Second Cycle Degree/Two Year Master in Resource Economics and Sustainable Development

Why study Resource Economics and Sustainable Development

A pathway to become an economist able to analyse, design and make decisions on climate, energy and sustainability.

A programme at the heart of European policies and global sustainability 

Climate, energy and sustainability are transforming economies, policies and markets. The programme sits at the centre of these transformations and enables you to understand the relationships between the economy and the environment, working on real problems such as climate change, resource use and energy. 

RESD is directly linked to key European and global priorities and translates these into economic instruments, public policies and tangible decisions. In particular, it is fully aligned with the European Green Deal, which promotes climate neutrality by 2050, the circular economy and more efficient resource use. 

During the programme you will develop competences to: 

  • assess environmental impacts  
  • analyse data and economic models  
  • design public policies 

What makes this programme differentan applied approach spanning economics, data and policy 

Unlike more general economics courses, this programme focuses on sustainability, natural resources and energy, with an interdisciplinary and application-oriented approach. 

The programme combines: 

  • environmental and natural resource economics  
  • energy and climate change economics  
  • public policies and environmental governance  
  • quantitative methods and applied econometrics  

Through: 

  • analysis of real cases  
  • project work and applied activities  
  • the use of data and quantitative tools  

This enables you to tackle complex problems using practical, ready-to-use tools. 

Gain international experience and obtain a double degree 

You will study in an international environment, with access to mobility opportunities, exchanges and internships abroad. 

The programme includes an agreement with Johns Hopkins University (SAIS), one of the most prestigious institutions in the world in the field of policy and international development. Selected students can complete part of the programme at the Bologna campus and receive a double degree. 

This experience makes it possible to: 

  • engage directly with global contexts  
  • understand how international policies work  
  • develop a comparative perspective on economics, the environment and energy  

Due to the international network, you will be able to access opportunities and contacts with institutions, organisations and global stakeholders 

Why this programme is right for you 

If you have an economics background 

You will gain a deeper understanding of economics applied to sustainability, developing the skills required in the fields of policy, energy and the environment. 

If you have a technical or scientific background 

You will learn to integrate data and technical knowledge with economic tools to make decisions and design solutions. 

Why it is a strategic choice today 

This programme offers a specialisation in sustainability economics aligned with the major economic, environmental and energy transformations currently underway, which are becoming increasingly central in public policies and markets. Choosing this programme will enable you to develop a skill set that allows you to understand these dynamics and translate them into analysis, policy and operational decisions. 

You will be able to apply these competences in areas with high demand: 

  • energy and energy transition  
  • sustainability and ESG  
  • public policies and European institutions  
  • international organisations and global development  
  • sustainable finance and circular economy  

With opportunities in roles such as: 

  • sustainability consultant  
  • energy analyst  
  • policy advisor  
  • ESG specialist  
  • environmental economist