Climate, Risk and Society

Entry requirements

We typically require a 2:1 Bachelor (Honours) degree (or overseas equivalent), in any degree subject (preferably within the same discipline as programme applying for e.g. BSc to MSc).

A personal statement should include an outline of your interest and understanding of your chosen programme.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The MSc in Climate, Risk and Society takes a natural science approach to climate risk. Designed to equip you with an in-depth understanding of how human influence on climate is creating new risks, challenges and greater social vulnerability, it also teaches the necessary skills to develop effective responses to such natural and socio-political threats.

The course is likely to appeal to those with a background in social science, natural science or engineering. It explores how climate risk is defined and managed by individuals, governments and organisations, and considers the decisions they make when addressing uncertainty and the threats it poses to environments and communities across the globe.

During your studies, which will be taken over one year full-time or two years part-time, you will be taught about understanding risk as well as risk frontiers, and climate change and society. You will also complete a major project; this can take the form of a research-based dissertation where you carry out original independent study or a vocational dissertation that combines external placements with independent research.

To further embed practice into the course, we work closely with the University’s Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR). Through this, you will gain a vital insight into practitioner and academic perspectives at the forefront of risk thinking and practice. The IHRR also hosts an annual seminar series tailored specifically to students on the climate risk postgraduate programmes.

The Department’s postgraduate community is a vibrant body which offers a supportive network. When you join us you will become part of an active group that is both social and academic, participating in research events and attending talks throughout the year.

Course structure

Year 1 modules

Core modules:

Understanding Risk (30 credits)

provides an overview of the key theories and concepts that reflect the interdisciplinary nature of risk involving human action and environmental events. You will learn the basic concepts and terms used to describe and communicate risk, as well as studying interventions involved in managing, preventing or mitigating against risk to populations, and building an understanding of the determinants of risk and its social inequalities.

Climate Change and Society (15 credits)

The module will expand students’ comprehension of the diverse societal processes underpinning climate change and its impacts in particular places across the globe.

Dissertation (Research or Vocational) 60 credits

builds on your learning in core and optional modules. It offers the option to develop your independent research skills through a research dissertation in which you carry out original independent research supported by our staff. Alternatively, you can choose the vocational dissertation route which combines research with collaborations or placements with external organisations. We offer vocational dissertation partnerships and project options through our large and growing partner and alumni network, or we can support you in developing your own vocational research collaborations.

Environmental Data Science (30 credits)

This module will develop advanced data analysis skills such as programming, modelling and GIS, using datasets that allow advanced insight to a range of environmental processes as well as experience in a range of data sources.

Knowledge for Action and Leadership (15 credits)

The module develops practical skills of leadership, engagement and dissemination relevant to creating sustainable futures.

Risk Frontiers (15 credits)

This module looks at current risk research and provides training in the generic skills of interpreting, criticising and collating the emerging research. What you learn will help meet the demands of the risk industry and associated areas such as disaster reduction, security, development and humanitarian relief.

Optional modules:

Climate and Environmental Change Past and Present (15 credits)

This module will assess how different paleo-environmental records are produced and analysed, and how they can be interpreted to make future predictions that enhance sustainability. It involves fieldwork, as well as lectures and seminars.

Anticipating Future Environments (15 credits)

This module will consider how we can predict the future behaviour of a range of different environmental systems under conditions of uncertainty, synthesising the state of the art and critically analysing current knowledge to enhance sustainability.

Information for international students

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

Fees and funding