Carbon Management (MSc)

Programme description

Are you ready to confront the challenges of global climate change?

The MSc in Carbon Management is an interdisciplinary programme which focuses on the response to the challenge of climate change and decarbonising the economy. Drawing upon business studies, climate science, economics and the social sciences, it is delivered by the School of GeoSciences and the Business School at the University of Edinburgh.

Carbon management is at the heart of tackling climate change and has rapidly become a central part of the global business environment. This Msc is intended for graduates who want an advanced academic qualification to launch careers in carbon and climate change management in business or government.

The programme creates a culture of positivity in how we think about, and act towards, the climate change challenge. It is designed to equip you with high-level knowledge and understanding of climate change economics, carbon policy, managing decarbonisation and adaptation, business and corporate strategy as well as the science of climate change. You will also develop the skills and know-how in using analytical methods in carbon economics and policy making.

You can devise your study based on your own personal interests and career goals through option courses and your selection of an individual research dissertation.

The city of Edinburgh has emerged as one of most important global centres in carbon management. Known as the ‘Carbon Glen’, Edinburgh is a dynamic hub for both business and research institutes encompassing renewable energy, energy informatics and smart grids, agriculture, forestry and land-use, carbon capture and storage and behavioural change.

The MSc programme is housed within the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation (ECCI) an award-winning contemporary study space that brings together experts in law, business, technology and policy making.

This programme is ideal for those who are passionate about climate change and want a career in which they become part of the solution to one of the world’s most complex and greatest challenges.

Programme structure

This MSc programme is comprised of:

• 4 compulsory courses
• 2 optional courses
• Dissertation

Courses are offered subject to timetabling and availability and are subject to change.

You will experience a range of teaching styles while you are studying, depending on the subject matter and courses you are taking. Courses can be delivered through a mix of lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, practicals, laboratory work, short field trips and longer field courses. Please view each relevant course for teaching and assessment methods.

Part-time study

As we are committed to helping people into education whilst continuing to work or managing family and personal commitments, you may study this programme part-time.

Online Carbon Management

If you are unable to commit to a full MSc at present, it is possible to study a postgraduate certificate by online learning:

• PgCert Climate Change Management (Online Learning)
• PgCert Carbon Innovation (Online Learning)
• MSc Carbon Management (Online Learning)

Career opportunities

A key strength of our programme is the employability of our graduates.

Our graduates have been very successful in securing employment in the carbon and climate change sector around the world. Types of roles include:

• renewable energy project developers
• commercial carbon management consultants to companies large and small
• central, regional and local government civil servants delivering a wide range of climate and decarbonisation policies
• climate policy advisors to parliaments,
• NGO climate policy researchers and executives
• PhD research and subsequent academic career path

Examples of the organisations our graduates have gained employment within include Deutsche Bank, Bloomberg New Energy Finance, Carbon Sense, Carbon Capture and Storage Association, Mott MacDonald, Costain, Arup, Wood Group, Forestry Department Malawi, The Carbon Trust, Deloitte, 2020 Climate Group, Japanese Ministry of Education, China Beijing Environmental Exchange, WindPower Nepal, Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (UK), SEPA, Zero Waste Scotland and the Scottish Parliament.

The MSc in Carbon Management has excellent relationships with relevant employers, as well as an exclusive alumni network on LinkedIn with around 300 members covering more than 25 nations. This network provides you with unique opportunities to seek out advice from alumni, some of whom have over 10 years’ experience in the job market.

To create strong links between our graduates and prospective employers we:

• Run a Topical Research Practitioner Mixer.
• Invite stakeholders to participate in teaching on our field trips.
• Biannual Carbon Management Alumni Conference.
• Invite visiting speakers from business, government and NGOs throughout the year.

Field trips and facilities

Field trips

Field trips are an excellent way in which to explore the factors and forces that shape our world and enable you to put valuable skills into practice.

The programme runs a two-day residential field course in which we may visit a large hydropower pumped storage facility, a flood plain management scheme, an urban climate change adaptation project, a wind farm and a low-carbon farm. Several courses run half-day field trips.

*Please note: Field course locations may change for a variety of reasons. Any changes to the main destination of the field course will be announced as soon as possible. There are no additional charges for excursions.

Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation

This programme is housed at the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation (ECCI) - a work and learning space designed as a forum through which university academics and other professionals can work with businesses and local government to help develop a low-carbon society. Not only is the building exceptionally well-equipped and sustainable, you will be working and networking alongside professionals and employers within this high-demand field.

• Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation

Visit the Carbon Management (MSc) page on the University of Edinburgh website for more details!