Sustainable Economics Postgraduate degree
Sustainability is an urgent global priority and central to business practice. This new MSc in Sustainable Economics explains how the current economy is creating environmental problems and how we can redesign it to be part of the solution
September 2023
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)
MSc/PGDip/PGCert
MSc: 180 credits at Level 7
PGDip: 120 credits at Level 7
PGCert: 60 credits at Level 7
Specific entry requirements
A 2:2 or above in economics, accounting, environmental studies, geography, social sciences or management
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).
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.
These modules are those we currently offer and may be subject to change each year.
Year 1 fees, see links in table below for more information.
As we build the sustainable future together, an understanding of sustainability is essential in most employment settings - helping us develop as sustainable 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, experts in sustainable finance or accounting, sustainability officers, NGO employees, or supply chain managers.
All postgraduate taught applications can be made via our online application form.
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.
To apply, you need to complete our online application form.
No, you can save and revisit your application form and can contact us directly at any time if you need advice or assistance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Placement preparation & support
Placement Year
At Roehampton Business School we provide you with a flexible, career-focused journey towards successful and fulfilling graduate careers. Roehampton Business School is an inclusive learning community. We want our students to become business leaders who will have a positive impact on society through their ethos, their company culture and through an understanding and appreciation of sustainability. These values are embedded in both our teaching and research.
Below you can find the ways that Roehampton Business School will help you in both your studies and your future career.
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.