Climate Change, Development and Policy MSc

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).

You gain practical experience of the methods, techniques and approaches used in the profession, including the financial and regulatory aspects of carbon management and climate risk management. You learn through modules and options. Research methods and professional skills training prepare you for further research and a professional career, and includes training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

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.

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.