Spotlight on Sustainable Resources: Economics, Policy and Transitions MSc graduate Wanlin Chen

Prior to studying Sustainable Resources: Economics, Policy and Transitions (SR:EPT) MSc Wanlin completed a BSc in Finance at Sichuan University, China.

Wanlin says the MSc provided thorough research training in a wide range of fields from environmental economics and policies to the circular economy.

“Modules of this programme equipped me with various research methods like life cycle analysis, material flow analysis, and modelling.”

The MSc also helped her to develop her critical thinking and research skills:

“I was able to assess and analyse the environmental impacts of a product or industry as well as explore better approaches to improve resource efficiencies and mitigate environmental pollutions.”

Since completing the programme, Wanlin has used her MSc dissertation as the basis of a paper ‘Embodied energy and carbon emissions of building materials in China’ which was published in the prestigious Building and Environment Journal in 2021.

“This experience was quite helpful for increasing my research impacts and laying the foundation for my future career as a researcher.”

Wanlin is now a PhD student at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

“The research experience in the SR:EPT MSc programme encouraged me to continue doing research in my future career. It also facilitated me to become a PhD student so I can continue my research journey in addressing the challenges of promoting a sustainable urban environment and increasing the efficiencies in energy and resource use.”

In order to get the most out of the MSc, Wanlin would encourage students to try to find their own area of interest as the programme teaches multiple research areas and methods:

“The SR:EPT MSc programme will offer you a range of critical research topics. It’s important to understand different research areas and find out your own interest. In the MSc programme, multiple research methods will be taught. Reading a large number of relevant literature on your research topic and applying the appropriate method will help you address your research problem properly.”

We’d like to thank Wanlin for sharing her experience of studying Sustainable Resources: Economics, Policy and Transitions MSc and wish her all the best in the future.