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.

All other degree subjects may be considered if applicants can demonstrate academic experience in the above modules. 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. Evidence of quantitative background could be:

• 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.

Modules from acceptable degree subjects with "quantitative" in the name can be considered as evidence of appropriate background.

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 you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:

• evidence of relevant work experience in think tanks, public sector research agencies or social/political research institutes. Minimum one year.
• a relevant postgraduate qualification from the accepted subjects listed above.

Specific module requirements would still apply.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

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. The programme is designed for students with a background in science (through their previous undergraduate and/or work experience), and includes hands-on quantitative training with climate models and climate data. Graduates of the programme will have gained 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.

The programme is provided by the School of Geographical Sciences, ranked first in the UK for 'Geography and environmental studies' research (THE analysis of REF 2021). You will join our research groups in analysing key areas of climate change science and environmental policy.

This innovative programme also allows you to develop a range of scientific and professional skills, from Python and data analysis to science communication, presentations, and interdisciplinary teamwork. There is a strong emphasis on carrying out your own research project.

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.www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/

Information for international students

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Fees and funding

Students from developing Commonwealth countries may be eligible to apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme, University of Bristol Think Big Postgraduate Scholarship, and the School of Geographical Sciences Phyllis Mary Morris Bursaries.

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