Course summary

Many of the most serious environmental and social problems that we face can be traced to root causes in our economic system. Globally, we’re moving towards a more sustainable way of living — and impacts on the environment have become pertinent challenges each and every nation is facing. That’s why experts in ecological economics are in huge demand to help resolve the bigger issues in everything from carbon emissions to deforestation, overfishing to species extinctions. Our Ecological Economics MSc will equip you with the expertise and skills in understanding how economic activity gives rise to environmental and social problems and be introduced to the main tools to tackle them. This course challenges conventional thinking and introduces a real-world approach to teaching economics, focusing on critical problems whilst integrating a wide range of different perspectives. You’ll be taught by leading industry experts and academics from the School of Earth and Environment with some modules being delivered by the Leeds University Business School — both of which conduct internationally excellent research that feeds directly into the course. This means you’ll be learning industry-relevant, topical knowledge and developing a specialist skill set sought after by reputable corporations worldwide, opening the door to many career paths in areas like climate change, conservation, research, resource management and beyond. Why study at Leeds:

• Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas in ecological economics including the value of ecosystem services and managing an economy without growth.

• Tailor your degree to suit your career interests with a broad selection of optional modules available in industry-relevant topics like climate change, econometrics, global economic coordination and behavioural economics.

• Conduct your own individual research project as part of your course and gain industry experience in researching and delivering a project that focuses on a real-world problem and allows you to explore your specific interests.

• Access research-grade equipment and specialist facilities that will enhance your learning

• Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching delivered by a programme team who are leading economists and social scientists from within the School of Earth and Environment and the Leeds University Business School.

• Enhance your career prospects and gain skills that are in demand by organisations ranging from government and academia to international NGOs and social enterprises.

• Find out if this course is right for you by trying our Environmental Challenges collection — a five-part series of free online courses.

• Join one of our societies, such as SusSoc, where you can meet like-minded people at events such as socials and sports.