MSc (Global Environmental Economics)

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Galway

Program Overview

The MSc in Global Environmental Economics at the University of Galway is a one‑year, full‑time program designed for graduates who want to combine economics expertise with environmental and sustainability knowledge. It suits students aiming to work in policy, consultancy, or international organizations, focusing on the economic dimensions of climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Semester 1 (Autumn):
Students begin with Microeconomics for Sustainability and Econometrics for Environmental Economics, building strong analytical foundations. Modules such as Global Environmental Change and Natural Resource Economics introduce the scientific and economic frameworks needed to understand climate and resource challenges.

Year 1 – Semester 2 (Spring):
The second semester emphasizes applied practice. Courses like Environmental Valuation and Cost‑Benefit Analysis and Policy Evaluation for Sustainability train students to assess environmental projects and policies. Students also take International Environmental Policy and Governance, which explores how global institutions and agreements shape environmental outcomes.

Summer Semester (Capstone):
Students complete a Research Dissertation in Environmental Economics, applying their knowledge to a substantial independent project. This capstone often involves empirical analysis, policy evaluation, or collaboration with environmental organizations.

Focus Areas

Environmental economics, climate change policy, natural resource management, sustainability evaluation, international governance.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to apply economic analysis to environmental challenges, conduct policy evaluations, design cost‑benefit studies, and contribute to sustainable development strategies at national and international levels.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is a Level 9 NFQ Master of Science degree, internationally recognized, and delivered through the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, ensuring strong academic and professional credibility.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Galway is ranked in the Top 2% of universities globally (QS World University Rankings) and is ranked first in Ireland for Sustainable Development (THE Impact Rankings), reflecting its strong reputation for graduate employability and environmental research excellence.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most valuable aspects of the MSc in Global Environmental Economics at the University of Galway is the way students gain practical, applied skills alongside their academic training. The program is designed to ensure graduates can work confidently with real environmental data, policy frameworks, and economic evaluation tools. Students engage with international partnerships, advanced software, and applied projects that mirror the professional demands of sustainability and environmental economics.

To make this experiential learning concrete, here’s what you can expect:

UN Climate Change Partnership: The program has partnered with the United Nations Climate Change and Universities Partnership Programme, giving students the chance to work on real climate adaptation projects with global relevance.
Applied Research Dissertation: Students complete a substantial independent research project, often involving empirical analysis of environmental data or collaboration with policy organizations.
Specialist Software & Digital Tools: Training includes econometrics and statistical packages (such as R and Stata), ensuring graduates can analyze environmental and economic datasets with industry‑standard tools.
Policy Evaluation Modules: Courses such as Environmental Valuation and Cost‑Benefit Analysis and Policy Evaluation for Sustainability are taught through applied sessions, where students assess real projects and policies.
Group Projects & Class Engagement: Students collaborate on applied coursework and policy simulations, developing teamwork and communication skills essential for consultancy and international organizations.
Library & Research Facilities: Full access to the University of Galway Library, with specialized collections and electronic databases in economics, sustainability, and environmental science, supports both coursework and dissertation research.
School of Business & Economics Support: Delivered through the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, students benefit from modern teaching spaces, research centres, and strong links to environmental policy networks.

This blend of UN partnerships, applied research, econometric training, and policy evaluation projects ensures that graduates of Galway’s MSc in Global Environmental Economics are not only academically accomplished but also practically prepared to lead in sustainability policy, consultancy, and international development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc in Global Environmental Economics at the University of Galway are well‑equipped to work in roles such as environmental economist, sustainability consultant, policy analyst, and international development specialist. The program’s strong focus on applied economics and its partnership with the United Nations Climate Change and Universities Partnership Programme ensures that students gain both academic depth and real‑world relevance.

Here’s how the University of Galway supports your career journey and why this program stands out:

University Career Services: The Career Development Centre offers tailored employability support, including employer networking, CV workshops, and career mentoring, helping graduates secure positions in consultancy, government, and international organizations.
Employment Stats: According to the University of Galway’s Graduate Outcomes reports, 73% of postgraduates are in full‑time employment within months of graduation, reflecting strong career prospects for economics graduates.
Industry Partnerships: The program’s collaboration with the UN Climate Change and Universities Partnership Programme gives students direct exposure to international climate adaptation projects, enhancing employability in global policy and development roles.
Accreditation Value: Awarded as a Level 9 NFQ Master of Science degree, the qualification is internationally recognized and provides long‑term professional credibility in economics and sustainability.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni are prepared for careers in environmental consultancy, international aid agencies, government departments, and research institutes, applying their skills to climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development challenges.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc, students may continue into PhD research within the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics at the University of Galway, focusing on advanced areas such as environmental valuation, climate policy, or sustainable resource management. This pathway allows graduates to deepen their expertise, contribute to internationally recognized research, and position themselves for academic careers or leadership roles in global environmental economics.