Master of Environmental Economics (Online)

About the course

Environmental economics is a globally relevant field of applied economics that has expanded to tackle the major challenges to society of climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and pollution. Graduates will gain detailed knowledge and an understanding of core concepts including non-market valuation, natural resource management, market failure and the design of incentives for pro-environmental behaviour.

Career Pathways

Students will be trained to follow career opportunities as an environmental economist working in consultancy and government policy.

• NGOs
• Renewable Resources
• Government Agencies
• Consultancy firms
• Environmental Policy
• Environmental Economics
• Consultancy

Career Options

Career opportunities following this course include:

• Environmental Economist
• Environmental Policy Consultant
• Environmental Management
• Climate change economist
• Natural resource manager

Further Study

Students completing this degree may have the option to pursue further studies in research. Find out about our world-class research at UWA Science Global.

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic Student Fees

Annual course fee

2025

Full-Fee Paying Place $28,800.00

For Full-Fee Paying places, students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on a standard annual study load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL).

Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.

Visit the Fee Calculator and select your course type to find out more. Fees are subject to annual indexation.

More information on how fees are calculated.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Search Scholarships

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—

(a) a bachelor's degree, or equivalent as recognised by UWA; and (b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent; and Applicant must have completed prior studies at a tertiary level in either science, engineering, economics, natural resource management, or policy studies; or a related cognate discipline, as recognised by UWA.

Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

Course details

• Status: Available
• Locations: Perth (Crawley campus)
• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Delivery: Online
• Starting dates: Semester 1, Semester 2
• Level of study: Postgraduate
• Course Code: 70570
• This course is not available to international student visa holders

Course structure

Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and research) degrees comprise a number of units. Refer to the course structure for more information.

Conversion

Students may be required to complete relevant conversion units up to the value of 24 points, as advised by the School or Advising Office.

Core

Take all units (36 points):

• ECON4410 Environmental and Resource Economics (6)
• ECON5003 Microeconomic Theory for Agricultural and Environmental Economics (6)
• ECON5410 Valuing Environmental and Natural Resources (6)
• ENVT4520 GIS and Remote Sensing in a Changing World (6)
• SCIE4040 Data Analysis with R for Agricultural and Environmental Science (6)
• SCIE4510 Applied Cost Benefit Analysis (6)

Option

For students in course by coursework only, take unit(s) to the value of 24 points of which at least 12 points (2 units) must be taken at Level 5. Students in course by coursework and dissertation, take unit(s) to the value of 12 points.

• ECON5001 Economic Development in Theory and Practice (6)
• ECON5002 Agriculture and Economic Development (6)
• ECON5004 Microeconometric Models for Agricultural and Environmental Economics (6)
• ECON5511 Climate, Energy and Water Economics (6)
• ENVT4402 Analysis for Environmental Management (6)
• ENVT5005 Waste and the Circular Economy (6)
• SCIE4402 Data Management and Analysis in the Natural Sciences (6)

Option

Students in course by coursework only, take all units in this group (12 points):

• ECON5007 Research Project Part 1 (6)
• ECON5008 Research Project Part 2 (6)

Option

Students in course by coursework and dissertation, take all units in this group (24 points):

• SCIE5571 Dissertation Part 1 (6)
• SCIE5572 Dissertation Part 2 (6)
• SCIE5573 Dissertation Part 3 (6)
• SCIE5574 Dissertation Part 4 (6)

You'll learn to

• Understand the core concepts of environmental economics.
• Develop knowledge in non-market valuation, natural resource management, market failure and the design of incentives for pro-environmental behaviour.
• Develop an understanding of microeconomic theory generally and in the context of environmental problems.
• Apply fundamental research skills and methods to develop innovative solutions to real-time environmental problems.
• Utilise quantitative skills for economic modelling and statistical analysis.

Our academics

The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics in the School of Agriculture and Environment includes a group of highly cited environmental economists including David Pannell, Michael Burton, Steven Schilissi and Marit Kragt.

David Pannell is world renowned agricultral and environmental economist. He is a Felow of the US Agricultrural and Applied Economics Association and Recipient of a 2009 Eureka Prize.

Michael Burton is an agricultural and resource economist, and his research is primarily in the area of non-market valuation, particularly using stated preference techniques. His research is focused on understanding people’s behaviour, and the values that underpin those behaviours. He works in the areas of agricultural technology adoption, food demand, conservation farmer behaviour, and economics of food related health issues.

Associate Professor Kragt's research focuses on improving agricultural and natural resource management decisions. Her expertise includes climate change mitigation and adaptation in agriculture, integrated farm systems modelling, adoption of farm management practices, and economic valuation of non-market impacts. She has a background in environmental science and economics, with 15 years of experience in interdisciplinary research. She was an ARC DECRA Fellow from 2016–2020. Marit has previously worked with the CSIRO’s Integrated Agricultural Systems, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), and Federal Department of Agriculture.

Chunbo Ma is a highly cited researcher on the economics of renewable energy. His research on the costs and benefits of carbon farming and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices helps to improve agricultural management decisions. Chunbo was an ARC DECRA Fellow from 2013–2015.

Ranked 2nd in Australia and 38th in the world for Environmental Science and Engineering (GRAS 2023)

Expertise related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This course will covers the following SDG(s):

The University of Western Australia

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Overview:

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a leading research-intensive university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is renowned for its high-quality teaching, strong research output, and commitment to graduate employability. UWA is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally and is the number one university in Western Australia for graduate employability.

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Services Offered:

UWA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic support:

Tutoring, workshops, and study skills resources.

Career services:

Career counselling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student wellbeing:

Mental health support, counselling, and health services.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Sports and fitness:

Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of sports clubs.

Clubs and societies:

A vibrant student community with numerous clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

Study abroad and exchange:

Opportunities to study at universities around the world.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWA provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience for its students. The university boasts a beautiful campus with modern facilities, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Social events:

Concerts, festivals, and other social gatherings.

Sporting events:

Supporting the university's sports teams.

Volunteer opportunities:

Contributing to the local community.

Cultural events:

Art exhibitions, theatre performances, and music concerts.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class education:

UWA offers a high-quality education with a focus on research and innovation.

Excellent employability:

Graduates from UWA are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant campus life:

A diverse and engaging student community with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.

Beautiful campus:

A picturesque campus with modern facilities and green spaces.

Strong research focus:

UWA is a leading research university with a strong commitment to innovation.

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Academic Programs:

UWA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

History, Literature, Philosophy, Languages, and more.

Science and Engineering:

Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, and more.

Business and Economics:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, and more.

Health Sciences:

Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and more.

Law:

Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Laws, and other law programs.

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Other:

UWA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a strong focus on Indigenous education and research, and offers a range of programs and support services for Indigenous students. UWA also has a strong international presence, with students from over 100 countries studying at the university.