MSc Climate Change, Development and Policy

Study the twin challenges of transition to a low-carbon economy and adaptation to climate change, and how they influence global and regional development. This course (for non-specialists in the climate field) explores the multiple and interconnected dimensions of science and technology, and the economics, politics and policy of climate change.

There is an emphasis on understanding the implications of climate change and climate policies for equity between, and within, countries. You gain specialist knowledge of the earth system and climate impacts, for example related to water, food and ecosystem services.

You’ll be based at the School of Global Studies, and taught by faculty from Global Studies, SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS).

World-leaders in development studies

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) is a global research and learning organisation for equitable and sustainable change. In partnership with the University of Sussex, IDS is ranked first in the world for development studies by the QS University Rankings.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed through term papers, coursework assignments, presentations, exams, practical exercises, and a 10,000 word dissertation.

Careers

There is a rapidly expanding market for climate professionals. This course prepares you for employment in a wide range of government, non-government and academic organisations, as well as private companies in the areas of climate change, development and energy policy.

Our graduates are very successful in finding employment and developing careers in the profession, including among others:

• international organisations and agencies (including the UN Environment Programme, The World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank)
• various NGOs (including the International Federation of the Red Cross, Renewable World, Action Against Hunger International)
• national government ministries and development agencies (including UK Department of Energy and Climate Change, DFID, GiZ)
• national environment agencies across the world
• a wide range of private-sector organisations (including energy utilities, the renewables sector, consultancy companies) and public-sector organisations (universities and not-for-profit organisations).

Graduate destinations

Recent graduates have gone on to roles including:

• head of conference production, Climate Action
• climate change specialist, World Bank
• public international assistant, United Nations Environmental Programme.

You should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above. Your qualification should be in either the social or natural sciences; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.