Course summary
The MSc in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics gives you the opportunity to fully explore the economic realities of the Earth’s environmental challenges with the focus on climate change, and takes an in-depth look at the crucial issue of the management of its natural resources. You will study a range of core modules on advanced macroeconomics and microeconomics, environmental and climate economics and natural resource economics covering topics such as ecological systems over time, natural resource constraints and fisheries and forests. You will also choose from a selection of optional modules and complete a dissertation, in the form of an in-depth investigation of a specific subject you've already studied as part of your programme. You will be taught by world-class academics from Durham University Business School, which is one of an elite group of institutions to be accredited by three major business education accreditation bodies, namely: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS). As an economics student you will be part of an academic department with an international reputation for research and teaching excellence. To further support your study, the School has made significant investment in acquiring state-of-the-art database resources, including Thomson Reuters, Bloomberg, Datastream and Orbis, that will give you access to live and historical data relating to the financial records of millions of companies worldwide, adding valuable insight to your research. International Opportunities: Dissertation Abroad, Summer School. Practitioner insights - Guest Speaker Programme. Pre-sessional Introduction to Economics The course is entirely optional, but we strongly recommend prospective students, with a first degree not in Economics, to fully engage with the course to make the transition as smooth as possible. The course can also serve as a refresher for economists who have graduated a time ago.
Modules
Course structure Core modules: Advanced Macroeconomics develops your knowledge and analytical skills in topics featuring growth theory, business cycle theory, analysis modelling, monetary theory and their applications. Advanced Microeconomics enhances your knowledge and analytical skills in areas such as consumer theory, producer theory, decision-making under risk and uncertainty, incentives and strategic behaviour, market equilibrium, general equilibrium and welfare economics. Environmental and Climate Economics provides advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the economic aspects of environmental problems, with a particular focus on climate change and the specialist economic tools used to analyse and solve those problems. Natural Resource Economics examines issues related to natural resource management including an introduction to the constraints and will offer in-depth analysis of ecological systems over time, population models, renewable and non-renewable resources and fisheries and forests. Econometric Analysis provides some of the econometrics skills necessary to pursue empirical research in economics and provides a grounding for understanding the more advanced econometric techniques to be taught in the second term of the course. The Dissertation is an in-depth investigation of a specific subject you've already studied as part of your programme. Supervised by a faculty member, this is an opportunity for you to develop your insight and present your analysis and ideas in a scholarly and professional manner. There is also the opportunity to undertake your dissertation abroad at a partner university. Examples of optional modules: Time-Series Analysis; Microeconometrics; Behavioural Economics; Development Economics; Experimental Economics; Game Theory; Industrial Organisation; International Trade and Finance; Money and Banking; Language module offered by the Centre for Foreign Language Studies.
Assessment method
Delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, involving the study of core and elective modules, and a 12,000-word dissertation. Lectures provide key content of a particular topic, occasionally delivered by guest speakers who are internationally recognised academic experts or practitioners in their field. Seminars provide the opportunity for smaller groups of students to discuss and debate issues based on the knowledge gained through lectures and independent study. Practicals are medium-sized group sessions, where you will work on topics from lectures and seminars, with some sessions including the opportunity to use industry standard computer software. Outside of timetabled contact hours, you will be expected to carry out independent study in preparation for teaching sessions, assignments and exams. Assessment is thorough and ongoing throughout the course. It is conducted by means of assignments, exams and a major 12,000-word dissertation, which requires you to carry out independent research and develop your skills in writing and analysis with support from a supervisor. Outside of timetabled contact hours, you will be expected to carry out a significant amount of independent study in preparation for assignments and other forms of assessment including exams.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
The equivalent of a UK first or upper second class honours degree with evidence on your degree transcript of strong grades in statistical modules in your second, third or fourth year and that your programme contained an Economics component.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £13500 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £13500 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £13500 | Year 1 |
Wales | £13500 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £13500 | Year 1 |
EU | £26000 | Year 1 |
International | £26000 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £26000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE