Economics and Governance (BEB) / BSc

Profile

The domain of Wageningen UR relates to food and food production, the living environment and health, lifestyles and livelihoods. Economics in this domain takes certain specific features of it into account, including our dependence on nature and the uncertainties this brings with it, our need for access to food and water, spatial considerations, and the failures of the market as a mechanism for allocation and distribution. This brings governance issues to the fore, the more so in view of the numerous policy interventions in this domain and the role of civil society groups. Economics in Wageningen is therefore open-minded, with an eye for other social institutions than the market, and with a feel for the technical and nature-related aspects of the domain. It has built up a tradition of economic research of direct relevance to public policy, both national and international.
The BEB program covers the general principles of economics as well as offering specialized courses in economics and governance tailored to issues in agriculture, the environment, natural resources and development, both in Europe and elsewhere. BEB graduates distinguish themselves as economists by their real-world focus, their feel for multi-disciplinary approaches, and their sense of responsibility to ensure their work contributes to the quality of life.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of the BSc programme graduates are expected to be able to:
- explain specific economic and governance characteristics of agriculture, environment, natural resources and development in regional, national and international contexts;
- apply economic and governance concepts, principles, theories, and modelling approaches to issues in agriculture, environment, natural resources and development with awareness of natural science aspects;
- analyse the economic effects of changes in the natural and institutional environment regarding agriculture, environment, natural resources and development;
- apply knowledge by writing a research plan on a topic in economics or governance regarding agriculture, environment, natural resources and development including the main phases of a scientific research or design process under supervision;
- analyse concepts, approaches and methods and reflect upon scientific literature, with special reference to economics and governance of agriculture, environment , natural resources and development under supervision;
- gather and interpret relevant data in the field of economics and governance using available statistics and surveys to address issues in agriculture, environment, natural resources and development with some supervision;
- apply statistical, econometric and modelling techniques under supervision to economic and governance problems in agriculture, environment, natural resources and development;
- make judgements based on social and ethical issues that arise in work or study in the field of economics and governance;
- cooperate in a team to perform project-based work;
- communicate clearly (verbally and in writing) about the results of projects and research to both specialists and non-specialists audiences using oral presentations and reports containing qualitative and quantitative information;
- reflect upon personal knowledge, skills, attitudes, and functioning, both individually and in discussions with others, and design and plan their own study path (under supervision).

Programme Director

Ir E.P. Kroese
Phone: 0317- (4)82198
Email: edwin.kroese@wur.nl

Study Adviser(s)

Ir S. Sterrenburg
Phone: 0317- (4)82958
Email: sietse.sterrenburg@wur.nl

Programme Committee

Chair: Prof. dr S.W.F. Omta
Secretary: Ir E.P. Kroese

Internet

http://www.wageningenuniversity.nl/beb

Study Association

Mercurius Wageningen
Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen
Internet:http://www.mercuriuswageningen.nl

Unconditional Admission to the MSc

MID International Development Studies
MME Management, Economics and Consumer Studies