University of Copenhagen
Promoted by University of Copenhagen

Economics at the University of Copenhagen: Valuable, versatile degrees

Enter the University of Copenhagen, Europe’s fifth-best university. With 5,000 researchers and 37,500 students, this is where today’s passionate students evolve into tomorrow’s leaders tackling the biggest questions in science — think climate change, food security, biodiversity conservation, and more.

It makes perfect sense for ambitious students seeking to move the world forward to join UCPH. Copenhagen, one of the most eco-friendly cities in the world, is also a vibrant, student capital. It has affordable cafés, efficient local transportation, and a safe environment for tourists and locals all year round. With so much to see, do, and admire, it’s little wonder why many end up settling down here.

Many UCPH graduates stay on to work in Denmark or around Europe, especially those who want to be part of the world’s green transition. When it comes to pioneering human activities that are sustainable in the long term and do not damage the planet, UCPH, the city, and the country are leaders.

University of Copenhagen

The university is home to industry-aligned programmes within an international study environment. Source: University of Copenhagen

Valuable degrees that stand out

Our new reality requires a new breed of economist – the kind that the Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics transforms students into. In this social science programme, students explore economics, the environment, and natural resources in both a national and global context. A great choice for those passionate about solving environmental challenges, this programme equips you with the know-how and tools to asses pressing environmental issues and carry out quantitative and qualitative analysis.

“If you have a passion for economics, if you care a lot about the environment, then this is exactly what you’re looking for,” says student Clare Quigley. “What’s special about our master’s programme is that you really find a balance between learning about environmental breakdowns and its solutions, economic policies.”

University of Copenhagen

Clare and Maria delve into Environmental and Natural Resource Economics: Source University of Copenhagen

As a graduate, you’ll have a solid understanding of natural science, crucial for proper management of environmental and natural resource problems. You are set to be the link between different disciplines, such as economists and biologists, or developers and conservationists – opening up many career opportunities in multidisciplinary settings.

“For me, it was the interdisciplinary part that made the University of Copenhagen an easy choice. I wanted some aspects of the natural science and being able to connect that with a social science field such as economics or policy making,” says Maria Agertved Madsen, another graduate. “You can spend some of your elective courses on doing a Project in Practice to gain credit. So, this gives you an understanding of what you can work with after the master’s degree, and you get to apply all the knowledge that you’ve gained during the education.”

Another forward-thinking, high-impact programme is the Master of Science (MSc) in Agricultural Economics. In this comprehensive programme with a special emphasis on food, agribusiness, environment, and development, you’ll learn how economic incentives can regulate the consumption and production of food through lectures, seminars, as well as practical and theoretical exercises.

Projects are a big part of the programme – where you’ll work both independently and in groups. Previous projects involved dealing with enhanced conflict resolution in the World Trade Organisation, or tariff barriers for manufacturers in Europe and developing countries. At the end of the programme, you’ll be able to handle complex, unpredictable situations that require new solution models in both the private and public sectors.

“I like that it’s applied economics on a specific field and then also because the social environment here is very good,” says student Frida Bjertrup Nielsen. “This programme is special because it applies economics to agriculture and the natural resources in general and I would very much recommend it because of that.”

Regardless of programme, you’re set to earn a versatile degree. Each degree can be tailored with elective courses to suit your career aspirations and interests. You’ll be in good hands too – all students spend an average of 16 to 20 hours a week alongside their lecturers, according to a report by the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science.

University of Copenhagen

Davide and Frida discussing Agricultural Economics: Source University of Copenhagen

“I think our programme is very cosy,” says Davide Bonesi, an MSc in Agricultural Economics student. “It has a lot of possibilities and it is very flexible so you can choose your own path.”

Upon graduation, you’ll be ready for a career that makes a difference almost immediately. The combination of theory, method and application in both programmes inspires careers beyond the usual sector, allowing students to explore paths in academia, non-profits, industry, government, the private sector, and more. Of course, you’ll also be highly sought after by those in the green transition, who are eager to hire UCPH graduates.

Follow the University of Copenhagen on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and YouTube.