After successfully finishing this minor, you will have acquired thorough knowledge on the theoretical and practical applications of sustainability and economics. You can use this to participate in and contribute to policy discussions.

Moreover, you will obtain an understanding of the (dis)advantages of a variety of policies measures, discuss possible implications and can guide dialogues about these topics towards a better and more sustainable world. Students who take this minor will have a competitive edge when seeking employment in the field of sustainability in the private sector, public sector, NGOs and international organizations.

Programme

The minor contains of 30 EC and can be completed in 1 semester. It includes 1 compulsory courses of 6 EC each. In addition you have to take 4 electives. You will have to register for the courses yourself. Due to the popularity of this minor, we cannot guarantee you will be granted your top 4.  

* Registration for this course requires meeting additional entry requirements. Please consult the Course Catalogue for more information.

Natural resource economics: In this course, you will investigate the links between human societies and natural resources through the lens of economics. The course will be organised around six broad topics: (1) sustainability; (2) depletable and replenishable resources; (3) biodiversity and ecosystem management; (4) market failures and instruments concerning natural resources; (5) health and the environment; and (6) development and natural resources.

Climate change economics: This course offers an introduction into the economics of climate change. The course builds on insights from both behavioral and public economics and covers literature on expected impacts, potential policy responses, and perceptions thereof. 

Post-growth entrepreneurship: This course introduces students to literature on entrepreneurs that have a different aim than maximizing returns to shareholders. The course will cover topics such as circularity, collaboration, open access, and sufficiency from a business perspective.
 

Entry requirements

• When applying for the minor, it is necessary to have successfully completed your first year (60 EC) of a Bachelor's programme (WO) or University of Applied Sciences programme (HBO).
• This minor is not open to students who have already completed one of the courses as part of their Bachelor’s programme.
• No prior knowledge in Economics or Politics is required.

Application and Admission

At this moment you are unable to apply for the minor. On 30 April 2024 10:00 AM, the minor application opens. You will find a link to the application form on this page.

Important Dates and selection process

You can apply for this minor between 30 April 2024 10:00 AM and 1 August 2024 01:00 PM (or earlier if the maximum number of participants for the minor has been reached). Selection for this minor is based on the first come first serve principle.

Please note that you can only be admitted to one minor at UvA Economics and Business at a time. However, you can apply for a maximum of two minors. A potential second choice will only be taken into consideration if you are not selected for the minor you applied for first.  

What do you need to apply?

Non UvA-students

• Sign up as an elective student (bijvak student) for the Bachelor's programme in Economics and Business Economics in Studielink with a start date of 1 September 2024. Important: You need a timely enrolment and an active UvA-account, to access the application form. It is advised to arrange this before 10 May.
• a signed and stamped transcript of your study results so far;
• Motivation letter.

UvA students

• Motivation letter.

After admission: register for courses

After being admitted to the minor, you need to register for the individual courses of the minor. The course registration period for the first semester will take place on the following dates:

• 10 June until 17 June 13:00;

All information about course registration will be included in the email you receive after you are admitted to the minor. All minor students have a guaranteed spot for a course.

More info and contact

For more general information about applying for and taking a minor, visit the student website about minors at UvA Economics and Business. Or you can contact the Education Desk ((make sure to choose an UvA Economics and Business programme to see the correct information).