MSc Climate Change, Development & Policy

Climate change is the number One issue facing development for our world.

Study the challenges of moving to a low-carbon economy and adapting to climate change, and how they influence global and regional development. This Masters in Climate Change 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 University of Sussex 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.

World-leaders in development studies

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) delivers world-class research, learning and teaching that transforms the knowledge, action and leadership needed for more equitable and sustainable development globally. IDS has been ranked first in the world for development studies, in partnership with the University of Sussex, for eight years running.

Course content and structure

The academic year starts in September and has three terms.

This degree offers a wide choice of module options, allowing students flexibility to choose their area of interest and grow intellectually within the overall degree framework.

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2021/22. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to COVID-19, or due to staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

It may not be possible to take some module combinations due to timetabling constraints. The structure of some courses means that the modules you choose first may determine whether later modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown below.

Modules

The links below will take you to the University of Sussex’s website to find out more about each module.

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Dissertation (Climate Change, Development and Policy) (core)

Studying at IDS has positively changed the lens through which I see the world; although many people are aware of visible inequities which are unfortunately prevalent through the world, my time at IDS has revealed that there are numerous forms of hidden and invisible inequities which must also be the focus of research and accountability. My time at IDS has given me the skills and mindset with which to do this.

- Jonathan Tinsley, MSc Climate Change, Development and Policy

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at IDS. I met the most intelligent, enthusiastic and friendly people who I will continue to be friends with for years to come. IDS has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in climate change, as well as providing me with a different outlook on life.

- Natalie Watson, MSc Climate Change, Development and Policy

I was able to focus on my area of interest and link it to my past experience in finance while being supervised by excellent academics. This opened doors to develop my career.

- Gabriela Moya Toledo

Placements

You can apply to take a placement with this course. On placement, you gain work experience related to your subject and practical skills in preparation for a professional career. Research placements run for up to 12 weeks in the summer term and vacation. You can also write your dissertation based on your experience.

The School of Global Studies and the Careers and Employability Centre will help you with your applications.

Find out more about Global Studies postgraduate placements

Assessment criteria

Entry requirements

You should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above. Your qualification should be in the natural or social sciences.

The course is taught in English. To derive the maximum benefit from the course, participants should be proficient in English and able to take an active part in discussions. The minimum requirement is, for example, an IELTS grade of 6.5 overall and no less than 6.0 in each section of the IELTS test. For detailed information on English language requirements for international students please see the University of Sussex website.

Fees & scholarships

Fees for home students (UK, Republic of Ireland, Channels Islands and Isle of Man) are £10,500 per year for full-time students, for 2024/25 academic year.

International student fees (including EU) are: £21,500 per year for full-time students, for 2024/25 academic year.

If you study part time over two years, you’ll be charged 50% of the equivalent full-time fee in each year of study. Your second-year fee – if you continue your studies without a break – will be subject to a 3% increase (subject to rounding).

Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis. Find details on our tuition fees page

If you’re a self-funded international student, you’re required to pay a tuition fee deposit. Find out more about Master’s tuition fee deposits

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

For scholarship opportunities and information on sources of funding please see the advice on funding on the University of Sussex website.

Additional costs for optional fieldwork

You have the option to undertake fieldwork for this course (though it is not mandatory). You will need to cover the additional costs that this entails. Costs will depend on the scope and scale of the activities. For example, conducting interviews in your hometown could cost very little, whereas travelling overseas to interview government officials could cost much more in terms of flights, accommodation and subsistence. There may also be options for desk-based research, such as paying for access to research databases. If you wish to conduct fieldwork, you should always talk to your course convenors and dissertation supervisors before making any arrangements.

Career opportunities

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).