Master’s in Economics of Sustainability

What to expect

How can we achieve a more sustainable overall global welfare? By transforming a system that largely neglects the effects of production and consumption on nature and the environment into an all-inclusive system. That is exactly what we will prepare you for during this programme. Get ready to thrive in a world drowning in data and starving for knowledge!

What makes this programme unique?

• Sustainable approach: This master’s contributes to a sustainable future through an economic approach.
• Practical solutions: The programme aims to contribute to finding practical solutions.
• Multidisciplinary: This master’s programme focuses on the interactions between economic actors and the natural environment.
• Policy impacts: Strong emphasis on climate policy, circular economy, and resource use.

What you will learn

In the two-year master’s in Economics of Sustainability programme, you will explore the relationship between economic activity and the natural environment. You’ll be trained as a quantitative economist, equipped to analyse challenges in food systems, natural resources, and the living environment, and to design economic solutions that drive sustainable transitions.

You will:

• Learn about quantitative economic techniques and relevant theories at micro, behavioural, and institutional levels.
• Learn about the economic aspects of pressing issues like climate change, environmental degradation, and sustainable markets.
• Learn to analyse and interpret diverse sources of data to provide evidence on real-world questions related to food systems, environmental load, and economic development.
• Learn to evaluate policies and contribute to practical solutions for a more sustainable future.

You will learn how to apply your quantitative skills to real world problems and contribute to the finding of practical solutions.

IMPORTANT: You will not learn about the biology and technical aspects of environmental problems.

For more detailed information on this programme's profile and learning outcomes, visit the Study Handbook.

Study Programme

General information

The Master's in Economics of Sustainability focuses on economic analysis of sustainability issues like climate change, food production, and economic development. The education has a multidisciplinary character by its relation with environmental, agricultural, and food sciences. You will receive the official diploma of the Master’s in Management, Economics and Consumer studies, specifying a Master's in Economics of Sustainability.

The programme runs annually beginning in September each year. It comprises 120 credit points (ECTS), equivalent to two academic years. The academic year consists of 6 periods. Period 1,2,5 and 6 comprise six weeks of classes, one week of self-study and the exam week. In these periods, students often follow two courses worth 6 credits each. Period 3 and 4 entail of four weeks in which both the lectures and the exams take place. In these periods, students follow one course worth 6 credits. The expected workload is 40 hours per week.

Year 1 

Programme specific courses (30 ECTS)

The programme courses deal with subjects like:

• Rethinking Economics
• Advanced Econometrics
• Economic Modeling of Sustainability Challenges
• Philosophy, Ethics, and Economics
• Behavioral Economics and Sustainability
• Political Economy, Economics of Development
• Economics of EU Policies for Sustainable Transitions
• Economics of Sustainable and Fair Use of the Environment and Natural Resources.

Academic Master Cluster (12 ECTS)

In the Academic Master Cluster, teams of 5 to 7 students from different disciplines are assigned to execute a transdisciplinary-oriented academic consultancy project for an external commissioner.

Electives (18 ECTS)

The space for electives can be used for deepening or broadening knowledge on the field of interest of each individual student. 

Year 2 

Thesis (36 ECTS)  
The thesis (individual research) consists of 24 weeks of research and reporting (36 credits). The research is conducted under supervision of a staff member of one of the chair groups related to this master programme.  

Internship (24 ECTS)  
The internship consists of 24 credits of project work in an institution outside of Wageningen University. The internship may either be undertaken in the Netherlands or abroad. The purpose of the internship is to provide students with a unique learning opportunity to apply acquired knowledge and skills in a professional setting. The experience gained from the internship also serves to help students focusing on their area of interest, as well as building confidence and maturity in their field. 

Teaching methods 
The programme includes: 

Study guidance 
At WUR, we place great importance on personal guidance and connection. That’s why we provide more support staff—lecturers, study advisors, and student counsellors—than most other universities in the Netherlands. This ensures you receive the attention you need to progress successfully through your studies, lowering the risk of dropping out while enriching your academic journey with a personal touch. It’s a clear reflection of our genuine commitment to your success. 

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Application & admission

Would you like to apply for a master's programme at Wageningen University & Research? Read all about what you need to know here.

Questions about this study?

Do you have any questions regarding the master Economics of Sustainability? Don't hesitate to contact the study adviser anytime!

Contact:
Study adviser Economics of Sustainability
Sietse Sterrenburg
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Discover all Master's programmes at Wageningen University & Research: Programme Overview