Why study Economics and Climate Change at Aberystwyth University?

The degree in ‘Economics and Climate Change’ will prepare students to become future leaders in the fight against climate change. In this degree, you will combine a knowledge of the science underpinning climate change with a wide range of economic tools that allow you to understand and develop policies and incentives supporting the transition to a carbon neutral economy. The degree explores creative ways in which policies can be developed to respond to the challenge and opportunities of the current climate crisis. It will also equip you with relevant subject specific knowledge alongside the inter-disciplinary, interpersonal skills and attributes needed to create a more just and sustainable world. Economics and Climate change will set you on the rewarding journey of having a positive impact on your world.

Students studying Economics and Climate Change at Aberystwyth will:

• Develop an inter-disciplinary approach to addressing the climate crisis
• Analyse the causes and consequence of climate change and environmental degradation from an economics perspective
• Develop an understanding of the application of economics across a range of problems and contexts, and in the area of climate change in particular
• Develop the analytical skills and ability to develop simplifying frameworks for studying the real world, including the impact of climate change
• Develop the relevant skills for the constructive use of economic knowledge to tackle problems of economic policy, including policies that tackle climate change
• Develop economic graduates with an appreciation of social responsibilities, including in the area of climate change.

Our Staff

Students at the Aberystwyth Business School are taught by lecturers and other teaching staff who are active researchers and expert practitioners in their chosen subject area.

Over 75% of full time members of teaching staff are qualified to PhD level. Most are currently research active, meaning that students benefit from being taught ‘new’ knowledge in their chosen field of study as well as recognized literature. The School also employs part-time and full time staff devoted purely to teaching. Many part-time staff combine teaching duties with consultancy and business activities, ensuring that students have access not only to up to date research but the latest applied knowledge.

What will I learn?

Below is an indicative list of modules that you may study on this course.

Year 1:
In your first year, you will develop a strong foundation of economic subjects, including modules on data analytics, understanding the economy, economic theory and policy, and accounting and finance. These will be combined with innovative modules that investigate the science of climate and the impacts, perceptions and adaptations of climate change.

Year 2:
Your second year will further build on your knowledge of micro- and macro-economic theory. You will develop a deeper understanding of climate change issues through interdisciplinary modules on the governance of climate change and institutional design. A research methods module will provide you with the research skills to integrate your knowledge across different disciplines to address the economic impacts and responses to climate change. Finally, option modules will allow you to develop specialist knowledge on economic and climate change issues.

Year 3:
Your final year will focus on further developing your economics knowledge with specialist modules on environmental economics and growth, development and sustainability. You will also be able to choose from a wide range of economics and climate change modules to suit your learning and professional needs. Drawing on the knowledge you have acquired throughout your studies, your final year dissertation will provide you with an opportunity to research in detail issue relating to the economic impact of, and policy response to, the challenges of the climate crisis.