Ecological Economics

Transcription

1 Ecological Economics

2 Ecological Economics Awards Available: Awarding University: Mode of Study: Course Duration: Start Date: MSc/PgDip The University of Edinburgh Full Time/Part Time 1 year if studied full time 2-3 years 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 University s 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 student s 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 multidisciplinarily, sustainability science and planning, and risk and uncertainty analysis.

3 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.

4 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 Scotland s 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 programme s Additional Programme Costs are spent on the study tour.

5 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 Fees and Funding UK and EU students: 9,650 Overseas students: 21,350 Additional course costs (all students) 1,600 (Study Tour cost) Information on funding and possible studentships can be found on the website: 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 Non- Governmental Organisations, private sector financial institutions, private multinationals, and environmental education and research. Approximately 25% of graduates have gone on to doctoral research programmes. The student s choice of course options and (in particular) the dissertation segment can be tailored toward their chosen career path.

6 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, NGO s, 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: Corinne.Baulcomb@sruc.ac.uk Elspeth Martin, Programme Secretary SRUC Edinburgh, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG Tel: Elspeth.Martin@sruc.ac.uk taught-masters/ecological-economics/overview