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 therefore focuses on 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 BSc programme Economics and Governance 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. 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 this BSc programme graduates are expected to be able to:
- explain economic and governance concepts, principles and theories in general, and in particular those related to agriculture, the 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, the environment, natural resources and development, and take into consideration relevant life and natural sciences aspects;
- analyse the economic effects of changes in the natural and institutional environment regarding agriculture, the environment, natural resources and development;
- apply knowledge by writing a research plan on a topic in economics or governance regarding agriculture, the 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, the environment, natural resources and development under supervision;
- collect and interpret relevant information in the field of economics and governance using available literature and data to address issues in agriculture, the environment, natural resources and development with some supervision;
- apply statistical, econometric and modelling techniques under supervision to economic and governance problems in agriculture, the 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 research projects and other assignments 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 execute their own study path (under supervision).

Programme Director

Dr.ir. P.B.M. Berentsen
Phone: 0317- (4)83485
Email: paul.berentsen@wur.nl

Study Adviser(s)

Dr. G.A.H. van der Heijden
Phone: 0317- (4)81304
Email: gielis.vanderheijden@wur.nl

Programme Committee

Chair: dr.ir. J.H.M. Peerlings
Secretary: dr.ir. P.B.M. Berentsen

Internet

www.wur.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
MBS Biobased Sciences
MME Management, Economics and Consumer Studies