Ecological Economics

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.

Why study at Leeds:

Benefit from our globally-renowned research conducted right here in our School of Earth and Environment and Leeds University Business School. Our research feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in ecological economics.

Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas in ecological economics, with the option to specialise in ecological macroeconomics or values and governance.

Learn to think like an expert ecological economist. Conduct your own individual research project as part of your course and gain experience in researching and delivering a project that focuses on a real-world problem and allows you to explore your specific interests.

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.