MSc Programme in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

The programme is organised in accordance with Executive Order no. 338 of 6 May 2004 on bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in universities. The programme is under the Natural Sciences Study Board.

 

Graduation in the programme confers the degree Master of Science in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics. In Danish: Cand.scient.oecon. (candidatus/candidata scientarium oeconomiae).

 

Chapter 1. The programme’s objective and competence profile

1.1 The programme’s objective

The objective of the programme is to offer students a coherent and profession-oriented education within the field of environmental and natural resource economics. On completion of the programme, participants will have acquired the skills required to conduct a broad spectrum of environmental and resource economics analyses. Among other things, students will become familiar with environmental policy and project appraisal, and such policy issues as how to use economic instruments to control pollution problems and how to optimise the extraction of natural resources over time.

 

1.2 The programme’s general profile

During the programme, students will develop broad and professional competences enabling them to:

• understand economic theory and assess the validity of economic statements
• perform qualitative as well as quantitative analyses based on the theory and methodology of environmental and natural resource economics
• understand basic information on environmental phenomena in natural science
• appraise the statements of environmental and resource economics in a comprehensive political, social and ethical context. 

A number of compulsory discipline-oriented courses ensure that participants obtain a comprehensive and coherent understanding of environmental and natural resource economics. An introduction to applied ecology or environmental eco-technology keeps the focus on the physical and biological circumstances underlying environmental and natural resource policy problems.

 

The programme offered is a two-year Master of Science degree conducted in English. The core curriculum is focussed on the theoretical and methodological aspects of environmental and natural resource economics. The programme is open to students holding a BSc in Social or Natural Science and a good knowledge of mathematics, statistics and basic economics. Admission of students with different scientific backgrounds provides the programme with an interdisciplinary anchoring. Throughout, the programme maintains an emphasis on incorporating the biophysical aspects of environmental problems into the framework of environmental and resource economics analysis. Teaching is given in the form of lectures, seminars and tutoring in relation to project work. Project work is usually carried out in groups.

 

1.3 The programme’s employment prospects

One of the primary job functions is environmental and resource economics analyses – for example applied to the implementation of environmental policy instruments. Another important field is environmental policy and project appraisal. Often graduates from this programme will be charged with solving broad-spectrum problems where economic disciplines, natural science and law are combined. Job opportunities are found in government agencies, research institutes, consulting companies and other private businesses. Graduates are also eligible to apply for a PhD position. KVL has offered a master’s programme in environmental economics since 1996. Many graduates have found employment in ministries and government agencies. The private sector has also provided good job opportunities. Examples are employment within the pharmaceutical industry and energy sectors. Several graduates have obtained PhD scholarships at universities and government research institutions.

     

1.4 The programme’s competence profile

 

1.4.1 Competences within basic science

Competences obtained within basic science comprise an in-depth knowledge of:

• the welfare economic foundation of environmental and natural resource economics
• the economic principles and concepts constituting the disciplines of environmental and natural resource economics
• the analytical methodologies applied within these disciplines

Students must be capable of assessing the validity and limitations of theories and methodologies applied.

In addition, students will acquire a general understanding of:

• other economic theories relevant to the analysis of environmental and natural resource problems
• relevant environmental phenomena in natural science.

1.4.2 Competences within applied science

Competences in applying theories and analytical methods comprise the ability to:

• assess the criteria for optimal/efficient social usage of environmental goods and natural resources
• analyse and assess the application of economic instruments to control externalities
• conduct policy and project appraisals

Through project activities, students develop skills in teamwork as well as oral and written communication.

 

1.4.3 Competences within ethics and values

The programme ensures that students develop an awareness of:

• the value concepts underlying the theoretical assumptions of environmental and natural resource economics
• other theories of value including environmental ethics
• the ethical positions behind the different perceptions of sustainable development 

Chapter 2. Degree programme content

 

* One of the two courses must be chosen

** Compulsory courses, core courses and thesis must comprise at least 90 credits

 

2.1 Content

 

The programme is set at 120 credits. The following courses are compulsory:

    290009      Economic Theory of Environmental Policy - 7.5 credits

    290024      Natural Resource Economics - 7.5 credits

    290044      Economic Valuation Methods and Cost-Benefit Analysis (1) - 7.5 credits

    240003      Applied Ecology 7.5 credits or 280002 Environmental and Ecotechnology - 7.5 credits

    290034      Thematic Course: Applied Environmental and Resource Economics - 15 credits

 

1) The course 290010 Economic Valuation Methods and Cost-Benefit Analysis (15 credits) offered in the study year 2005-2006 substitute 290044 Economic Valuation Methods and Cost-Benefit Analysis.

 

At least 15 credits must also be chosen within the core courses:

    290014      Environmental Management - 7.5 credits

    290001      Advanced Development Economics - 7.5 credits

    290002      Agricultural Economics and Policy - 7.5 credits

    290011      Economics of the Food Industry - 7.5 credits

    290036      Trade and International Cooperation - 7.5 credits

 

The programme is completed with a thesis (30 credits) based on a subject within the field of environmental or natural resource economics.

 

The compulsory courses, core courses and thesis comprise the core subjects in the programme (90 credits). Optional courses, which can be chosen within the different fields of economics, law, and natural science, comprise 30 credits.

 

The programme may include trainee service and study trips.

 

Chapter 3. Admission requirements and enrolment

3.1 Admission requirements

Bachelors of Agricultural Economics have direct access. Students holding a BSc in natural science from KVL are admitted provided that the examination includes:

210002               Matematik og databehandling

210006               Statistisk dataanalyse 1

290025               Micro Economics or 290020 Indledende økonomi

290037               Welfare Economics and Policy Analysis

290013               Environmental and Natural Resource Economics or

                          290023 Miljøøkonomi for ikke-økonomer

or equivalent.

 

Other bachelors must have equivalent qualifications. Applicants with a BSc in Economics from the Universities of Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg and the University of Southern Denmark are qualified for admission.

 

3.2 Enrolment

Enrolment in the degree programme is once a year with studies commencing on 1 September.