The MSc in Climate Change Science and Policy provides you with a solid grounding in climate change science, alongside a critical understanding of the context for action on climate change. Taught by world-class experts at the Top 15 Geography department globally (QS World University Subject Ranking 2026), we welcome a diverse array of students from different subject backgrounds in science to join the programme addressing the climate emergency together.
The programme consists of six taught units and a dissertation project. Taught units provide:
Optional units on the programme offer the opportunity to pursue further training in the use of statistics, GIS, or environmental models. You may also select units that further understanding of the context for climate change policy-making.
You will undertake a research dissertation project on a climate change-related topic of your choice during the summer months, with the support of a supervisor from the School of Geographical Sciences. The dissertation is submitted in the form of a research paper.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Climate Change Science and Policy.
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any social science, science, mathematics, or professional degree (medicine, architecture, planning or engineering).
All other degree subjects will be considered on a case-by-case basis if you can demonstrate academic experience in data science, GIS, coding, modelling, or statistics.
Alternatively, six months paid work experience/internship in a quantitative, data science or analysis, or GIS role in a relevant environmental sector, government, NGO or industry may be considered to demonstrate sufficient academic experience; this will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
Online/self-directed certificates in coding, programming, data science or analytics can be used to meet the requirements; these will be considered on a case by case basis.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels .
Apply via our online application system. For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.
Overseas applicants: 12 August 2027. Home applicants: 9 September 2027.
Please note that due to high demand, some programmes may close earlier than advertised. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment. Places are limited and allocated on a continuous basis from September 2026 until all places are filled.