Program Overview

Environmental Economics (Spatial and Applied Economics)

Overview

The Environmental Economics program focuses on the use of economic instruments to address environmental problems, from local pollution to global climate challenges. Students examine the use and depletion of natural resources and learn how market-oriented policies can stimulate sustainable technologies and behavior.

Program Details

• The program is based on real-world data and robust empirical methods.
• It provides students with the opportunity to take courses in related fields, such as urban, transport, environmental, health, development, and public economics.
• The program is recognized for its quality, having been named the Best Economics Master's in the Netherlands in the Keuzegids Masters 2025 and receiving high scores in the National Student Survey.

Research Areas

• The program explores how governments and societies can responsibly and effectively manage environmental quality, natural resources, and the energy transition.
• Key research questions include:
  • Which policy measures are most effective in preventing pollution and other negative external effects of economic activities?
  • What is the efficient use of renewable (such as forestry and fisheries) and non-renewable resources (such as fossil fuels and minerals), and how does this differ from what free markets provide?
  • How do environmental measures stimulate innovation, and what role does technology policy play in regulation?
  • How can climate policy be designed to avoid unintended consequences, such as "carbon leakage," the "rebound effect," or the "Green Paradox" effect?

Program Structure

• The program is a one-year, full-time master's degree.
• It is taught in English.
• The program is designed to provide students with advanced economic knowledge and analytical tools to address environmental challenges.

Why Study Environmental Economics?

• The program offers education from an expert team that is leading in research and actively participates in policy debates.
• Students have the opportunity to engage with a wide range of topics, from environmental and health economics to development and public economics.
• The program is based on real-world data and empirical methods, preparing students to analyze and shape policy at the household, local, and national levels.