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Shaping climate and environmental policy that works

Spatial and Applied Economics: Environmental Economics

Courses take a primarily microeconomic approach and apply advanced theoretical and econometric methods. This one-year programme offers both deep academic understanding and practical skills, enabling you to address complex challenges at a high level.

At the same time, you will learn how to translate theory and data into clear and actionable policy advice. You will gain skills in valuing natural resources and assessing the costs and benefits of pollution reduction using analytical models, as well as stated and revealed preference methods. The programme offers a unique combination of environmental economics courses and courses in related fields. These include urban economics, since people in cities are most exposed to pollution. They also include transport economics, as the transport sector is one of the main sources of emissions. 

  • In Period 1 (Sep–Oct), you’ll take methods courses in Microeconomics and Econometrics. These courses provide the theoretical and empirical tools needed for advanced analysis in environmental economics. 
  • In Periods 2 and 3 (Nov–Jan), you’ll take three core courses that address the economic dimensions of environmental issues. Economics of Climate Change focuses on evaluating the costs and benefits of climate action. Environmental and Resource Economics examines the efficient use and management of natural resources and ecosystems. A recommended elective is Economics of Environmental Policy, which explores how economic instruments can help solve environmental problems. 
  • Throughout the year, you can choose electives that align with your interests — for example, in Regional and Urban Economics or Transport Economics
  • The specialisation places strong emphasis on applied work, data analysis, and policy evaluation. 
  • In Periods 5 and 6 (Apr–Jun), you’ll write your master's thesis under personal supervision from a faculty member. This gives you the opportunity to conduct original research on a topic of your choice, often in combination with an internship at an external organization or research institute. 

The start date of this programme is September 1st

Courses

Compulsory courses 

  • Econometrics (P1) 
  • Microeconomics and Welfare (P1) 
  • Economics of Climate Change (P2) 
  • Policy brief Environmental Economics (P3) 
  • Environmental and Resource Economics (P4) 
  • Thesis (P5-P6) 

Recommended elective courses 

  • Economics of Environmental Policy (P2) 
  • Urban Economic Challenges and Policies (P4) 

Other elective courses 

  • Airline Economics and Management (P4) 
  • Economics of Climate Change (P2) 
  • Economics of Healthcare (P4) 
  • Economics of the Welfare State (P4) 
  • Environmental and Resource Economics (P4) 
  • Geographical Information Systems (P2) 
  • Housing Economics and Finance (P4) 
  • Network Economics and Business (P4) 
  • Public Economics and Policy (P2) 
  • Public Health Economics (P2) 
  • Real Estate Finance and Investment (P4) 
  • Regional and Urban Economics (P2) 
  • Transport Economics (P2) 

Please consult the study guide for more information.  

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