Sustainable Economics | University of Roehampton

There is a paucity of programmes that address the the relationship between the economy and the environment. This programme will fill in this critical gap by taking an approach to economics that takes the environment seriously.

How does the programme provide content to ensure students achieve an understanding of a reasonably diverse set of perspectives on understanding economies?

The programme will provide opportunities for students to apply economic concepts and use environmental tools in the analysis, appraisal and valuation of a range of environmental issues and policies. The Roehampton Economics Masters takes a global approach rather than privileging a Western viewpoint. There is a growing focus on sustainability and this programme is ahead of other universities in addressing this need. Students taking this programme will be able to obtain skills that are essential in many employment situations as we go through the sustainability transition. Students will have the opportunity to apply economic concepts and use environmental tools in analysing, appraising and evaluating a range of environmental issues and policies.

How does the programme ensure students understand the interaction between economic and ecological systems?

The course includes introductions to the key ecological crises, focusing particularly on the climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis. It takes a global perspective and critically appraises the process of globalisation, especially on the module Global Economies and Systems. The issue of how current economic activity regularly creates unintended environmental and social consequences, locally and globally, is central to the course We are taking a critical approach to dominant economic systems and activity to explore how they are the cause of systemic ecological crises. The module Economics of Climate Change and Biodiversity focuses on an economic analysis of the two most serious environmental crises facing humanity, appraising the contribution and limitations of the Stern Review and the Das Gupta Review.

How does the programme ensure students understand how to critically explore real-world evidence, both qualitative and quantitative?

The Global Economies and Systems module will take a global approach to major international datatsets including those measuring GDP, GNP, and HDI. It will also outline and critically evaluate measures of poverty including calculation of the GINI coefficient. The students will also learn about ESG reporting. The assessment for the Business Research Methods module requires students to provide a detailed critique of at least two well-used research methodologies and the second part requires them to construct a research tool that could be used to collect data in their dissertation.

What pedagogical approaches does the programme use to ensure that students examine the historical context, assumptions and values in all economic thinking?

The core module Economy and Environment explores a range of economic approaches and how they have addressed the environmental crises. This builds from the Physiocrats to consider neoclassical approaches including environmental economics. It then moves on to consider the contribution of schools that have foregrounded the environment - ecological and green economics - as well as the insights from Marxist economists. The course focuses more on practical examples and solutions but it does challenge underlying assumptions and draw out underlying values.

How does the department ensure that the teaching culture and capacity to deliver economic pluralism are continually improving?

The Roehampton Masters takes a pluralist approach to economics, focusing on the way different schools have approached the climate and ecological crises. It takes a practical orientation, dealing with problems rather than theories. Our teaching strategy demonstrates good practice in teaching, learning and assessment, with a problem-solving approach, real-world issues, an opportunity to engage in research, and blended learning. Authentic assessments and applied projects are used throughout with a real-world focus.  A wide range of innovative assessment methods will be used including both individual- and group-based assessments allowing students to foster independent learning skills alongside team working, collaboration and leadership skills.