Ecological Economics MSc

Course overview

Many of our most serious environmental and social problems arise because economic activity is treated as though it were independent of society and the environment. Ecological economics views them as deeply intertwined. That framing underpins analyses that address problems ranging from local concerns over justice and environmental governance to the global crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Our Ecological Economics MSc will equip you with expertise and skills to understand how economic activity gives rise to environmental and social problems. You’ll be introduced to some of the key tools to tackle those problems. This course takes a real-world approach to teaching economics, focusing on critical problems whilst integrating a range of different perspectives.

We offer two distinct pathways tailored to different interests and potential careers: Ecological Macroeconomics develops relevant skills used in policy analysis and finance; while the Values and Governance pathway has been developed for those interested in economic, social and environmental justice.

You’ll be taught by leading 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 knowledge and developing a specialist skill set sought after by employers worldwide, opening the door to many career paths in areas like sustainability, policymaking, research, resource management — and beyond.

Applying

Entry requirements

Applicants with any of the following will be considered on a case-by-case basis:

• A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons), or equivalent, where applicants can demonstrate relevant work experience or aptitude in a relevant specialist field.
• Professional qualifications and relevant experience.

International

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 also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

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.

This Masters degree 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’s designed to equip you with both a conceptual and applied understanding of critical issues in economics and sustainability.

You’ll 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.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

Here are examples of job positions and organisations graduates from our School worked in after graduation:

• Consultant, Carbon Intelligence
• Local Transport Solutions Officer, Development Trust Association Scotland
• Economist, Natural England
• Assistant Project Manager, Network Rail
• Business Development Manager, Cofely UK – GDF SUEZ
• Senior Policy Analyst, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment