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 organisations.

Study 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

• You can apply for this minor if you are a Bachelor’s student and have obtained at least 60 ECTS at the time of application. The minor is also open to students from higher professional education (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 the field of economics or politics is required.

When applying, please submit:

• a signed and stamped extract of your study results (for non-UvA students).

Application and Admission

For the academic year 2025–2026, you can apply from 1 April to 13 May. A limited number of places are available for this minor.  If there are more applications than available places, a draw will determine your placement.

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).