Climate Change Science and Policy

Entry requirements

You will typically require an upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in one of the following:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Engineering
• Geography
• Mathematics
• Physics.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate academic experience in Programming, Modelling or Applied Data Analysis, or in other quantitative modules such as:

• Computer or Data Science
• Remote Sensing
• GIS
• Instrumental Analysis
• Spatial Modelling
• Environmental Monitoring
• Statistics/Biostatistics
• R or Python
• Water Analysis
• Environmental Impact Analysis
• Analytical Chemistry
• Computer Applications in Environmental Management.

All other degree subjects will be considered on a case-by-case basis if applicants can demonstrate academic experience in the areas above.

Alternatively, two years paid work experience in a relevant sector such as Non-Governmental organisations, the environmental sector or work involving quantitative research may be considered to demonstrate sufficient academic experience; these 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 or module/unit 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. Specific module requirements would still apply.

We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.

If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant work experience or qualifications. If you have one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae/résumé) when you apply, showing:

• evidence of two years paid work experience in Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), the environmental sector or work involving quantitative research.
• a relevant postgraduate qualification.

Specific module requirements would still apply.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The importance of addressing the climate emergency has never been clearer. Climate change experts are needed in government, business, research, and non-governmental organisations, to help drive sustainable transformation in changing environments.

Our 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. We welcome a diverse array of students from different subject backgrounds in science (through their previous undergraduate and/or work experience), and provide hands-on quantitative training with climate models and climate data.

Students on the programme gain experience in a wide variety of climate science tools and methods, an understanding of the role of scientific evidence in policy, and a keen awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to governing the environment. This innovative programme also allows you to develop a range of scientific and professional skills, from Python programming language and data analysis to science communication, presentations, and interdisciplinary teamwork.

Students on the programme will join the School of Geographical Sciences, ranked first in the UK for 'Geography and Environmental Studies' research (Times Higher Education analysis of REF 2021). The programme is closely linked to the renowned Cabot Institute, which brings together the University's research into the changing global environment, and benefits from our location in the city of Bristol, a vibrant hub of environmental action.

Information for international students

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Fees and funding

Depending on eligibility, you may be able to apply for various scholarships, awards and bursaries including the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme, University of Bristol Think Big Postgraduate Scholarship, Bristol Master's Scholarship, or the School of Geographical Sciences' own Phyllis Mary Morris Bursaries.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.