
Global Economic Coordination and Governance 15 credits
Distributional Analysis in Economic Development 15 credits
Behavioural Economics 15 credits
Money, Monetary Policy and the Global Financial Crisis 15 credits
Business, Environment and Sustainability 15 credits
Environmental Policy and Governance 15 credits
Critical Perspectives in Environment and Development 15 credits
Climate Change: Impacts and Adaptation 15 credits
Climate Change Mitigation 15 credits
Welfare Economics and Cost-Benefit Analysis 15 credits

Learning and teaching

You'll learn through a variety of teaching methods including lectures, discussion seminars, computer-based practicals, presentations, one-to-one supervision, group projects, and self-led study.

Teaching is research-led so that you are learning about and working on real-world problems, using cutting-edge research approaches and data in practical applications.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You'll be assessed through a variety of ways including essays, group and individual projects, presentations, computer-based practicals and exams.

Applying, fees and funding

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or above in social sciences, natural sciences, environmental studies, economics, management, engineering or a related subject.

Applicants with a 2:2 will be considered on a case by case basis where applicants can demonstrate relevant work experience or aptitude in a relevant specialist field. Graduates from other disciplines and those with professional experience in the sector will also be considered.

All applicants will need to have GCSE English language at grade C or above, or an appropriate English language qualification.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks).

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.

How to apply

Apply (Full time)

Apply (Part time)

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Environment Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy 2020

Fees

UK/EU: £9,500 (total)
International: £21,500 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are available.

Career opportunities

There is an increasing demand for professionals with an interdisciplinary understanding of economics as it applies to real-world environmental and social problems.

You will learn the skills to pursue a successful career in government, business, or in a non-governmental organisation. Many of our graduates also pursue a research career and continue on to a PhD.

This Masters is ideal if you are looking to build upon a previous degree in the social or natural sciences, by developing an understanding of economics. It is designed to equip you with both a conceptual and applied understanding of critical issues in economics and sustainability.

Careers support

We offer extra support and activities to help you stand out in your chosen field and achieve your career goals.

The School of Earth and Environment has a strong commitment to enhancing student employability and has its own dedicated Employability Officer. Read more about our careers and employability.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.