Environmental and Resource Economics (M.Sc.)

 

Our Master’s programme in Environmental and Resource Economics aims to deepen students’ knowledge after the successful completion of a Bachelor's degree. Over the course of the Environmental and Resource Economics Master of Science programme, taught in English, you will become qualified to accept responsibility for tasks in companies, NGOs, or in public service, to perform a freelance profession and to conduct autonomous scientific work. Alongside improving competence in applying analytical methods to the core subjects of environmental and resource economics, microeconomics, economic growth as well as econometrics, the autonomous acquisition and adoption of important research methods during elective lectures and seminars in environmental and resource economics and other fields of economics is also a major focus.

 

 

Through the studies, someone can acquire a deep understanding on many environmental issues and how to find the best point where the economy and environmental protection would intersect.
Dimitris T. (25), Environmental and Resource Economics (5th Semester)

 

 

What does Environmental and Resource Economics offer?

 

Why Environmental and Resource Economics?

The mandatory modules that students are required to take are for example: "Environmental Economics", "Resource Economics", "Environmental Valuation" and "Economic Growth". These modules provide the basic foundation for students to understand the issues, theoretical tools and models used to study environmental topics.

Students are required to complete two seminars as part of their studies. One of which has to be within the Environmental Economics area, and another one within any Economics field. This provides the opportunity for them to explore different topics within and outside of their expertise and present their ideas to other students with similar interests.

Elective modules are built precisely for students to endeavour into areas which they are interested or might be interested in. Through these elective modules, students can also choose to specialise in areas which they are interested in.

The mathematical skills taught in the programme allow students to dive deep into the issues from a scientific point of view. Foundation of theoretical Economics knowledge will be deepened and built upon to offer students insights into the different topics. Using both theoretical and mathematical knowledge, students are better able to understand and analyse the topics environmental economists have to address that are facing the real world. Apply the economic analysis to real world economic issues.

 

 

Checklist: Do I meet the requirements of the programme?

For official admission requirements, please visit the page about application and admission.

Requirements in short:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent with
    • At least grade of 2.5 (special rules if grade of 2.6 to 3.0)
    • Regular study period of at least 3 years
    • At least 180 ECTS in total
  • At least 35 ECTS from Economics (Micro- and Macroeconomics, Quantitative Basics) of which
    • At least 10 ECTS from Microeconomics
    • At least 5 ECTS from Macroeconomics
    • At least 15 ECTS from Quantitative Basics
  • Sufficient English skills

 

Those who enjoyed their Bachelor's studies in Economics and Environmental issues and often wonder how the economy and sustainability can co-exist can look forward to a rewarding and challenging programme here in the CAU Kiel. The mandatory foundation modules in Environmental and Resource Economics offer students the opportunity to study in depth the analytical and mathematical methods required for a deep understanding of the topics. The flexibility of the programme structure in the Master's Degree Environmental and Resource Economics also offers students the opportunity to build their studies according to what they are interested in or what they think would be useful. Students should understand that the Master's programme is more rigorous and 'accelerated' compared to their Bachelor's programme.

1. Mathematical Abilities

It is important to have reasonable mathematical ability as the course requires a high level of analytical rigour for a successful study. Areas which are particularly important for a successful course are Algebra, differential Calculus and Integral Calculus.

2. Foundation in economic knowledge

Students are expected to have completed Bachelor's modules in MIcroeconomics and Macroecnomics and have a good foundation in these areas. Most of the modules in the Master's programme are built on these areas and it would be extremely important for students to have a background in these topics to be able to understand the course materials.

3. Econometrics and statistical skills

Students are required to complete Statistics and Econometrics modules and are therefore expected to have the introductory knowledge in these fields. The fact remains that most economic analysis done today involve the heavy usage of econometrics and statistical analysis. Therefore students should be able to already understand the basic concept of these tools.

4. Interest and passion

As with most things in life, without interest and passion it is definitely difficult to endeavour in anything that runs for a prolonged period of time, that includes a 2-year Master's programme (and if it's in a different country for international students). As the programme is rigourous and demanding, it is imperative that students have a general level of interest already in a field of their choice, in Economics in general, and in deepening their analytical skills.

5. Interest in Geography and/or Political Science

A minor subject of Geography or Political Science (only in German) is offered to students. Since most analysis of environmental and sustainability issues involve the understanding of geography and political science, it is highly advisable that students have interests in these areas to be able to develop a well-rounded critical view on the issues studied in this programme.

To test if you fulfil the requirements needed to succeed in this programme, please click here to complete the self-assesment to the assess if you have the pre-requisite knowledge in the relevant areas and the analytical skills to handle the assessment in the modules in the university.

 

 

Important Documents:

The Module Manual provides all information on each compulsory and elective module.

 

What possibilities do I have with a Master's Degree in Environmental and Resource Economics?

Graduates of the Environmental and Resouce Economics programme can expect a fulfilling career in the different fields, such as consulting, banking, research institutes, statistical reporting, business and commercial areas. Students can therefore choose to specialise in the field that they are interested in to gain more experience in the theoretical applications of the programme.

Some of our students also go on to deepen their knowledge in Economics by continuing onto the Phd programme in CAU Kiel, or also in other universities. For more information on this route, please see Doctorate regulations  germanenglish and faculty webpage for the PhD studies.

 

What is the structure of the programme in CAU?

The pre-requisite modules set the foundation for deeper understanding of the different topics in the 2nd and 3rd semesters. The elective modules on offer at the university are for example: "Climate and Energy Policy", "Behavioural and Neuroeconomics", "Economics and Ethics", "International Economics", "Spatial Economics", "Experimental Economics" and "Spatial Economics".  The Master's thesis is expected to be written in the 4th semester of programme, depending on the progress of the individual student.

 

Study Programme Advisor

The Study Programme Advisor can provide advice on

  • Structure and Content of the programme
  • Programme planning
  • Approval of change of Master's programme
  • Examination Procedure