The current emphasis on sustainable management across the globe is a consequence of a growing awareness of the impact of modern society on the environment. Such concerns are clearly evident in recent high profile studies such as the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment.
As a result, there is a pressing international need for people with the ability to apply economic principles and techniques to support decision making for the effective and efficient management of natural resources and the environment.
This course provides graduates with an understanding of the complex relationship between environmental issues and the impact of economic decision making. Students critically appraise alternative environmental measures and develop the ability to identify and recommend suitable solutions for effective environmental management.
The course comprises eight one-week assessed modules, an introductory module, a group project and an individual research project. Students undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) complete eight modules, the introductory module and the group project. Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) students complete six modules.
Group project
The group project is an applied team based activity, in which students apply their knowledge of natural resource and environmental economics to address real-world problems. Success depends on the integration of various activities in relation to agreed objectives, deadlines and budgets. Students submit a project report and present their findings to representatives from the public sector and/or industry.
Individual project
Students select an individual project in consultation with the Course Director. It provides students with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate independent research ability, working within agreed objectives, deadlines and budgets. Part-time students usually undertake their individual project at their place of work.
Modules:
The modules include lectures and tutorials, and are assessed through written examinations and assignments. These provide the knowledge of theory and techniques required for the group and individual projects.
- Induction
- Cost-Benefit Analysis and the Environment
- Environmental Valuation
- Environmental Econometrics
- Natural Resource Economics
- Environmental Policy
- Institutions and Natural Resource Management
- Globalisation and Environmental Change
- Principles of Economics
