Sustainability is a world-wide priority and central to business practice. This new MSc in Sustainable Economics addresses the growing need for employees who can apply sustainability practices and knowledge.
Start Date:
September 2022
January 2023
Duration:
MSc: 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time) plus optional year-long placement (FT only)
PGDip: 8 months (full-time) or 18 months (part-time)
PGCert: 4 months (full-time) or 8 months (part-time)
Degree Type:
MSc/PGDip/PGCert
Number of credits:
MSc: 180 credits at Level 7
PGDip: 120 credits at Level 7
PGCert: 60 credits at Level 7
Faculty:
Entry Requirements
Specific entry requirements
A 2:2 or above in economics, accounting, environmental studies, geography, social sciences or management
Why this course
This new programme is ahead of the curve in addressing the urgent need to link sustainability with economics.
You can study flexibly with the option to take stand-alone qualifications (PGCert/ PGDip) or complete the full MSc.
We have a long-standing commitment to sustainability at Roehampton and you will work with, and learn from, academics with national and international profiles in this area.
There is an option to undertake a 12-month industry placement (FT MSc only).
Course and Module Details
Overview
Course subject to validation
On the MSc Sustainable Economics you will gain a thorough understanding and knowledge of how we can reorganise our economy so that it fits within the boundaries of the planet and how businesses can play their part in the sustainability transition.
You will apply economic concepts as well as environmental tools to analyse, appraise and evaluate a range of environmental issues and policies.
You will also gain the essential employability skills necessary for the sustainability transition, whilst a flexible programme structure will benefit those already at work to develop and extend their career skills and opportunities.
The programme content tackles a wide range of pressing issues which are important to both industry and policymakers. Topics covered include climate change, biodiversity loss, sustainable economic development, the circular economy, sustainable supply chains and sustainable finance.
Compulsory modules emphasise applying sustainability knowledge and skills to the workplace and other real-world situations, whilst optional modules provide specialist knowledge linking directly into employment routes.
The consultancy-based project and dissertation (MSc only) involves working with a sustainability-focused organisation or project to deliver research that generates a real-world impact.
Modules
Some of the modules which may be offered on this programme are listed below. Please note, this is subject to validation and may change.
Complusory modules
- Environment and economy
- Economics of climate change and biodiversity
- Research methods
- Global economics and system
- Systems thinking, complexity and the circular economy
Optional modules
- Organisational resilience and sustainability
- Beyond profit: responsible and sustainable business
- Leadership change and management
- Supply chain strategy and processes
- International development and economic justice
Career Options
As we build the sustainable future together, and understanding of sustainability is crucial to most employment settings as well as to citizens. An increasing number of employers need staff who understand the relationship between business and sustainability.
This programme will provide a strong grounding for consultancy roles in a wide range of sectors focusing on sustainability including fashion, finance, energy, and construction.
The research (MSc) pathway also paves the way for further research and study such as a doctorate programme.
Types of roles you might go on to secure include self-employed analysts or consultants, sustainability officers, NGO employees, or supply chain managers.
How to apply
Postgraduate programmes
You can apply now for any programme starting in Autumn 2021, January or February 2022 or September 2022.
All postgraduate taught applications can be made via our online application form.
- Check our application deadlines
- View our entry requirements for postgraduate programmes
- View our general entry criteria and application FAQs
If you need any help or advice with your application, or just want to ask us a question before you apply, please do not hesitate to contact us.
International students
Please note that most international applicants have to pay a deposit before securing their place.
- See our Finance pages for more details
Postgraduate application process FAQs
How do I apply?
To apply, you need to complete our online application form.
Do I need to complete all of my online application at once?
No, you can save and revisit your application form and can contact us directly at any time if you need advice or assistance.
What are the entry criteria and fees?
We have general entry requirements for postgraduate courses. Many of our courses also have specific entry requirements. You can find details of these, and the fees for individual courses, on our postgraduate course pages.
What is the deadline for postgraduate applications?
If you are a prospective postgraduate student who has home fee status, then you can apply close to the start of the course of study. However, if you have international fee status and require a Tier 4 Visa, then you will normally need to apply much earlier. Please see our application deadlines for postgraduate study.
We encourage all students to apply as early as possible, as some programmes have limited numbers.
Does Roehampton offer financial support for postgraduates?
Yes, we offer a range of scholarships, alongside support on managing your finances while you are with us.
You can find more information on our postgraduate home and postgraduate international financial support pages. There are also other sources of external funding for international students available.
Do you offer student accommodation for postgraduates?
Yes, we have a wide range of high quality and competitively priced on-campus student residences. We are able to offer quiet rooms and can adjust for those with specific access needs.
Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Validation and curriculum review
What is validation?
Validation is a formal process through which the University approves a programme (content, teaching, learning and assessment) as being of appropriate standard and quality. This is a normal process used throughout the university sector.
The University expects to publish details of the validated programme in the academic year prior to the start date of the programme. You are advised to check the University website at that time to ensure that you have up-to-date information. In the meantime, if you require information you should contact 0208 392 3232.
What is curriculum review?
Curriculum review is the regular and systematic monitoring and reviewing of programmes. It is a normal process in the sector and it is the way by which the university ensures that your course remains up-to-date and relevant. The process may result in changes to the content, structure and/or assessment of the programme.
The University expects to publish details of the re-validated programme by 31 March in the academic year prior to the start date of the programme. You are advised to check the University website at that time to ensure that you have up-to-date information. In the meantime, if you require information you should contact 0208 392 3232.
Optional Placement
The MSc with placement offers students the opportunity to complete a placement year (30 weeks) during Year 2. The aim of the placement experience is to provide a route for students to develop genuine and practical problem-solving skills in a professional context, to apply learned concepts into practice within their fields of specialism, and to enable students to gain a better understanding of your own abilities and employment potential.
If you are an international student on a visa, your CAS will have a course duration of two years, subject to meeting the UKVI’s standard requirements.
Please be aware that placements:
- are not guaranteed;
- are typically unpaid;
- include a programme of support to assist students in researching, applying for, and finding an appropriate placement;
- must be verified and approved prior to commencement; and
- will be monitored for quality and attendance.
Placement preparation & support
- As part of Postgraduate degrees with placement, students are enrolled in a compulsory Placement Preparation Module (which include a series of workshops) that take place in Term 1 of Year 1. The workshops and activities in this module are designed to help students find and secure a placement and develop key employability skills and knowledge to succeed in the world of work.
- Attendance on the Placement Preparation Module is compulsory with a requirement that the student attends 80% of the timetabled workshops and fully engages with the module requirements and with the Careers and Placement teams.
- The Careers and Placement teams will support students by providing advice on topics such as exploring career paths, CVs, Cover Letters, and interview skills.
Placement Year
- During the placement year, students will undertake a placement with an employer and complete a 40P credit Placement Module.
- To be eligible for the Placement Module, students must have successfully passed taught modules (students do not have to have completed the Consultancy Project (RBP040L052) or the Dissertation (RBP040L051) before the commencement of the placement), met the requirements of the Placemen Preparation Module, and secured an approved placement.
- A placement is not guaranteed. The University will offer guidance and support and recommend students to interested organisations; however, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to secure a placement.
- The placement can be full-time or part-time (a minimum of 3 working days, 21-24 hours per week) and can be carried out in-person or remotely, and through work-based projects.
- The placement will ideally be tailored to your interests and aspirations but ultimately meets the needs of employers and must provide relevant experience in line with the learning outcomes of your academic programme. Whereas the roles offered may vary, the emphasis should be on securing a placement within promising growth areas of your discipline and, on both applying and developing existing knowledge and skills in the work place as well as gaining new knowledge and skills.
Need help before you apply?
Who Teaches Sustainable Economics?
Professor Molly Scott Cato
Molly has focused her work on redesigning the economy so that it maximizes human well-being with the minimum use of energy and resources and without threatening other species and habitats.
Read MoreOur Research
The University of Roehampton has a long-standing commitment to sustainability as an institution and a number of our academics, working across a diverse range of disciplines, have made climate action a key focus of their work.
In 2021 we launched the Roehampton Climate Network which brings together staff and students across the University to fight climate change. You can read more here.
