(Full time / Part time) 2022 start
Ecological Economics MSc
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
Join one of the largest and most renowned centres of ecological economics research on a course that challenges conventional thinking and introduces a real-world approach to teaching economics.
Our Ecological Economics Masters degree 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.
Programme team
Dr Dan O'Neill is Programme Leader for Ecological Economics, Associate Professor within the Sustainability Research Institute, and the President of the European Society for Ecological Economics. His research focuses on the changes that would be needed to achieve a sustainable economy within planetary boundaries and the relationships between resource use and human well-being.
The wider programme team is made up of leading economists and social scientists from within the School of Earth and Environment and the Leeds University Business School. Many are members of the UK’s most important research centres, such as:
Online taster courses
Our Environmental Challenges collection is a five-part series of free online courses, delivered via FutureLearn. Ideal for current undergraduate students or mid-career professionals considering a Masters degree, this series explores how environmental management policies are developed and the challenges surrounding their formulation.
Course content
You are expected to complete eight modules (four compulsory plus four optional) and a research dissertation.
You'll have two semesters of lectures and seminars followed by approximately four months of individual work leading to the submission of a dissertation in late August.
When completed on a full-time basis, this Masters is a 12-month course split into three semesters. When undertaken on a part-time basis, the course runs for two years with two 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.
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
- Tools and Techniques in Ecological Economics 15 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Community Ecology 15 credits
- Macroeconomics 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
- Economics of Wellbeing 15 credits
- Issues and Cases in Corporate Social Responsibility 15 credits
- Environmental Policy and Governance 15 credits
- Critical Perspectives in Environment and Development 15 credits
- Climate Change: Physical Science Basis 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.
You will be assigned a personal tutor, who will maintain contact with you throughout the year and offer pastoral guidance. They will help you to settle into the university and clarify any procedures, as well as helping you prepare for employment on graduation. You will also receive administrative support from SEE’s dedicated Student Education Support office.
Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.
You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.
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) 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.
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.
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).
We are now offering online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. To find out more, read Online Academic English pre-sessional (10 weeks) and Online Academic English pre-sessional (6 weeks).
Read about differences between our online and on-campus summer pre-sessionals.
If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
How to apply
Application deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
29 July 2022 – International applicants
9 September 2022 – UK applicants
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
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023
Fees
- UK: £11,250 (total)
- International: £23,750 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
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
Because we recognise the value of field experience the school heavily subsidises or covers the transport and accommodation costs for all compulsory taught field courses.
We hope to run our fieldwork activities as planned for the 22/23 academic year, but it might not be possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are continually reviewing the situation and will communicate any decisions to applicants and offer holders at the earliest possible opportunity.
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.
Career opportunities
A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a job.
University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2022, High Fliers’ Research.
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
At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.
You’ll have access to the wide range of careers resources and support from your Careers Service. You’ll have the chance to attend industry presentations, book appointments with qualified careers consultants and take part in employability workshops and webinars. Our careers fairs provide further opportunities to explore your career options with some of the UKs leading employers.
You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.
There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.