It is widely recognised that most environmental problems, whether small-scale or global, are the result of a complex interaction of natural processes with economic forces and decisions. This programme provides graduates with a sound theoretical base and practical appreciation of the concepts and methods of environmental and natural resource economics relevant to policy decisions and research. It is designed to suit students with a primary interest in issues and policies concerning the rural environment. Programme aims The programme gives students the opportunity to develop: a critical understanding of the different ways in which economic decisions, market forces and government policies can affect the natural environment a sound knowledge of the theory and techniques of non-market valuation to estimate the demand for environmental quality or the cost of environmental degradation the ability to design and critically evaluate public policies towards the environment and natural resources an appreciation of the usefulness of environmental economics in informing political decision-making enhanced communication and presentation skills the ability to access the environmental economics literature and to pursue their own research.

Graduates of this programme will typically find work as environmental economists in the following fields: government ministries undertaking environmental planning and policy analysis work public and private sector companies conducting analyses of the environmental effects of economic activity international and non-governmental organisations concerned with the environmental implications of economic change consultancy work within the broad arena of environmental economics applied research and teaching in institutions of research and higher education.