MSc Environmental Economics: The University of Manchester

Course description

This course aims to provide a balanced and rigorous training in modern theories and techniques in environmental economics at the postgraduate level.

It provides training for those aiming to be environmental economists in national and international public (Defra, FSA, Environment Agency, OECD, etc) and private institutions including environmental consultancies. The course also serves as a sound foundation from which to embark on a PhD Programme in environmental economics.

Students are introduced to key concepts, ideas, tools and techniques via core and optional course units, and have the opportunity to combine and develop their skills in writing a dissertation.

By the end of the course, you should be able to critically engage with the current theory and practice in environmental economics. You will be able to develop approaches and models of your own, based on the environmental problem at hand, from which to derive original results and offer a critique of existing theories and practice.

Module details

The course includes a rigorous combination of economic analytical tools applied to environmental topics. Students will learn about the theory & practice of natural resource use, valuation of environmental resources, & the economics of environmental policy.

There are 2 compulsory course units shared with the more general MSc Economics: Microeconomic Theory & Cross Section Econometrics. There are 3 compulsory course units specific to this pathway: Economics of Environmental Policy, Economy Ecology & Environment, & Environmental Valuation.

In addition, students take 3 approved optional course units from within Economics or from units taught by Politics, Development, Geography & Planning.

Students sponsored by the ESRC are requested to take the unit Research Design for Economists as 1 of their 3 optional units.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

• UK 2:1 (or overseas equivalent) in economics/econometrics or a related subject

In addition to the normal supporting documents, applicants must also supply a brief description of the course units taken in the 3 rd year on their undergraduate degree detailing core texts used. This does not have to be an official document. A paragraph for each course unit taken will be sufficient.

English language:

Applicants whose first language is not English must attain one of the following:

• IELTS - Overall 7, writing score  7
• TOEFL - Overall 623, TWE 5 (PBT)
• TOEFL - Overall 263, TWE 5 (CBT).  This test is no longer available but results less than 2 years old can be submitted.
• TOEFL  - Overall 100, with 25 in each of the 4 sections (IBT)