Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

Our programme is delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, involving the study of core and elective modules, and a 12,000-word dissertation. Outside of timetabled contact hours, you will be expected to carry out independent study in preparation for teaching sessions, assignments and exams.

Pre-sessional modules

In order to facilitate your learning journey, we offer an online pre-sessional module Introduction to Economics. It features 6 selected topics, providing the main theoretical tools necessary to properly prepare you for advanced modules in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics within our MSc routes. By taking this module, you can develop the essential preliminary knowledge, which is particularly beneficial to students who are new to the field of Economics.

The pre-sessional is fully self-paced and is available to all students in our programmes several months before the first teaching term begins. This module includes:

• Pre-recorded video-lectures, with a list of suggested readings for every topic
• Quizzes for you to check your understanding of the terminology and models discussed in the videos
• Problem sets containing practice exercises (with solutions available).

To ensure that all students have the solid quantitative foundation needed to study and understand Economics at Masters level, you will also take a compulsory non-credit bearing module in Mathematics and Statistics. This course will cover the key concepts from Calculus, Linear Algebra, Statistics and Probability Theory, which are used in advanced modules on the programme.

Platforms for Data Analysis

The skills of collecting, analysing, and interpreting data are a critical component in the toolkit of a contemporary economist. During your MSc studies, you will learn how to handle data and do empirical research using programming languages R, Python and STATA. We also offer two optional modules focused on practical data science, with applications to economic problems: Data Analytics and Machine Learning. You may also benefit from taking short extracurricular training courses to develop programming skills and strengthen your career prospects.

We have made major investment in our Economics programmes, acquiring state-of-the-art database resources, including Thomson Reuters, Bloomberg, Datastream and Orbis. These valuable resources give you access to live and historical facts and figures relating to the financial records of millions of companies worldwide, adding valuable insight to your research.

Adding to your experience:

We offer a range of additional opportunities designed to support your academic and professional development, or to experience campus life in destinations across the globe. These activities provide valuable skills, expand professional networks, and offer practical insights that complement the formal curriculum. Opportunities on our Masters in Economics programmes include:

• City of London Field Trip
  The field trip to London offers a unique opportunity to meet senior professionals in the financial industry, including chief economists, chief risk officers, and other leaders. It provides invaluable insights from these experts, an understanding of current industry trends, and a view of the challenges and opportunities within the global market. Additionally, you will benefit from networking with these professionals, helping you explore potential career paths in your chosen sector. The list of organisations visited by our students in previous trips includes: JP Morgan, the Bank of England, Bank of China, Crédit Agricole, Sage, Cavendish and others.
  
  
• Practitioner insights: Guest speakers and public lectures  
  As part of the programme, you will be encouraged to attend presentations by leading academics and practitioners who are specialists in your particular area of interest. Combining critical and progressive thinking with practical insight, professional economists from organisations such as the Bank of England, KPMG, the Economic and Social Research Institute, the UK Civil Service, and the European Commission, share how they apply core economic skills in their work. 
  
  
• Dissertation Abroad
  You will be offered the opportunity to apply to undertake your dissertation (research project) at one of our prestigious European partner institutions during the summer months (June to September). This exciting programme provides an opportunity to gain experience living abroad and to build your network, as well as developing an understanding of how campus life works in another destination. Participation in the programme will develop your personal skills, in addition to improving employability by demonstrating adaptability, resilience, communication skills and a global mindset. This partially self-funded programme is very popular and our International Team in the Business School will support your journey from application to departure.
  
  
• Summer School
  If your ambitions lie beyond the UK, you will have the opportunity to participate in a Summer School at one of our global network of university and business partners. These partially self-funded competitive activities, normally take place after exams in either June, July or August, for up to three weeks. They cover a wide range of topics and aim to complement the knowledge you gain during your time in Durham, whilst contextualising it in an international business setting. Please note, in order to be considered for a place on one of our Summer Schools, all students must apply as places are limited.
  

Assessment

Assessment is thorough and ongoing throughout the course. It is conducted by means of assignments, exams and a major 12,000-word dissertation, which requires you to carry out independent research and develop your skills in writing and analysis with support from a supervisor.

Outside of timetabled contact hours, you will be expected to carry out a significant amount of independent study in preparation for assignments and other forms of assessment including exams.

Applications

Please note: The application process opens on 1 October for Masters programmes commencing the following year.

We aim to have a diverse student body and recognise that we can only offer places to a finite number of applicants. To help achieve our aim, we look to ensure we offer places to applicants from all nationalities and close applications when we receive the allocated numbers.

The University is under no obligation to make any offer of a place on the programme to any applicant, nor is the University obligated to fill all spaces available on the programme.

The MSc in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics is designed for new or recent graduates. You should have a strong background in a related discipline.

What do I need first?

For Masters in Economics programmes you will need:

• The equivalent of a UK upper second-class single or joint honours degree in Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science or Engineering.

• If your degree is in another subject, you will also require good grades in two Mathematics/ Statistics/Econometrics modules.

• Applicants with relevant Economics-related work experience may be considered even if they narrowly miss the academic requirements.

Check the full list of equivalent qualifications.

Support for International Students

If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

NB Chinese Applicants: Applications will be accepted from students who have graduated from a prestigious university in China. Entry requirements may vary depending upon the reputation of the university you have graduated from and the academic programme you have applied for. As a guide, applicants are expected to have achieved an overall average of 85%.

How do I apply?

You will need to complete an online application form.

Please note you can only apply for one Masters Economics programme.

>>Fill out the online application form

To support your online application form, you will need to provide the following documents.

• Official transcript of marks
• Copy of degree certificate (if available)
• Copy of English test results (if available).

You can either upload your supporting documents with your online application or email or fax them to the Postgraduate Admissions Office using the contact details below.

Note:
Only files of type .doc, .docx, .gif, .jpg, .pdf, .png, .rtf are permitted to be uploaded.
The maximum file size is 5MB.

College membership

All students of Durham University will become a member of one of our Colleges. Here's more information about what college membership means to our students. Once you have accepted your postgraduate offer, the Accommodation and Allocations Office will contact you with further information regarding how to express college preferences. You can also apply for college accommodation if you wish to.

Admissions process

Here are the steps in the admissions process:

1. We will let you know when we’ve received your application.
2. Once we’ve received all of your supporting documents, we will email you to let you know our decision.
3. If the decision is to make you an offer of a place on the programme we will let you know by email. Please note we do not issue hard copy offer letters as these are not required to obtain a student visa.
4. You should confirm acceptance of your offer as soon as possible.
5. International students requiring a student visa will receive a CAS (Certificate of Acceptance of Studies) via email once all offer conditions are met, acceptance and deposit have been received and you are within five months of the start date of your programme.

Please note: You must let us know your own personal email address when applying. Please do not use a university-linked email which may stop working once you complete your bachelor degree.

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications 

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

Home students who do not meet our direct entry requirements, may be eligible for our Foundation Programme which offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes.  

English language requirements

Country specific information

Full Time Fees

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

The Department is recognised around the world for the real-world relevance and practical insight provided by its teaching and research as well as the wide-ranging knowledge and abilities of its postgraduate community.

With the analytical and interpersonal skills you will nurture at Durham, you will be well-placed to continue your research at a higher level or pursue your ambitions in a rewarding and interesting professional career role in a wide range of areas.

Our economics postgraduates have gone on to work in sectors including, Consultancy, Technology, Financial Services and Government.

Choose a Masters in Economics from Durham, taught by world-class academics from a department with a long history of internationally-recognised research and collaboration with some of the UK's major businesses and institutions.

The Department of Economics, is one of four departments at Durham University Business School and is recognised across the globe for its high quality teaching and research. The department's research is broad and far-reaching, with a range of active research centres delivering impactful research across the global business world, informing policy and changing business practice.

Economics at Durham inspires and challenges our students, transforming them into critical thinkers and problem solvers equipped to tackle real-world challenges. Our graduates leave Durham ready to embark on successful careers as consultants, analysts, and graduate economists. They make meaningful contributions across diverse sectors globally, leading businesses or working in finance, government, and multinational companies. Rigorous coursework, dedicated resources, and expert faculty mentorship create a supportive learning environment where students thrive academically and personally, reaching their full potential.

Facilities

Our Masters in Economics programmes are taught by renowned faculty across the Durham University campus. The Business School is based across two locations - Mill Hill Lane and the new Waterside building, each offering a modern learning environment and study spaces to support you in your learning journey.

Surrounded by Durham’s historic architecture and vibrant city life, students enjoy a unique blend of tradition and innovation, with easy access to cafés, libraries, and excellent transport links, all within a supportive academic community, at the heart of a world-class university.

Start your application now.