What does this study entail?
A programme that tackles the economics behind the SDGs
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals are ambitious and complex. The Economics of Sustainability specialisation within the Master of Science in Economics and Business examines how economic systems can support or hinder progress toward these goals. You will apply economic thinking to major global challenges such as climate change, inequality, public health, and sustainable development.
This programme offers a broad view of sustainable development and the role of economics in shaping fair and practical solutions. Unlike programmes focused on one area, it integrates multiple economic perspectives to address the interconnected nature of the Sustainable Development Goals.
To deepen your understanding, you will work on an Impact Case—a real-world policy challenge from an external partner such as a ministry, local government, or private organisation. In small groups, you will analyse the case, develop policy options, and present recommendations. Topics may include inequality, migration, climate change, or healthy ageing.
In your Impact case work you will explore questions such as:
- How can we protect the planet’s natural resources while supporting economic growth?
- How can we design cost-effective public health systems that distribute benefits fairly?
- What are the long-term effects and trade-offs of different policy interventions?
By the end of the programme, you will be able to:
- Describe the complexity of the SDGs in terms of timeframes, levels of intervention, and interconnections
- Analyse the economic perspectives needed to understand and address the SDGs
- Evaluate policy options and their costs, benefits, and ripple effects
- Apply economic tools to design and assess sustainable policy interventions
Is this the right programme for you?
This specialisation is ideal for students who are motivated to contribute to a sustainable future and believe in the power of economic analysis to support that goal. You are likely to thrive in this programme if:
- You are eager to develop both broad and in-depth economic knowledge
- You are enthusiastic about solving complex societal problems
- You are motivated by working with external experts and real-world cases
- You want to strengthen your analytical and professional skills, including teamwork
You will learn to combine academic and practical knowledge, preparing you to work on sustainability challenges and policy making in both public and private sectors.
Why study Economics of Sustainability in Rotterdam?
Erasmus School of Economics is uniquely positioned to offer this programme thanks to its large and diverse faculty, which brings together expertise from across economic disciplines. This allows for a truly interdisciplinary approach to sustainability.
You will also benefit from the school’s strong connections with external organisations. Through guest lectures and collaborative projects, you will engage with professionals from ministries, NGOs, and the corporate world who are actively working on sustainability challenges.
Rotterdam itself is a vibrant, forward-thinking city with sustainability high on the agenda. As home to one of the world’s largest ports and a hub for innovation, the city offers a dynamic environment to study and experience the economics of sustainability in action.
