Sustainability Economics and Finance, MScEcon
Introduction
This programme provides students a broad but rigorous training in the field of Sustainability Economics and Finance through a combination of relevant economics and finance-related courses in the context of environment, energy, natural resources, sustainability policies, and carbon management.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MScEcon
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
The world faces complex and interconnected challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, pollution, and environmental degradation. These issues cannot be effectively addressed without a solid understanding of both economics/finance and environmental sustainability.
At the same time, there is a growing demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between economics/finance and sustainability. The MSc(Econ) Sustainability Economics and Finance contributes to filling this gap. It will prepare students to become professionals who can navigate the intricate intersection of these domains.
With Scotland being an unquestionable leader in the field of sustainability, and Aberdeen being ‘the energy capital of Europe’, there is no better place to learn about sustainability than the North-East of Scotland. The advantage of being based here also derives from the proximity to some of the most important and geographically varied landscapes in the whole UK.
The University of Aberdeen is a leader in teaching and research in the field of economics and this programme builds on our considerable strengths in these areas. The Business School is home to the Scottish Experimental Economics Laboratory (SEEL), the Centre for Labour Market Research (CeLMR), and the Aberdeen Centre for Research in Energy Economics and Finance (ACREEF). There are especially strong links between the Economics Department and Health Economics Research Unit, one of the leading centres in health economics in Europe.
Available Programmes of Study
- MScEcon
-
Sustainability Economics and Finance
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMScEcon 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time September Aberdeen MoreMScEcon 24 months On Campus Learning Part Time September Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Please refer to our Tuition Fees page for fee information for this programme, or contact study@abdn.ac.uk.
Year 1
Compulsory Courses
Term 1:
Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (0 credit points)
Economic Analysis for Energy and the Environment (15 credit points)
Environmental Economics (15 credit points)
Term 2:
Plus up to 30 credit points from the following:
Business Strategy and Markets (15 credit points)
Sustainable Development (15 credit points)
Resource Economics (15 credit points)
Climate Change Economics and Carbon Finance (15 credit points)
Year 2
Compulsory Courses
Term 1:
Investment and Real Options Analysis for Energy (15 credit points)
Quantitative Methods (15 credit points)
Term 2:
Plus up to 30 credit points from the following (courses taken previously cannot be taken again):
Business Strategy and Markets (15 credit points)
Sustainable Development (15 credit points)
Resource Economics (15 credit points)
Climate Change Economics and Carbon Finance (15 credit points)
Term 3:
Dissertation in Sustainability Economics and Finance (60 credit points)
Programme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £26,250 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme:
The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen. More Information can be found here.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
From September 2025 all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Students will be assessed based on group reports, individual essays, and problem-solving based assessments.
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Why Study Sustainability Economics and Finance?
Societies across the globe require a profound transformation and transition towards sustainability. Economics and finance are pivotal in shaping this transformation.
This new programme is designed to equip students with the relevant knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex sustainability-economics-finance interface. It will help and enable students to gain expertise in analysing and designing economic strategies and solutions alongside a deep understanding of sustainability principles.
The University of Aberdeen was ranked 12th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025 and 15th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
The University of Aberdeen was ranked 10th in the UK and 48th globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024. These rankings aim to capture universities’ impact on society based on their success in delivering the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The University is also ranked 4th in the UK for Accounting and Finance and 13th in the UK for Economics in the Guardian University Guide 2025.
The University of Aberdeen was ranked 37th in the World for Sustainability in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2024.
With a community of over 130 nationalities at the University of Aberdeen, students are immersed in an environment that enables international discourse creating truly global exchanges, generating deep insights that spark innovative change.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
The minimum entry requirement for this programme is a degree at 2:2 (lower second class) UK Honours level (or a degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth).
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.
January 2025 September 2025Careers
The world faces complex and interconnected challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, pollution, and environmental degradation. These issues cannot be effectively addressed without a solid understanding of both economics/finance and environmental sustainability.
At the same time, there is a growing demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between economics/finance and sustainability. This programme contributes to filling this gap. It will prepare students to become professionals who can navigate the intricate intersection of these domains. On completion of this programme, students can be placed for work in governmental organisations, NGOs, as well as industry.
Accreditation
The Business School is EQUIS accredited, placing it among a select group of globally recognised institutions. Out of over 15,000 business schools worldwide, only around 200 schools across 45 countries have attained this distinction.
This degree holds accreditation from
Our Experts
You will be taught by and have access to a number of experts, many of whom are internationally renowned within their respective fields. These will include members of the Scottish Experimental Economics Laboratory (SEEL), the Centre for Labour Market Research (CeLMR), and the Aberdeen Centre for Research in Energy Economics and Finance (ACREEF)
- Programme Leader
- Frans de Vries, The University of Aberdeen
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
World Class Facilities
The University of Aberdeen, established in 1495, is Scotland’s third oldest and the UK’s fifth oldest University. The university’s ancient campus reflects its long-standing academic tradition, with historic buildings such as King's College, which dates back to the 15th century. This blend of ancient architecture and modern facilities creates a unique atmosphere where students can experience the best of both tradition and innovation.
Sir Duncan Rice Library
The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.
Find out more
Aberdeen City
Named Scotland's Safest University City (Unbroken Britain Survey, Provident Financial, 2018) and is in the top 10 in the UK for places to live and work (PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2018).
Affordability
Aberdeen has been named the cheapest place for students to rent private accommodation in the UK. In 2024, StuRents reports that the average price of a student private rental property in the Granite City was just over £96 a week.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Business School
University of Aberdeen
MacRobert Building
King Street
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX