Ecological Economics MSc

The MSc consists of 6 taught modules, followed by a period of dissertation project work. The study tour, which takes place in Spring, is also an integral part of the programme.

Two modules are compulsory:

The aim of this module is to provide a theoretical grounding in economics from first principles, therein exploring the fundamental principles of efficiency in the distribution of resources in society. Virtually all decision-making in the socio-environmental domain is affected by these principles.

The module covers not only conventional (neo-classical) economics but also criticisms of this dominant paradigm. In order to criticise, it is first important to understand: this module provides a conceptual understanding of economics and uses case studies to discuss applications in practice. No prior knowledge of economics is assumed.

The module is presented in four interlinked sections. 1) an introduction to the development and ideology of ecological economics 2) using modelling to analyse real world problems 3) sustainability and environmental valuation - how we achieve it and how we measure our achievement 4) case studies in ecological economics.

The module aims to examine the links between economic and ecological systems in order to enhance economic and environmental policy; apply the economic tools and approaches to solve real world environmental problems; examine alternative approaches to the traditional neo-classical economic view of human interaction with the environment.

A further four modules are chosen from a range of options:

• Project Appraisal
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Culture, Ethics and Environment
• Principles of Environmental Sustainability
• Management of Sustainable Development
• Environment and Development
• International Development
• Society and Development
• Recent Global Environmental Change
• Atmospheric Quality and Global Change
• Principles of GIS
• Water Resource Management
• Waste Reduction and Recycling
• Participation in Policy and Planning
• Land Use/Environment Interactions
• Rural Development

The above modules are delivered by a range of departments across the University of Edinburgh and SRUC including The Centre for Environmental Change and Sustainability, the College of Humanities & Social Science, and the College of Science and Engineering.

A compulsory part of the Programme is the MSc study tour which normally takes place in April or May. The objectives of this study tour are:

• to see conflict between ecosystem conservation and human development needs on the ground
• to discuss with local stakeholders why these conflicts have arisen and persisted
• to appraise the policy instruments and institutional structures that are in place/could be put in place to resolve these conflicts
• to link this appraisal with ecological economics theory.

Read about the 2013 Study tour to Tanzania.

The taught component of each course, leading to the Postgraduate Diploma, comprises 6 modules studied over a period of 9 months, starting in October. Each course is made up of core modules, together with recommended and elective modules chosen with the approval of the Director of the programme. This is followed by a period of dissertation project work.