Ecological Economics

Key information

Start date:
13 May 2024
Attendance dates:
13 - 17 May 2024
Venue:
In person
Stag Hill campus, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH
Contact details:

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Introduction

This module can be taken as standalone or as part of building up to a certificate, diploma or master's degree. You can take up to three standalone modules before deciding whether you want to work towards any of these.

If you do decide to build up to a qualification, then you will need to complete and pass the following amount of modules within a five year period: four modules for a certificate; eight modules for a diploma; eight modules and a dissertation for a degree. Please note that certain modules will be compulsory depending on the degree you opt to take.

If you would like to gain a qualification then you will need to register onto one of our master's courses:

Module overview

This course will introduce the basic insights of ecological economics – that is an economics grounded in ecological realities - and situate these in the context of historical and current debates about economics and prosperity on a finite planet.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

  • Make sense of the claims made by those who invoke economic concepts and arguments in debates over ecological and social issues
  • Understand the basic principles of cost-benefit analysis, investment appraisal, macro-economic theory, systems analysis and ecological economics
  • Understand the dilemma of growth in advanced economies and engage in debates about growth, prosperity and sustainability
  • Participate in case study discussions relating to ecological economics.

Course content

Content includes the following:

  • Brief introduction to the history of economic ideas
  • An overview of the challenge of achieving a sustainable prosperity
  • Microeconomics - investment appraisal, cost-benefit analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, internalisation of external costs
  • Macroeconomics – the principles of demand and supply, consumption, investment, labour demand and productivity in an ecological context
  • Investment, debt and money creation
  • Growth theory and the dilemma of growth in advanced and developing economies.

Learning and teaching methods

The learning and teaching methods include:

  • Lectures and class discussions (30 hours)
  • In-class group work (10 hours)
  • Independent study (110 hours)
  • Online pre-course webinar (1 hour).

Assessment

  • A pre-course reflection on the ‘dilemma of growth’ in a finite world (25% of marks)
  • A post-course essay using the analytic techniques and covering one of the conceptual issues taught on the course (75% of module marks).

Please note: if you are taking this as a standalone module, then you are not required to complete the 3,000-word post-module essay, however, this will mean that you won't gain any credits for completing the module and so won't be able to work towards a qualification if you later decide to do so.

Course leader

Lirong Liu profile image

Dr Lirong Liu

Senior Lecturer in Environment and Sustainability

Reading list

You will be required to do some reading prior to the module starting, take a look at the reading list. Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENGM059.

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements if you are taking this as a standalone module.

For those wanting to build up to a qualification, please refer to the MSc course pages for entry requirements.

Recognition of prior learning

Some familiarity with economic concepts and/or quantitative analysis is useful, but not required.

Fees and funding

Price per person:

£1,275

For group bookings or bespoke training packages please contact us.

What these fees include

Please note that we do not charge VAT as we are an educational establishment. 

Price excludes all travel, accommodation, expenses.

How to apply

For those taking this as a standalone module, applications are taken through our online store. It is advised that you book no later than one month before the course start date.

Payment can be accepted by credit card or debit card. Payments will be accepted subject to availability. Please note that we do not charge VAT as we are an educational establishment.

If you have any problems with booking or payments then please contact the Administrative Officer, Georgina Coppin:

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations and our terms and conditions. You are also confirming you have read and understood the University's prospective student privacy notice.

Further details of our terms and conditions will follow.

Disclaimer

This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the commencement of the course. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read the full disclaimer.

Course location and contact details

Campus location

Stag Hill

Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

Professor Richard Murphy Head of Centre for Environment and Sustainability
Address

University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH