Module manager: Alice Damiano
Email: A.Damiano@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
SOEE2610 Economics and Sustainability
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module offers an in-depth exploration of topics at the intersection between Economics and Sustainability for students that have previous knowledge of the basics of neoclassical, environmental and ecological economics. By the end of this module, you will understand the philosophical and conceptual basis of different perspectives on inequality and development; you will have gained practical skills in the use of tools for the economic analysis of environmental impacts, projects and policies; and you will be able to critically discuss and design economic policy tools and instruments.
The main objectives of the module are: (1) to give students a good understanding of the philosophical conceptualisations of inequality, (2) to inspire students to critically engage with debates about inequality and development, (3) to provide students with concepts and tools for the valuation of the environment, (4) to develop students’ ability to design and critique environmental policies. The module is designed around principles of active learning. A high level of student preparation and engagement is expected.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
LO1. Understand the main concepts that underpin current economic thinking
around inequality and development
LO2. Recognise the relationships between the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of the economy and of economic thinking
LO3. Critically discuss current economic theories and pathways in relation to sustainability
LO4. Apply and critically evaluate economic policy tools that may be used to address environmental and social problems
LO5. Critically apply ecological economics tools to analyse the interactions between the economy and environment
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SLO1. Collect evidence from reliable sources, critically analyse this and synthesise findings [Work Ready and Sustainability Skills]
SLO2. Use quantitative analysis methods with digital tools to analyse the interactions between the economy and environment [Work Ready and Digital Skills]
SLO3. Communicate the findings of data analytics and translate those into clearly communicated recommendations for policy or practice [Work Ready and Sustainability Skills]
SLO4. Critically evaluate problems and use reasoning, judgement, and appropriate tools to propose solutions [Sustainability Skills]
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 160 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 40 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Seminars have planned activities to help students engage with and discuss the materials presented in the lectures and readings, as well as get formative feedback.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The resit is a single coursework essay that demonstrates the same learning outcomes.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team