Ecological Economics MSc

<strong>Explore how to integrate economic thinking into our environment, lighting the way to a more sustainable future.</strong><br/><br/>Some of the most severe environmental and social problems occur because we separate economic activity from environment and society. That makes us more susceptible to health problems, economic loss and the decline of our natural environment.<br/><br/>As an ecological economics student, you’ll learn how to embrace and deeply intertwine these concepts, gaining the skills and confidence to tackle related problems with a range of tools. You’ll engage in real-world learning in economics, focusing on critical problems while integrating a range of perspectives.<br/><br/>You’ll learn from leading experts and academics from the School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability with some modules from the Leeds University Business School — both of which conduct internationally excellent research that feeds directly into your programme.<br/><br/>By the end of your course, you’ll be able to help address problems ranging from local concerns over justice and environmental governance to the global crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.<br/><br/><strong>Student profile: Richard Dowling</strong><br/><br/><strong>One of the best aspects of the course is the freedom it gives you to tailor your degree to what interests you the most.</strong><br/><br/>Richard Dowling, Ecological Economics MSc<br/><br/><strong>Why study at Leeds</strong><br/><br/><br/>• Recognised research: Both Schools globally-renowned research feeds directly into your course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in ecological economics.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Your course, your choice: Advance your knowledge in one of two specialised pathways: Ecological Macroeconomics or Values and Governance.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Think like an expert ecological economist: Conduct your own research project as part of your course and gain experience in researching and delivering a project that focuses on a real-world problem, allowing you to explore your specific interests.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Cross-school expertise: Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching from expert tutors who are leading economists and social scientists within the School of Earth and Environment and the Leeds University Business School.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Get industry experience: Get the chance to collaborate with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of our 2-week online Global Industry Programme.<br/><br/><br/><br/><strong>Rankings and awards</strong><br/><br/><br/>• Top 100 in the world, QS World University Rankings 2026<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Top 40 in the world for Environmental Sciences, QS World University Rankings 2026<br/><br/><br/><br/><strong>Where this degree could take you</strong><br/><br/>Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our graduates from our School have obtained:<br/><br/><br/>• Consultant, Carbon Intelligence<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Local Transport Solutions Officer, Development Trust Association Scotland<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Economist, Natural England<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Assistant Project Manager, Network Rail<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Business Development Manager, Cofely UK – GDF SUEZ<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Senior Policy Analyst, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment <br/><br/><br/><br/><strong>Careers support</strong><br/><br/>Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UKs leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research <br/><br/>At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. <br/><br/>Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.