BSc

Economics and Climate Change

Economics and Climate Change Code FL71 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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Key Facts

FL71

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 96

  • Course duration

    3 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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Economics can play a key role in tackling climate change by providing an understanding of the incentive structures of consumers and firms that help explain how and why governments might intervene in economic markets to deliver climate-friendly policies and institutions. Our BSc degree in Economics and Climate Change at Aberystwyth University will set you on the rewarding journey of having a positive impact on the world and prepare you to become a leader in the fight against climate change.

Course Overview

Why study Economics and Climate Change at Aberystwyth University?

Through the study of economics, you will gain an understanding of the failures of ‘conventional’ markets to effectively tackle climate change. Drawing on sub-disciplines of environmental and ecological economics, you will develop an appreciation of how local, national and international policies can be developed to provide incentives such as carbon trading schemes and taxes aimed at reducing emissions. 

You will combine a knowledge of the science underpinning climate change with a wide range of economic tools that allow you to understand and develop policies and incentives supporting the transition to a carbon neutral economy. You will explore creative ways in which policies can be developed to respond to the challenge and opportunities of the current climate crisis. It will also equip you with relevant subject-specific knowledge alongside the interdisciplinary, interpersonal skills and attributes needed to create a more just and sustainable world. 

Our Staff

Students at the Aberystwyth Business School are taught by lecturers and other teaching staff who are active researchers and expert practitioners in their chosen subject area.

Over 75% of full time members of teaching staff are qualified to PhD level. Most are currently research active, meaning that students benefit from being taught ‘new’ knowledge in their chosen field of study as well as recognized literature. The School also employs part-time and full time staff devoted purely to teaching. Many part-time staff combine teaching duties with consultancy and business activities, ensuring that students have access not only to up to date research but the latest applied knowledge.

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Data Analytics AB15220 20
Economic Theory and Policy AB13220 20
Understanding the Economy AB13120 20
Climate and Climate Change BR16620 20
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Climate Change EN19920 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Fundamentals of Accounting and Finance AB11120 20
Fundamentals of Management and Business * AB15120 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Dissertation * AB35540 40
Environmental Economics AB33220 20
Growth, Development and Sustainability AB33420 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Contemporary Issues in Economics and Policy AB33120 20
Crisis Writing WR31820 20
Global Biodiversity Conservation BR33420 20
History of Economic Thought AB33320 20
Population and Community Ecology BR33920 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Graduates of this degree will be well-placed to pursue a career in climate change management, adaptation and mitigation, both in the UK and abroad. Additionally, they will be suited to careers in related areas such as environmental education and consultancy or conservation. 

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

Below is an indicative list of modules that you may study on this course.

Year 1:

In your first year, you will develop a strong foundation of economic subjects, including modules on data analytics, understanding the economy, economic theory and policy, and accounting and finance. These will be combined with innovative modules that investigate the science of climate and the impacts, perceptions and adaptations of climate change.

Year 2:

Your second year will further build on your knowledge of micro- and macro-economic theory. You will develop a deeper understanding of climate change issues through interdisciplinary modules on the governance of climate change and institutional design. A research methods module will provide you with the research skills to integrate your knowledge across different disciplines to address the economic impacts and responses to climate change. Finally, option modules will allow you to develop specialist knowledge on economic and climate change issues.

Year 3:

Your final year will focus on further developing your economics knowledge with specialist modules on environmental economics and growth, development and sustainability. You will also be able to choose from a wide range of economics and climate change modules to suit your learning and professional needs. Drawing on the knowledge you have acquired throughout your studies, your final year dissertation will provide you with an opportunity to research in detail issue relating to the economic impact of, and policy response to, the challenges of the climate crisis.

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 96

A Levels BBB-CCC

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh, Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-MMM

International Baccalaureate:
30-26

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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