The only programme of its kind in the world, GCU's MSc Climate Justice explores one of the most pressing issues of our times: climate justice, where climate change, human rights and policy development intersect.
Each year, the effects of climate change become more pronounced. People all over the world are already being displaced due to rising sea levels, crop-destroying droughts and disasters like floods and forest fires. Over the next decade, these climate consequences will only intensify. How we chose to move forward may be one of the most important ethical questions of the 21st century.
Your MSc Climate Justice programme will prepare you to think strategically and contribute to the growing field of climate justice. You might help craft public policy at a local or global level, work with a non-profit or intergovernmental agency, assist a developmental organisation or pursue academic research in the field.
Taking a practical, multi-disciplinary approach, the curriculum offers a solid foundation in the complex issues of climate justice.
GCU's Centre for Climate Justice is taking the lead, collaborating to drive research and policy in the field. At GCU, the University for the Common Good, you'll join a community dedicated to achieving meaningful social change. You'll find friends, classmates, colleagues and professors who share your values in the fight for human rights.
As we come to this crossroads, we believe in working together to transform our society and strengthen our communities - for the common good.
The MSc Climate Justice explores the principles that underpin climate justice; human rights, development and climate change. The programme is tailored to provide a practical angle to climate justice to allow students to graduate with a Masters which provides them with skills, approaches and methodologies for addressing climate justice in their future work plans. It can be studied full-time for one year or part-time over two years.
Resources and Sustainability
This module provides an overview of our resources (water, air, forests, soil, raw materials, energy, etc) and how to critically analyse how and why these resources are exploited on a global scale. This module will focus on both the natural and social and economic sciences to provide a holistic understanding of sustainable resource use and management.
Climate Change and Carbon Management
Develops a student's understanding and knowledge of global climate change issues and the role of built environment in it, and an ability to conduct practical investigation of carbon management in the context of the built environment.
Climate Justice
Provides an overview of key issues that underpin climate justice (injustice) and the history of the climate justice movement and critique thereof Climate injustice and human rights to life are explored via addressing equity and equality including the implications, complexities and trade-offs between climate change and poverty. Controversial issues are examined by exploring challenging current economic models and theories and analysing failures(Kyoto, CDM and MDGs).
Human Rights, Gender and Development
This module critically examines the variety of ways in which a rights based approach seeks to engage with the impact of climate change. It does so by considering climate change within broader debates surrounding human rights and the structured nature of vulnerability in relation to gender and development.
Environmental Ethics and Climate Change
Critically examines the ethics of climate change. Rather than taking the concept of climate justice as its starting point, however, the focus is on locating the phenomena of climate change within the wider debates and schools of thought that are prevalent in the field of environmental ethics.
Climate Change, Adaptation and Mitigation
Develops a student's understanding and knowledge of global climate change issues and the ways that differing political cultures can impact adaptation and mitigation measures. In addition, sectoral responses to climate change will be explored and country/regional mitigation strategies will be considered, using climate modelling to investigate how decisions regarding adaptation and mitigation emerge.
Water, Justice and Public Health
Develops a student's understanding and knowledge of the important links between water and public health and explores the water/food/energy nexus that prevents developing world countries from making the most of economic development opportunities. It discusses whether developed world solutions are appropriate or even desirable for implementation in the developing world.
Renewable Energy Technologies
The module concentrates on therenewable energy technologies most likely to succeed in the UK and other temperate countries, i.e. solar energy, energy from waste, wind, hydro and biomass. Renewable energy is regarded as an integral part of a sustainable development strategy and is intimately linked to safe water access and agriculture based economic development.
Master's Dissertation/Project
Provides the student with the opportunity to conduct an individual in-depth piece of research, into a topic of their own choosing. This includes elements of time management, achieving deadlines and outputs and different ways of presenting work.
Students will be assessed via a combination of coursework, oral presentations, on-line discussions, computer based exercises, case study analysis, reports and a final dissertation.
Graduates of the MSc Climate Justice will find rewarding careers with development organisations, the UN and related organisations, government agencies and non-profit organisations - as well as within academic and research institutions.
The question is no longer if our climate will change, but how will it change and how will we adapt to these changes? Adaption and mitigation to global warming, the greenhouse effect and climate change all form the basis of the master's Climate Studies programme in Wageningen. Students will gain a broad overview of climate change during this two-year programme. As changes and challenges crystallise, the demand for scientists able to understand and investigate them will rise. This master's programme is specifically targeted at students who wish to focus on the scientific insights into climate change and on the social and economic implications of climate change in the broadest sense.
The MSc programme Climate Studies runs annually beginning from September. It comprises 120 European credit points (EC) and runs for two academic years. The first year consists of 40 weeks of coursework; the second year consists of the academic internship (16 weeks) and thesis programme (24 weeks), which are the core components of the Masters degree programme. View the complete programme of Climate Studies.
Within the master's programme you can choose from the following Specialisations to meet your personal interests.
The best way to get to know a place is by getting to know the people. Students share their experiences with you about the master's programme and student life in Wageningen on the page Student experiences.
The demand for scientists that are able to understand and investigate climate change issues is increasing. After graduation you will be able to continue your scientific career or work in the professional field. Read more about the career perspectives and opportunities after finishing the programme.
Related programmes:
MSc Management, Economics and Consumer Studies
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
The MSc in Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change course places particular emphasis on recent global and regional environmental and climatic change, the scientific basis and limitations of models and data collection techniques. It combines the international research strengths of staff within the Departments of Geography and Biosciences around environmental and climate dynamics (processes and mechanisms involved in stability and change), marine and ecosystem biology, and environmental management and sustainable development.
Graduates from the Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change course will have extensive knowledge of the current scientific issues underpinning climate change and environmental and ecosystem dynamics, and the practical problem solving, ICT and communication skills required for a successful career in the environmental service industry, regulating bodies or academia.
Students of the MSc Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change at Swansea will benefit from exceptional computing facilities that include fifteen dual-processor workstations for Earth Observation, a 20-node multiprocessor Beowulf cluster, and the Department’s IBM ‘Blue Ice’ supercomputer, used mainly for climate and glaciological modelling.
The aims of the Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change programme are:
To provide advanced training in understanding the scientific issues associated with environmental dynamics and climatic change,
To provide graduates entering the environmental service industry or a regulating body with the required practical problem solving, ICT and communication skills; as well as a basic knowledge of current climate policy and environmental management,
To provide graduates continuing their academic career with the required subject specific and transferable skills.
Modules of the MSc Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change programme include:
Climate Change
Core Science Skills
Satellite Remote Sensing
Principles of Environmental Dynamics and Climatic Change
Please visit our website for a full description of modules for the Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change MSc.
The Stackpole residential field course introduces Environmental Dynamics and Climatic Change programme students taking the “Principles of Environmental Dynamics” to some of the major themes of the module: environmental systems, sea-level change and human impact on the environment, in a congenial setting in Pembrokeshire. The environmental issues facing the Stackpole Estate are discussed and placed into a historical perspective through lectures and the analysis of long term environmental records.
The Department of Geography aima to be one of the foremost international centres for research in human and physical geography, and to provide our students with excellent teaching and superb facilities in a friendly atmosphere.
The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 show that Geography at Swansea University is ranked joint 9th in the UK for research impact and 11th in the UK for research environment.
Research groups include:
Environmental Dynamics
Glaciology
Global Environmental Modelling and Earth Observation
Migration, Boundaries and Identity
Social Theory and Urban Space
We host a large community of postgraduate researchers studying for PhD degrees, and run one-year MRes, MSc and MA courses.
The Department of Geography is well-resourced to support research: there are two dedicated computer laboratories: One of 24 computers in conjunction with Library and Information Services (LIS) providing general IT software and programmes dedicated to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing; One of 10 high-performance Linux workstations delivering software tools for advanced GIS and remote sensing applications.
We have specialist laboratory suites for: stable-isotope ratio analysis; tree ring analysis; extraction and identification of organic compounds; pollen extraction and analysis; rainfall simulation; tephra analysis; soil and sediment characterisation.
In addition, we have recently spent £1.8million on state-of-the-art teaching spaces, including IT facilities, laboratories and flexible teaching spaces.
I originally came to Swansea University to study for a BSc in Geography. Although this course covered a wide range of both human and physical topics that were all very interesting and provided a broad spectrum of skills from GIS and remote sensing to environmental modelling, my main interest was in the physical aspects. I graduated in 2007 with a 1st Class BSc (Hons) in Geography and wanted to continue my studies into the field of climate change. I decided that the MSc in Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change would be an appropriate route to take in order to pursue this field. The MSc in Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change focused on many characteristics of the global environment, like impacts on ecosystems, and how the varying processes associated with climate change can be monitored, measured and modelled. This choice of topics was complimented by the fact that the modules were run by lecturers working at the cutting-edge of global environmental change. The culmination of what I learned over the course of the year was put into practice with the dissertation, which allowed me to focus on an area of particular interest. The group of friends that I had on the course were brilliant and I will take away a lot of fond memories of our time together at Swansea. Now, after finishing the MSc in Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change I have a job working for the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton".
David Hamersley, MSc Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change
There is a pressing national and international need to understand the nature and consequences of climatic change and to develop adaptation strategies. The UCL Climate Change MSc provides rigorous scientific and vocational training for the next generation of climate change professionals.
The programme provides you with a knowledge and understanding of the Earth system (incorporating the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, lithosphere) and the nature and causes of climate variability and change. It combines observationally based climate and environmental science with state-of-the-art modelling, specifically concerned with understanding the impacts of climate change. It seeks to place climate change within the context of broader anthropogenic environmental change and social policy dimensions.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consist of four core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months) is offered.
A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, full-time 12 weeks, part-time one year) is offered.
Core modules
* modules running are dependent on staff sabbaticals
Optional modules
Options may include:
Other MSc modules offered across UCL may be taken at the discretion of the MSc convenor. *Availability of modules is dependent on staff sabbaticals.
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 12,000 words and an oral presentation.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory and computer-based practical classes. Assessment is through independent project work, practical-based and written coursework, and the dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Climate Change MSc
The programme provides an ideal foundation for PhD research, or for employment with a wide range of private industries, non-governmental organisations, government agencies and environmental consultancies. Graduates have gone on to careers in the commercial, non-profit and academic sectors. Examples include government policy implementation, sustainability consultancy, science communication and research. A significant proportion of students go onto further study such as a PhD.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
Climate change is big issue with many governmental, non-governmental and commercial cosequences. This programme will give graduates an edge when applying for jobs in the private sector relating to adaptation and mitigation - such as the insurance industry and carbon monitoring companies respectively. It also provides a great stepping-stone to a PhD.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
As one of the world's top universities, UCL excels across the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. The MSc is run by UCL Geography, which enjoys an outstanding international reputation for its research and teaching.
The Climate Change MSc brings together the strong expertise of the department, offering a distinctive blend of fundamental climate science, environmental modelling, impacts and adaptations, delivered from both natural and social science perspectives.
By bringing together students and researchers we aim to create a vibrant and informal academic environment of mutual discovery and ongoing debate.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Geography
81% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Geographic Information and Climate Change at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
The MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change course provides cross-disciplinary training in the scientific basis of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Satellite Remote Sensing and Earth System Modelling alongside aspects of climate change.
The Geographic Information and Climate Change course places particular emphasis on the technical aspects of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Earth Observation as well as the past, present and future global and regional environmental and climatic change.
Graduates from the Geographic Information and Climate Change course will develop hands-on technical knowledge in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing together with a broad knowledge of the current scientific issues underpinning climate change, and the practical problem solving, ICT and communication skills required for a successful career in either industry or regulating bodies.
It is envisaged that graduates from the MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change course will enter careers in utilities, county councils, the environmental service industry or regulating body, or indeed be well prepared for a future career in academia.
Students of the Geographic Information and Climate Change programme will benefit from exceptional computing facilities that include fifteen dual-processor workstations for Earth Observation, a 20-node multiprocessor Beowulf cluster, and the Department’s IBM ‘Blue Ice’ supercomputer, used mainly for climate and glaciological modelling.
Graduates from the MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change course will have broad knowledge of the current scientific issues underpinning climatic change and environmental and ecosystem dynamics, and the practical problem solving, ICT and communication skills required for a successful career in the environmental service industry, regulating bodies or academia.
Aims:
To provide advanced training in understanding the scientific issues associated with environmental dynamics and climatic change,
To provide graduates entering the environmental service industry or a regulating body with the required practical problem solving, ICT and communication skills; as well as a basic knowledge of current climate policy and environmental management,
To provide graduates continuing their academic career with the required subject specific and transferable skills.
Please Visit our website for a full description of modules for the Geographic Information and Climate Change MSc.
The Stackpole residential field course introduces students taking the “Principles of Environmental Dynamics” to some of the major themes of the module: environmental systems, sea-level change and human impact on the environment, in a congenial setting in Pembrokeshire. The environmental issues facing the Stackpole Estate are discussed and placed into a historical perspective through lectures and the analysis of long term environmental records.
We aim to be one of the foremost international centres for research in human and physical geography, and to provide our students with excellent teaching and superb facilities in a friendly atmosphere.
The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 show that Geography at Swansea University is ranked joint 9th in the UK for research impact and 11th in the UK for research environment.
Research groups include:
Environmental Dynamics
Glaciology
Global Environmental Modelling and Earth Observation
Migration, Boundaries and Identity
Social Theory and Urban Space
The Department of Geography is well-resourced to support research: there are two dedicated computer laboratories: One of 24 computers in conjunction with Library and Information Services (LIS) providing general IT software and programmes dedicated to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing; One of 10 high-performance Linux workstations delivering software tools for advanced GIS and remote sensing applications.
We have specialist laboratory suites for: stable-isotope ratio analysis; tree ring analysis; extraction and identification of organic compounds; pollen extraction and analysis; rainfall simulation; tephra analysis; soil and sediment characterisation.
In addition, we have recently spent £1.8million on state-of-the-art teaching spaces, including IT facilities, laboratories and flexible teaching spaces.
“I chose to study MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change at Swansea as I had already enjoyed my undergraduate degree here. I really enjoyed that the course is quite full on, with a lot of independent work but a willingness from lecturers to help with any issues you have. Anyone considering this course I would advise to come to the university and speak with the lecturers about the potential interests they have. You get out what you put in. I want to go into a field that requires some expertise, although I feel as though I will need more experience once in or looking for a job, Swansea has provided the stepping stone for my future career. The lecturers helped me because they take a back seat, but I understand that they are there to support me when I need it. They have allowed me to be independent.”
Alice Nolan, MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change
After completing his MSc in Geographic Information and Climate Change, Thomas went on to earn a position at the Associated British Ports Marine Environmental Research. He said of his time at Swansea – “I chose MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change at Swansea University because of the funding Available (Access to Master's Scheme) and specific course content (Climate Change and GIS modules). I enjoyed studying topics in greater depth than at undergraduate level, and the opportunity to undertake my dissertation in partnership with an external organisation. The lecturers were highly approachable throughout the course, and were always available for advice outside of lectures and seminars. Studying at Master's level in Swansea provided the opportunity to build upon the knowledge and skills I acquired as an undergraduate. For example, completing my Master's dissertation in partnership with an external company enabled development of my communication and organisational skills, as well as my ability to synthesize research. These skills have been vital for development of my career in the marine consulting sector.”
Thomas Perks, MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change
The MSc program in Integrated climate system Sciences (ICSS) offers courses in all fields of climate system sciences. At present, the program allows the specialization in one of following three tracks:
• physics of the climate system;
• biogeochemistry of the climate system;
• climate related economics and social sciences.
All courses are held in English. Class size is limited to 20 students. Our research oriented study program has been accredited by ASIIN in 2010.
• Be part of the Cluster of Excellence CliSAP at KlimaCampus Hamburg and study all aspects of the climate system.
• Benefit from a structured study program.
• Take the advantage of having the choice to give your study program either an "in-depth" or an "interdisciplinary" focus.
• Have access to an exciting environment conducive to science and education, and use the extraordinary resources at the KlimaCampus.
• Make use of our support program and prepare yourself for your chosen career field.
• Feel at home in an international atmosphere and enjoy living in Hamburg.
Your curriculum for the two-year ICSS master`s program is subdivided into four semesters with mandatory courses, elective courses for specialization and the preparation of your master’s thesis. The curriculum starts from a firm basis in climate physics (and in particular climate modeling) but adds the equally important aspects of global and regional biogeochemical cycling and puts all this into a broader context, including economic as well as societal implications. SICSS courses comprise a wide range of atmospheric, hydrospheric, cryospheric, pedospheric and biospheric sciences, as well as introductions and specializations into economics, social geography, media sciences and conflict research to shed light on climate system science from different perspectives.
You will start your studies with mandatory courses in research skills, as well as natural and social science foundation courses in climate system sciences.
The main goal of the second semester is to broaden your knowledge across the climate science disciplines. You will choose courses from at least two of the three possible program tracks.
The third semester features the Climate Study Project, which includes an integrated seminar and a scientific writing course to prepare you for the master thesis. You will find your personal supervisor and work closely together with a CliSAP research group.
The fourth and final semester is reserved for the master’s thesis.
Please find more information on the curriculum on our website: http://www.clisap.de/grad-school/msc-program/your-curriculum/.
Become a climate expert! Depending on your personal interests, you will be well prepared and equipped for an international career in both applied and fundamental research, as well as for positions in government or business.
After graduation our students successfully work as:
• researchers in the fields of natural, social and economic sciences, while maintaining a strong focus on the climate system and its past, present and future changes.
• consultants in the public service and private business sectors, and in non-governmental organizations.
• experts in national and international organizations working in the field of development cooperation.
The SICSS Office is your main contact for information and will support you with a comprehensive and practical “welcome service” by assisting with enrollment, visa application, health insurance, registration with local authorities, opening of a bank account and support in finding accommodations.
As an incoming master’s student you will receive support from a personal buddy. This personal buddy is one of the MSc ICSS students and will accompany you from the start of your travel and study planning to your arrival and during your first days in Hamburg. SICSS also offers an Orientation Week for all new first semester students, including information on your study program and excursions to climate-related institutions and sites.
There are no tuition fees at the Universität Hamburg and foreign students who are enrolled do not pay tuition. However, there are other fees. The semester fee at the Universität Hamburg is currently 315 Euros. Upon receipt of the semester fee the university will issue your semester documents, including a pass for the public transport system in Hamburg. Upon your request, the SICSS Office will provide information about living expenses in Hamburg and Germany.
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges humanity currently faces. The transition to a sustainable energy system will rely heavily on law for effective implementation. The LLM in Climate & Energy Law will equip you with the skills needed to play a leading role in meeting this challenge.
This Masters level degree is aimed at professionals working in the international climate and energy field. It is completed fully online allowing you to gain a specialised qualification without the need to relocate or interrupt your daily work.
The content of this degree is equally relevant to those working in the public, private or civil society sectors. It will also appeal to recent graduates looking to move into the climate change and energy law field.
The content of this degree is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge needed to understand rapidly evolving energy markets and implement policy efforts such as those adopted under the Paris Agreement.
You’ll learn from leading experts in the field of climate change and energy law, stemming from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Key areas of study include:
Individual and collective behaviour – including the conduct of nation states – will need to fundamentally evolve if the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable global economy is to succeed. Participants in the LLM in Climate & Energy Law will have the opportunity to study the legal frameworks governing this transformation.
Climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as the regulation of evolving energy systems, are approached from an international and comparative perspective, including the roles of finance and investment, litigation, and interlinkages with biodiversity protection, land use, international trade, human rights, and other issue areas.
Depending on the number of credits accrued students can achieve different qualifications:
The curriculum is delivered fully online through Strathclyde's virtual learning environment. Classes will be taught through a combination of podcasts, lectures, forums and tutorials.
You will have extensive opportunities for engagement with fellow students and with members of the teaching faculty. Where necessary Skype meetings can be arranged to further support you through any elements of the programme or classes.
The course will be assessed through a mix of forum participation, practical exercises and research-based coursework.
The skills you will acquire through completion of the LLM will allow you to confidently move into an exciting and expanding area of law. Career paths open to graduates may be in the public and private sector, both in international and domestic environments.
You'll be well prepared to apply for positions in climate/energy think-tanks, research centres and non-governmental organisations. Your analytical skills and knowledge of both general climate change law and specific areas thereof, the latter developed in particular through your dissertation, will be very useful assets.
You may consider jobs in the private sector in climate change consultancy firms, in the ever-growing field of carbon trading and in specialised law firms. Finally, and very importantly, those who will join the programme from their own governments will be able to return to their own country and provide increased capacity in the field of climate and energy law. This will lead to better participation in international climate and energy negotiations and improved domestic climate and energy law in countries whose civil servants will be attending the LLM in Climate and Energy Law.
In our Master's programme in Earth, Life, and Climate, you will explore the fundamental processes which regulate the past, present, and future dynamics of sedimentary systems, biodiversity, and climate, as well as their evolution. This two-year programme will provide you with the knowledge you need to understand climate change and its impact on natural environments such as soils, sediments, lakes, groundwater, wetlands, estuaries, and oceans.
The main topics you will study include the evolution of life, the development of sedimentary basins, carbon sources and sinks, biogeochemical and geochemical fingerprinting of sedimentary processes/environments, and climate reconstruction.
You can choose one of four tracks based on your specific interests:
On this programme, you will learn state-of-the-art reconstruction methods, modelling techniques, and laboratory experiments used in a wide range of earth and beta science disciplines. These disciplines include biogeology, palaeontology, palynology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, environmental geochemistry, organic geochemistry, hydrology, physical geography, geology, biology, climate dynamics, marine sciences and palaeoceanography. You will utilise these skills in your own research project or on the traineeships you can take in preparation for an international career in applied or fundamental research.
The programme focuses on the following societal and scientific questions:
The Climate Change: History, Culture, Society MA course provides you with the theories, methods and skills required to analyse climate change, and the responses it generates among different national, political and social groupings. The course encourages you to examine historical, cultural and social perspectives on climate change, enabling you to gain a better understanding of how people in different settings around the world make sense of climate change.
The Climate Change: History, Culture, Society MA course reflects on the theory that climate change has penetrated all aspects of human life; and that a wholly cultural analysis of the notion – one that goes beyond that offered by scientific, political and economic analysis – is necessary to understand climate change fully. You will take a broad range of modules covering human beliefs, attributes and practices, peoples’ worldviews and values, narratives of development and environmental change, and the changing nature of expertise. You will gain valuable insights on all of these topics, as well as an introduction to the social status of contemporary climate change science
This course is made up of required and optional modules. You must take a minimum of 180 credits to complete the course. If you are studying full-time, you will complete the course in one year, from September to September. If you are studying part-time, your course will be delivered over two years. You will take the required combination of required and optional modules over this period of time, with the dissertation in your second year.
Teaching
We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Per 20-credit module:
Lectures, seminars and feedback: Typically 20 hours.
Self-study: 180 hours (some modules in the Geography Department may involve lab work or e-learning which would require less selfguided learning).
Dissertation:
Lectures, seminars and feedback: Usually four dissertation workshops/tutorials and five contact hours of one-to-one or group consultation with supervisors.
Self-study: 587 hours of self-study and project work.
Assessment
Performance on taught modules in the Geography Department is normally assessed through essays and other written assignments, oral presentations, lab work and occasionally by examination, depending on the modules selected. All students also undertake a research-based dissertation of 12,000 words.
This MA is designed to prepare students for careers working in the many public and private sector organisations which have to deal with the human causes and consequences of climate change. The Programme develop students’ understanding of the intersection between climate change and culture, and cultivates transferable skills suitable for policy-facing organisations, cultural institutions, international and national governmental and non-governmental organisations and environmental consultancies. The Master’s programme also develops the necessary knowledge and research skills for students who wish to undertake PhD research on the human dimensions of climate change.
It is now recognised that the level of greenhouse gas emissions that have already accumulated in the atmosphere means some climate change is inevitable, meaning that effectiveness in dealing with climate impacts is critical for the prospects of development. Climate change is the foremost challenge of the 21st century and is now being prioritised by governments, donor/development agencies and NGOs around the world. As such, the people working in them need a thorough grounding in the conceptual and practical dimensions both of adaptation to and mitigation of climate change, as well as the interlinkages between them.
The Climate Change and Development programme is designed to meet these needs so that organisations can be more effective in their efforts towards change. The modules in this programme draw from a wide range of disciplinary perspectives, concepts and methods including economics, environmental science, human geography, social development, political economy and environmental law. The programmes cover key issues within climate change and development such as gender, social justice, energy access, poverty and social protection.
The core aims of this programme are to:
This programme is taught 100% online through our VLE. In the VLE you will have access to learning materials and module resources anytime so you can fit your studies around your existing commitments. For each module, students will be provided with access, through the online Library, to all necessary materials from a range of appropriate sources.
Developed by subject experts, the module materials are designed to meet all your study requirements. We encourage you to follow up further interests and explore other information more widely, but the material we provide is comprehensive and sufficient for the required elements of each module.
The details will vary from module to module, but a typical set of materials will include:
Each module has a dedicated tutor who is a subject specialist . The tutor will guide the students through the units of the module and prepare them for the examination, using the module discussion forum and other learning activities, depending on the module, on the virtual learning environment. Tutors are also in email contact with their students.
You can begin your studies in April or October. Students take one module per study session. Study sessions are 16 weeks in duration.
Each module runs over a 16-week study term, and we recommend studying, on average, 15 hours per week during this time. These hours can be broken down into three main tasks:
Reading the unit materials and key readings on each of the 15 topics covered in the unit
Preparing for and submitting the written assignment, worth 40-50% of the module mark
Contributing to online discussion and activities.
Additional time is then required for exam revision, which happens after the 16-week study term is completed.
Each module will be assessed on one written assignment (40-50 % of the module mark), a hand-written examination (40-50 % of the module mark), and in some modules, online participation in regular learning and discussion exercises (10-20% of the module mark).
This programme is designed to assist both existing professionals working within environment and development spheres, and people moving into these fields.
For existing professionals, the programme provides the opportunity to upgrade and update their expertise, and to reflect systematically and in depth on their accumulated experience in the light of up-to-date theory and literature.
Graduates of Climate Change and Development will be prepared for roles in the public sector, international organisations, NGO's, consultancies and development projects involved in:
You will also be prepared for roles within social enterprise and corporate social responsibility organisations and departments whose area of focus encompasses environment and development.
Join us for our Master Open Day to find out more about our courses.
Climate Change is a growing issue for environmental policy makers at the international, national and sub-national levels, as well as for environmental managers and experts in public, private and non-profit making organisations.
This course provides you with a unique combination of training on the physical, social and policy aspects of climate change and on broader environmental policy and governance.
You’ll receive a solid foundation in the physical and social science of climate change and its impacts, including adaptation to, and mitigation of, climate change.
You’ll develop a critical understanding of the policy tools available to promote environmental protection.
This Masters combines modules taught at the School of Earth and Environment, with optional modules from the School of Geography and the School of Politics and International Studies.
Our teaching draws on the latest cutting-edge research and is delivered by experts and world’s leading researchers on climate change policy (e.g. IPCC lead authors, and a DEFRA UK lead advisor) to give you in-depth knowledge and guidance.
No other UK university can offer the same level and breadth of expert teaching in climate change and environmental policy.
Course highlights:
Be taught by three lead authors of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which advises world governments on the evolving and complex issue of climate change, and a lead advisor to the UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). All academics have won teaching awards.
Engage with some of the world's leading researchers from the Priestley International Centre for Climate (PICC), the ESRC-funded Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy (CCCEP) and the RCUK-funded UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC). They have published high profile papers with past students.
Attend excellent seminars and talks run by the School and its research centres, where you will access the latest, cutting-edge research delivered by leading climate policy makers and advisors. Plus, attend other seminars run by the School of Geography and School of Politics and International Studies. Ideal if you want to build, or extend your network to enhance your career.
In addition to a free field course to East Yorkshire, choose an optional overseas field course to Tanzania, which provides an opportunity for you to gain practical experience and apply classroom-based learning first-hand in a developing country context. Ideal if you are considering working in an international capacity in this field.
Based upon our highly successful on-campus MSc Carbon Management, this online programme utilises a blend of interactive content, videos, virtual case studies and online discussions to explore the science and business responses to climate change.
We examine the leading ways in which the global climate change challenge can be addressed, covering adaptation and mitigation solutions across a wide range of sectors and regions. The programme is designed for those with a passion for tackling climate change and who require the flexibility that online learning provides.
This programme is delivered as flexible part-time study using our online virtual learning environment. You will learn from academics working at the leading edge of carbon management and climate change.
The lectures are all delivered online through our virtual learning environment. The lectures are delivered as a series of short video segments, animated slides and accompanying reading resources and links.
Each week students and staff also meet online to discuss issues, questions and ideas with the group.
As a student of one of our online learning programmes, you will:
This programme takes one year to complete (September to July), with one course per semester.
The programme comprises three compulsory courses that move from the science of climate change and its impacts, through the key adaptation and mitigation solutions, to examination of the business response to climate change, and the risks and opportunities it represents.
The compulsory core courses typically are:
All courses are subject to change.
With this Postgraduate Certificate you can choose to:
Read more about our related online qualifications:
Our existing MSc Carbon Management boasts excellent relationships with relevant employers, as well as a great alumni network covering more than 25 nations and providing unrivalled opportunities to link up on research projects and find new positions in the field of carbon management.
The main employment sectors for our graduates are those of climate change consultancy, renewable energy and carbon management project development, and government and NGO climate change advisors. Several of our graduates are also now studying for climate change-focused PhDs.
This Master's of Public Administration prepares the next generation of climate and energy leaders and decision makers to tackle complex challenges, from mitigating climate change to developing sustainable and renewable energy. Graduates gain the tools, practical skills and knowledge to leverage technology and innovate climate and energy policy and gain insights from practising experts.
Students are taught the conceptual frameworks, policy analysis tools and analytical methods to develop energy and climate policies. Students also study how energy and climate policies are implemented, evaluated and revised in policy cycles. A focus on leadership and the development of professional skills is emphasised throughout.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules (105 credits), one optional module (15 credits), an elective module (15 credits), and a major group project module (45 credits) of around 12,000 words.
Core modules
Students undertake three core modules with students from sister MPA programmes, and a specialist module focusing on their degree topic.
Optional modules
Students select one optional STEaPP module from the following:
Students will then also select one further 15-credit graduate module which is relevant to their degree of study. This module can be selected from any UCL department.
MPA Group Policy Project
In the group project, students work with an external client on a relevant policy challenge. With the support of STEaPP academic staff, the multidiscipinary student groups work together to produce an analysis that meets their clients' needs.
Teaching and learning
The programme combines innovative classroom teaching methods with unique scenario-based learning, enabling students to dynamically engage with real-world policy challenges. Scenarios are designed to help students consolidate knowledge and develop essential practical skills and their understanding of principles. During the programme, students acquire a comprehensive range of relevant skills.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Energy, Technology and Climate Policy MPA
Graduates of this Master's of Public Administration acquire skills to work in a range of sectors involved in analysis and/or policy-making concerning energy and climate change. Career destinations might include national and local government; international agencies such as the World Bank, United Nations and other global organisations; technology companies focused on sustainable energy; government offices of energy, innovation or development; environment agencies; consultancies and think tanks.
Employability
Throughout the MPA programme, students will:
A rapidly changing energy landscape and the impacts of climate change are providing opportunities for policy strategy and leadership in almost every country and industry sector. This practical programme offers experiential learning for skills needed in energy and climate policy-making.
Students undertake a week-long scenario activity on the policy-making process where they engage with external experts and UCL academics. Students go on to undertake a nine-month major project for a real-world client. Example policy problems include renewable energy sources, carbon capture and storage, or emerging energy technologies.
Students will gain the opportunity to network with UCL STEaPP's broad range of international partners, expert staff and a diverse range of academics and professionals from across the department's MPA and doctoral programmes.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
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