Ecological Economics

Ecological Economics
Awards Available: MSc/PgDip
Awarding University:
The University of Edinburgh
Mode of Study:
Full Time/Part Time
Course Duration:
1 year if studied full time

2 - 3 years
Start Date: September
Course Overview
Ecological Economics is the science and management of sustainability - linking environmental,
social and economic systems. Economic principles are applied in virtually all decisions
concerning conservation and environmental management, and the Ecological Economics
Masters focuses on how to make sustainability and environmental management work in practice
through the application of economic principles.
This MSc has been designed with a real-world focus, using tools and knowledge learned to
address genuine topical issues. The study tour, which is usually to East Africa, ensures practical
application of knowledge and the opportunity to experience Ecological Economics first hand.
Our approach to teaching and learning is to give students a diverse learning environment with
many opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning. This includes exposure to software and
data analysis, group work, learning through games and even activities like debates, in addition to
more traditional lectures.
Students further benefit from the Universitys Innovative Learning Week (ILW), where for one
week traditional teaching methods are suspended and our students are afford the unique
opportunity to take part in new, novel, and transdisciplinary learning. Overall, the programme
aims to provide rigorous academic training that also enhances prospects for employment in the
field of sustainability and conservation. Students will examine the biophysical and socio-cultural
limits to growth in the production and consumption that arises from economic activity and look at
the theoretical principles of ecological economics associated with these limits. These principles
are applied to multi-dimensional environmental problems and discussion and debate about
environmental controversies is encouraged.
On completion of the course graduates will:
Appreciate the systematic interaction between ecology, social systems and
economics, which is vital in finding solutions to contemporary environmental problems
Be able to examine and criticise how environmental and social policy is formulated
and implemented, in developed and developing world economies, in light of this

systematic interaction

Have developed skills in specialist topics linked to the students own interest
Developed skills that are in the top 15 most wanted in the environmental sector (as
described by the UK Natural Environment Research Council, 2012), including multi-
disciplinarily, sustainability science and planning, and risk and uncertainty analysis.
Postgraduate Prospectus / Ecological Economics

Programme Structure
The taught component of this programme, leading to the postgraduate diploma, comprises
of a mix of compulsory and optional courses from within the School of GeoSciences. The
optional courses are chosen with the approval of the Programme Director.
Students progressing to the MSc will undertake a further period of independent research
leading to the submission of a 20,000 word dissertation. Coursework is typically in the
form of written essays, but can also include a diversity of other assessments.

The PGDip is comprised of three compulsory courses:

Foundations in Ecological Economics
The aim of this course 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 course 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 course
provides a conceptual understanding of economics and uses case studies to discuss
applications in practice. No prior knowledge of economics is assumed.
Environmental Valuation
This is a new course that will focus on providing students with the key theoretical and
applied skills to critically appraise environmental valuation studies. This course will prepare
students to develop further skills in non-market valuation within their dissertations should
they so desire.
Applications in Ecological Economics
The course is presented in four interlinked sections:

an introduction to the development and ideology of ecological economics

using modelling to analyse real world problems
sustainability and environmental valuation - how we achieve it and how we measure
our achievement
case studies in ecological economics.

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

A further four courses are chosen from a range of options, such as:
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 courses are delivered by the School of Geosciences and SRUC.

Postgraduate Prospectus / Ecological Economics

MSc Project (taken following successful completion of taught courses)

For their dissertations, students carry out an individual research project focused on a theory,
idea, or problem within ecological economics under the supervisory guidance of at least one
member of staff from Scotlands Rural College (SRUC) or the University of Edinburgh. MSc
dissertations are up to 20,000 words in length and are submitted on or before an assigned
date in August.
The range of topics chosen (and the methodologies applied) by students over the years has
been vast. Some have been published as peer-reviewed academic journal articles, and a
few have even become books.
Research topics will be chosen in consultation with the Programme Director. Some topics
may be suggested as part of on-going research projects that staff are involved with or by
external organisations that have links with the programme, such as SEPA, Scottish Natural
Heritage and WWF.

Study Tour
The study tour, which normally takes place in April, is an essential element of the
Masters programme. It is important to see, discuss and promote the practical
implementation of ecological economic tools at local level and to evaluate the
challenges and conflicts that need to be addressed.
Although some course options in the first two semesters offer shorter (half-day) field
trips, these are in Edinburgh and its surrounding areas. The main study tour lasts for
around 10 days and is usually overseas and in the developing world.
In previous years the study tour has been in Wales, Greece, Morocco and lately to
Kenya and Tanzania. The objectives of this study tour are to:

See instances of conflict between ecosystem conservation and human development

needs on the ground
Discuss with local stakeholders why these conflicts have arisen and persisted
Appraise the policy instruments and institutional structures that are in place/could be put
in place to resolve these conflicts
Link this appraisal with ecological economics theory
Group bonding within the student body is also an important outcome.

The vast majority of the programmes Additional Programme Costs are spent on the study tour.

Postgraduate Prospectus / Ecological Economics

Entry Qualifications and Applications

In addition to students who have studied economics and who wish to study economyenvironment interactions, the programme welcomes applications from qualified individuals
who have studied traditional sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. The normal entry
requirement for the MSc is a good honours degree (first or 2:1), or equivalent. However,
applicants holding a 2:2 honours degree, or its equivalent from outside the UK, may also be
considered if they have relevant professional experience. Evidence of proficiency in English
must be provided by those for who English is not their first language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).
The programme would also welcome applications from individuals who are professionally
involved in natural resource and environmental management, and from highly motivated
students from disciplines other than those explicitly mentioned above who have clear reasons
for wanting to pursue this specific degree.
Applications for this course should be made online through the University of Edinburgh at
www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/applying

Fees and Funding 2015-16

UK and EU students:

Overseas students:
Additional course costs (all students)

9,650
21,350
1,600 (Study Tour cost)

Information on funding and possible studentships can be found on the website:

www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/fees-finance

Career Opportunities
The programme has an excellent track record in terms of graduate employment. Economic
principles of efficiency and cost-effectiveness are pervasive in decision-making and thus
students with a postgraduate training in their application are sought after in the recruitment
market. Former students are working in a variety of fields such as environmental
consultancies, international and governmental agencies, both Governmental and NonGovernmental Organisations, private sector financial institutions, private multinationals,
and environmental education and research.
Approximately 25% of graduates have gone on to doctoral research programmes. The
students choice of course options and (in particular) the dissertation segment can be
tailored toward their chosen career path.
Postgraduate Prospectus / Ecological Economics

Student Profiles
Gerben Nap (MSc graduate 2013)
I loved my time studying Ecological Economics. Finding so many
like-minded people from so many different backgrounds in your
classes was really inspiring. On top of that, the classes I took were well
organised and taught me many applicable skills from conducting an
environmental cost benefit analysis to writing effective policy briefs. The
core classes of the programme also equipped me to understand and
challenge neoclassical and neoliberal assumptions about economies,
as well as giving me an alternative framework to work with.
By far the most memorable experience has to be the field trip to Tanzania after the second
semester, though. Focusing on conflicts between economic development and environmental
conservation, this was a great learning experience. It was filled with practical examples of
governments, NGOs, private companies, local communities, and research institutions, all trying
to grapple with difficult decisions on what to do with resources. I learned that an ecological
economics approach to these trade-offs can provide people with an alternative way of looking
at pressing issues, helping them to make more sustainable decisions. Other than that, seeing
lions, elephants and giraffes, fishermen on Lake Victoria, and sunsets over the Indian Ocean was
truly unforgettable. I found my current job before my dissertation was even finished. I was quite
surprised, as I had thought it would have been more difficult given the situation in the job market.
It turned out there is a real demand for people who can translate a view on the economy based
on ecosystem functioning into real economic analyses. I am convinced that my skills acquired
in ecosystem valuation helped me land my position as Consultant in Green Growth for LTS
International Ltd. I use the skills I acquired during my MSc every day from coming up with an
approach for economic analysis to doing the actual analysis myself, as well as writing policy briefs
in an influential style. All of this has given me the confidence that I have the right skills to find a new
job without too much trouble after I leave Edinburgh to move to Colombia at the end of the year.

Course Contact Details

For further information, please contact:
Corinne Baulcomb, MSc Programme Director
SRUC Edinburgh, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG
Tel: 0131 5354031 Email: Corinne.Baulcomb@sruc.ac.uk
Elspeth Martin, Programme Secretary
SRUC Edinburgh, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG
Tel: 0131 5354198 Email: Elspeth.Martin@sruc.ac.uk
www.sruc.ac.uk/courses/53/ecological_economics_msc
www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/geosciences/postgraduate/masters-programme/
taught-masters/ecological-economics/overview
Postgraduate Prospectus / Ecological Economics