Climate Change

There is a pressing national and international need to understand the nature and consequences of climatic change and to develop adaptation strategies. The UCL Climate Change MSc provides rigorous scientific and vocational training for the next generation of climate change professionals.

The programme provides you with a knowledge and understanding of the Earth system (incorporating the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, lithosphere) and the nature and causes of climate variability and change. It combines observationally based climate and environmental science with state-of-the-art modelling, specifically concerned with understanding the impacts of climate change. It seeks to place climate change within the context of broader anthropogenic environmental change and social policy dimensions.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consist of four core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months) is offered.

A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, full-time 12 weeks, part-time one year) is offered.

Core modules

• Climate Dynamics
• Models in Environmental Science
• Past Climates
• Global Environmental Change

* modules running are dependent on staff sabbaticals

Optional modules

Options may include:

• Options may include:
• Biological Indicators of Environmental Change
• Climate Modelling
• Coastal Change
• Cities and Climate Change
• Environmental GIS
• Impacts of Climate Change on Hydro-ecological systems
• Non-biological Indicators of Environmental Change
• Ocean Circulation and Climate Change
• Politics of Climate Change
• Terrestrial Carbon: Modelling and Monitoring
• Surface Water Modelling

Other MSc modules offered across UCL may be taken at the discretion of the MSc convenor. *Availability of modules is dependent on staff sabbaticals.

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 12,000 words and an oral presentation.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory and computer-based practical classes. Assessment is through independent project work, practical-based and written coursework, and the dissertation.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject (such as environmental science, geography, oceanography, biology, chemistry, physics or engineering) from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants with relevant professional experience in climate science or environmental management will also be considered.