Climate Change, Development and Policy MSc

Study the challenges of moving to a low-carbon economy and adapting to climate change, and how they influence global and regional development. This course is for non-specialists in the climate field. You’ll explore the interconnected dimensions of science and technology, and the economics, politics and policy of climate change.

Climate change and sustainable energy are among the most important issues of our time. The emphasis of this MSc is on understanding the implications of climate change and climate policies for equity between, and within, countries. You’ll gain specialist knowledge of the earth system and climate impacts, for example related to water, food and ecosystem services.

Based at the School of Global Studies, you’ll also learn from faculty in SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS). Many of our graduates find employment in the climate profession.

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).

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