Postgraduate climate programmes and modules

Please note the list is not exhaustive, as the topic of climate change is an important dimension to many of our programmes across departments.

UCL courses with a climate change focus or element

POSTGRADUATE COURSES

Climate Change MSc

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. More info

Social and Historical Sciences / geog-climate@ucl.ac.uk

Aquatic Conservation, Ecology and Restoration MSc

Environmental issues such as pollution, habitat degradation, invasive species and climate change threaten the quality and sustainability of our aquatic resources. Responding to these threats, the Aquatic Conservation, Ecology and Restoration MSc equips students with an interdisciplinary scientific and applied understanding of the current aquatic conservation and restoration scene spanning ponds, lakes, rivers, estuaries and shallow seas. More info

Social and Historical Sciences / geog-masters@ucl.ac.uk

Environmental Modelling MSc

There is a growing need for qualified professionals with expertise in environmental modelling. The UCL Environmental Modelling MSc is a cross-disciplinary degree that provides rigorous technical and scientific training for the next generation of environmental modelling professionals. More info

Social and Historical Sciences / geog-envmod@ucl.ac.uk

Environment, Politics and Society MSc

The Environment, Politics and Society MSc programme explores the way scientific, political and cultural practices shape our understanding of the relationship between society and the environment. It is an academic rather than vocational programme with most students pursuing further education or careers in international organisations, the public sector, NGOs or charities. More info

Social and Historical Sciences / geog-eps@ucl.ac.uk

Conservation MSc

The UCL Conservation MSc is widely recognised as the leading programme for aspiring nature conservation professionals. This highly successful degree programme saw its first students graduate in 1960, and about 80% of its graduates have gone on to secure posts related to conservation. More info

Social and Historical Sciences / geog-conservation@ucl.ac.uk

Anthropology, Environment and Development MSc

The MSc in Anthropology, Environment and Development integrates natural and social science approaches to address issues of sustainability and resilience in the Anthropocene. It serves as a foundation for higher level research and professional work, offering a rare opportunity to learn in an interdisciplinary setting with staff who collaborate with outside organisations while also pursuing independent research. More info

Social and Historical Sciences / b.wade@ucl.ac.uk

MSc Environmental Archaeology

This MSc provides participants with a theoretical understanding of research questions and methodologies in the study of past human-environment interactions, including subsistence and subsistence change. The Institute of Archaeology has a long research and training tradition in environmental archaeology, and has well-established laboratory facilities and reference collections as a result. More info

Social and Historical Sciences / d.fuller@ucl.ac.uk or m.arroyo-kalin@ucl.ac.uk

Anthropology, Environment and Development MSc

Social and Historical Sciences / anthro-masters@ucl.ac.uk

Geoscience MSc

This MSc is a uniquely broad and flexible programme that suits students' aspirations, background and experience. UCL Earth Sciences has strengths in geophysics, geochemistry, palaeobiology, mineral physics, geodynamics, geohazards, climate science, environmental geosciences and policy, and other areas. Students choose from a wide range of optional modules from within the department and more widely across UCL, building an MSc tailored to their interests. More info

Mathematical and Physical Sciences / b.wade@ucl.ac.uk

Materials for Energy and Environment MSc

The global challenges of climate and energy require new technologies for renewable energy sources, methods of energy storage, efficient energy use, techniques for carbon capture and storage and climate engineering. This is a broad-based MSc, ideal for you if you wish to acquire skills in energy and materials chemistry in order to participate in the emerging challenges to meet climate change targets. More info

Mathematical and Physical Sciences / masters.chem@ucl.ac.uk

Biodiversity and Global Change MSc

The MSc Biodiversity and Global Change provides a grounding in the science that is essential for tackling the biodiversity crisis, training the next generation of conservation professionals. It is run in collaboration with the Institute of Zoology, the Natural History Museum, and a network of collaborators. Together, this partnership brings together some of the leading researchers of global biodiversity changes from across many different disciplines. More info

Life Sciences / rizwana.mahmood@ucl.ac.uk

Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation Mres

Biodiversity, evolution and conservation are of growing importance due to climate change, extinction, and habitat destruction. This new research-led programme is run in collaboration with the Institute of Zoology and the Natural History Museum, providing a rigorous training and unparalleled opportunities across the full breadth of pure and applied research in evolutionary, ecological, and conservation science. More info

Life Sciences / rizwana.mahmood@ucl.ac.uk

Environmental Systems Engineering MSc

The global challenge of environmental sustainability highlights the need for holistic design and management of complex environmental and technological systems. This interdisciplinary Master's programme presents environmental issues and technologies within a systems engineering context. Graduates will understand interactions between the natural environment, people, processes and technologies to develop sustainable solutions. More info

Engineering Sciences / cege-pg-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

Urban Sustainability and Resilience Mres

The aim of this programme is to equip students from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds with the research skills, knowledge and understanding required to tackle current and future real-world challenges faced by cities globally, including increasing the resilience of our urban systems, and the infrastructure that supports them, to shocks arising from natural, economic and technological hazards. More info

Engineering Sciences / h.titheridge@ucl.ac.uk

Sustainable Infrastructures and Public Policy MPA

This Master's of Public Administration prepares the next generation of leaders and decision makers to tackle complex infrastructure challenges, from mitigating climate change and developing clean energy to expanding green infrastructures and improving integrated transport networks. More info

Engineering Sciences / steapp.admissions@ucl.ac.uk

Energy, Technology and Public Policy MPA

This Master's of Public Administration prepares the next generation of energy technology leaders and decision makers to tackle complex challenges, from governing energy systems to developing sustainable and renewable energy policy options. Graduates gain the tools, practical skills and knowledge to leverage technology and innovation in energy policy and gain insights from practising experts. The degree is a collaboration between UCL STEaPP and the UCL Energy Institute. More info

Engineering Sciences / steapp.admissions@ucl.ac.uk

Bio-Integrated Design MSc

Our habitat today is being fundamentally shaped by revolutions in biotechnology, computation and climate change. Bio-Integrated Design takes these life-changing phenomena as the foundation to explore radical, sophisticated, yet also critical, design solutions that will shape our future society. More info

Built Environment (Bartlett) / brenda.parker@ucl.ac.uk

Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment MSc

As the environment, climate and energy rapidly rise up the public agenda, there is a growing need for highly qualified practitioners to analyse these complex issues and relate them to policy implications. UCL’s Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment MSc trains students in the economics, policy and modelling skills needed to tackle global environmental challenges. More info

Built Environment (Bartlett) / l.lotti@ucl.ac.uk

Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc

A new relationship between how we produce, supply and consume energy in our buildings is required to transform global energy systems and reduce carbon emissions. UCL’s new interdisciplinary Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc (SEBE) will train you to be at the forefront of this revolution in energy and the built environment. More info

Built Environment (Bartlett) / Clifford.elwell@ucl.ac.uk

Environment and Sustainable Development MSc

This programme examines the critical relations between development planning and socio-environmental challenges in urban areas of the Global South. It challenges mainstream approaches to development, focusing on strategic pathways to address socio-environmental injustices and enhance collective capacities to act. More info

Built Environment (Bartlett) / dpu@ucl.ac.uk

Sustainable Resources: Economics, Policy and Transitions MSc

In the face of global environmental challenges, societies, businesses and policymakers alike need to rethink how we can use our natural resources sustainably. UCL’s Sustainable Resources: Economics, Policy and Transitions MSc investigates the circular economy, resource efficiency and sustainable resource management. Students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive change and become the sustainability leaders of tomorrow. More info

Built Environment (Bartlett) / nino.jordan@ucl.ac.uk

Behaviour Change MSc

A postgraduate degree in behaviour change drawing on multidisciplinary scholarship and its application. This innovative programme is centred around the systematic application of behaviour change theory and methods to design, implement and evaluate interventions. This approach equips students to work in this emerging and exciting field to address social, health and environmental challenges. More info

Brain Sciences / l.gutman@ucl.ac.uk

Risk, Disaster and Resilience MSc

Risk and disaster reduction, particularly within the contexts of dealing with uncertainty and increasing resilience, are high on local, national and international agendas. Academic study can underpin much needed professionalisation and application of evidence and research-based theory to this area. This MSc programme aims to meet the growing need for experts trained to analyse and provide solutions to complex risk and disaster resilience issues. More info

Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction / irdr-enquirie@ucl.ac.uk

Risk and Disaster Science MSc

The importance of science in understanding disaster risks and the need for science-based strategies at local, national and international levels in the private, public, and third sectors are now widely recognised. The Risk and Disaster Science MSc aims to meet the growing need for experts trained in disaster science in sectors ranging from finance to humanitarian response. More info

Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction / irdr-enquirie@ucl.ac.uk

Risk and Disaster Reduction MRes

Risk and disaster reduction, particularly within the contexts of dealing with uncertainty and increasing resilience, are high on local, national and international agendas. The Risk and Disaster Reduction MRes is a research-intensive programme, which aims to meet the rapidly growing need for experts trained to analyse and provide solutions to complex issues relating to risk and disasters. More info

Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction / irdr-enquirie@ucl.ac.uk

Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development MSc

The MSc Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development provides students with a strong foundation in core artificial intelligence techniques, as well as an introduction to sustainability. Students will be exposed to where AI and sustainable development could meet. This programme can lead to interdisciplinary industry positions as well as research. More info

Faculty of Engineering Sciences (Computer Science) / cs.pgt-admissions@ucl.ac.uk / maria.perez@ucl.ac.uk

Global Learning MA

Global Learning is a pedagogical approach that encourages active engagement with a diverse, interdependent and fragile world. It encompasses Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship Education, which are essential for achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. This online degree will equip you to incorporate global learning into your educational practice, and apply it through policy or research, thereby advancing global social justice and sustainability. More info

Institute of Education (IOE) / ioe.ma.globallearning@ucl.ac.uk

UCL modules with a climate change focus or element

UNDER/POSTGRADUATE MODULES

Ocean Physics and Climate Change (GEOL0022)

The module aims to describe and explain features of the ocean circulation that are important to the Earth's climate system and the capacity to formulate various ocean and climate related problems in simple mathematical form. More info

Mathematical and Physical Sciences / m.tsamados@ucl.ac.uk

Politics of Climate Change (GEOG0083)

The course explores the diverse ways that climate change is framed as a problem with the coursework focusing on how these different framings lead to different interpretations of what would constitute a successful solution. More info

Social and Historical Sciences / geog.office@ucl.ac.uk

Ethnography of Forest Peoples (ANTH0069)

This module explores the ethnography of forest-dwelling peoples from a variety of perspectives, with a comparative focus on regions including Amazonia, the Congo Basin, Southeast Asia, and Melanesia. More info

Social and Historical Sciences / l.daly@ucl.ac.uk

Building Physics and Environment (BARC0002)

Taught through lectures, tutorials and practical sessions, this course will introduce key building physics principles of light, sound, heat and ventilation, exploring how these relate to key aspects of building design and influence the environmental performance of a space. More info

Built Environment (Bartlett) / dan.carter@ucl.ac.uk

Climate and Natural Hazard Risks (IRDR0020)

This module introduces the concepts of hazards, vulnerability, marginalisation, risk, resilience, adaptation and disaster and how they integrate will be discussed. It will address strategies for reducing the impacts and the likelihood of disasters in fragile areas. It will help students to understand social, economic, ecological, institutional, cultural and physical impacts of climate change and natural hazards on vulnerable populations in different environment settings and conflict affected states around the world. More info

Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction / Dr Mohammad Shamsudduha - irdr-enquiries@ucl.ac.uk

POSTGRADUATE MODULES

Sustainability, Resilience and Climate Change (BPLN0054)

The aim is for students to understand the complexities of developing and implementing policies, projects and initiatives for urban sustainability and resilience with the key goal of addressing and tackling climate change. More info

Built Environment (Bartlett) / a.n.patel@ucl.ac.uk

Adapting Cities to Climate Change in the Global South (DEVP0023)

Towns and cities around the world are at the frontline of climate change impacts, and need to be at the centre of climate change responses. In this module, you will study the effects of climate change on urban systems and residents, and understand the strategies that are being developed by citizens, non-government organisations, and governments to respond to these. More info

Built Environment (Bartlett) / dpu@ucl.ac.uk

The Built Environment: The Energy Context (BENV0001)

This module deals with the challenges posed by the current energy context, examining the motivations for implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy sources in a scenario characterised by the limited fossil resources and climate change. The energy use in buildings is analysed and the potential for renewable energy sources explored. More info

Built Environment (Bartlett) / bseer-studentqueries@ucl.ac.uk

UK Energy and Environment Policy and Law (BENV0015)

Energy and environment policy have been extensively implemented in the UK, often as a result of international agreements or EU policy, and often in fairly complex policy packages or mixes. While UK policy experience in these areas is unique, there are nevertheless interesting lessons to be drawn in respect of other countries. More info

Built Environment (Bartlett) / bseer-studentqueries@ucl.ac.uk

Environment and Sustainable Development in Practice (DEVP0022)

The module allows you to acquire first-hand experience in the spatial exploration of a specific urban-region, examining the manifestation and struggles for environmental justice and sustainability under real circumstances, and participating in the development of strategies to contest broader socio-environmental injustices. More info

Built Environment (Bartlett) / dpu@ucl.ac.uk

Behavioural Economics and Game Theory for the Environment (BENV0081)

This module covers experimental economic theories and evidence in relation to the environmental field, using game theory and behavioural economics tools. More info

Built Environment (Bartlett) / bseer-studentqueries@ucl.ac.uk

Clean Energy and Development (STEP0004)

This course examines many of the technical, institutional and policy challenges related to the delivery of accessible, affordable and appropriate sustainable energy services and technologies in developing countries. More info

Engineering Sciences / j.fitzsimons@ucl.ac.uk

Law and Policy of Climate Change (LAWS0293)

This module focuses on international and EU law and policy on climate change at different levels of governance (international, EU, domestic). More info

Laws / steven.vaughan@ucl.ac.uk

Law and Policy of International Trade and the Environment (LAWS0297)

The aim of this module is to equip students with advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the growingly complex interaction between international trade and environmental protection from the perspective of public international law and domestic governmental regulation. More info

Laws / gracia.marin-duran@ucl.ac.uk

Advanced Energy Storage (NSCI0020)

The module on advanced energy storage includes the comprehensive exploration of batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, and redox flow cells technologies. More info

Mathematical and Physical Sciences / imd-office@ucl.ac.uk

Climate Change and Health (GLBH0021)

Climate Change and Health will explain the global causes and consequences of climate change, including health, economic, gender and environmental impacts. More info

Population Health Sciences / igh.adminpg@ucl.ac.uk

Cities and Climate Change (GEOG0099)

This module combines literature from human and physical geography to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interdisciplinary discussion surrounding cities and climate change. It explores both the socio-political aspects of the climate change discourse and its physical reality. More info

Social and Historical Sciences / geog.office@ucl.ac.uk

Ocean Circulation and Climate Change (GEOG0101)

The oceans play a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate from decadal timescales up to glacial-interglacial cycles. Therefore if we are to understand the mechanisms of climate change, and make predictions about future climate, we must investigate how the global ocean operates, how it may alter, and the impacts of these changes on climate. More info

Social and Historical Sciences / geog.office@ucl.ac.uk

Energy and Climate Policy (PUBL0016)

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century due to its multi-sectoral, global dimension with impacts on all areas of public policy, from economic policy to health policy, development policy and social policy. More info

Social and Historical Sciences / peter.warren@ucl.ac.uk

Biosocial Anthropology, Health and Environment (ANTH0100)

This course will critically examine and engage with approaches, topics and themes related to Biosocial Medical Anthropology. Developing a cross disciplinary perspective it will consider and address the importance, utility and challenges of productively aligning ecological, evolutionary, environmental and cultural-historical approaches in the context of disease, chronic illness, health and medicine. More info

Social and Historical Sciences / s.gibbon@ucl.ac.uk

Ecology of Human Groups (ANTH0102)

Teaching will combine social and natural sciences approaches to the study of these rural populations around the global South. Starting with rather separate bodies of knowledge, and drawing on detailed ethnographic and social-ecologcal system case studies, the aim is to integrate insights and perspectives from different disciplinary approaches as the module goes along. More info

Social and Historical Sciences / k.homewood@ucl.ac.uk

Resource Use and Impacts (ANTH0105)

This core module focuses on key concepts and methods in the anthropological study of people/environment interactions as they change through time, not least in the context of global change and development interventions. More info

Social and Historical Sciences / k.homewood@ucl.ac.uk

Past Climates (GEOG0120)

The module will provide:
- An introduction to the theoretical framework of climate variability
- Fundamentals of reconstructing past environments
- Fundamentals of dating techniques and developing chronological frameworks
- An overview of climatic evolution through geological time
- An assessment of mechanisms of orbital- and millennial-scale climate variability More info

Social and Historical Sciences / geog.office@ucl.ac.uk

Environmental Knowledges (GEOG0073)

This module explores the complex and contested knowledge practices at the heart of contemporary environmental science and politics, examining how social scientists have contributed to understanding the processes of environmental knowledge production, consumption and articulation. More info

Social and Historical Sciences / geog.office@ucl.ac.uk

Natural and Anthropogenic Hazards and Vulnerability (IRDR0001)

This module is intended to meet the growing and recognized need for those in the field of risk and disaster reduction to follow a multi-hazard approach. Therefore, those in this field need to have an understanding of the hazards and vulnerability from a wide range of both natural and anthropogenic hazards. This module also intends to meet the need to understand a hazard in context with its vulnerability in order to help bridge the gap between studying the causes of a hazard and its implications for individuals and society, policy makers, and industry. More info

Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction / Dr Joanna Faure Walker - irdr-enquirie@ucl.ac.uk

AI for Sustainable Development (COMP0173)

The core module (AI for Sustainable Development) introduces students to the topics of sustainability and development, and shows where sustainable development could meet AI, touching on topics such as human-centered AI, sociotechnical design, responsible AI, computational environmentalism, economic sustainability and much more. More info

Faculty of Engineering Sciences (Computer Science) / cs.pgt-admissions@ucl.ac.uk / maria.perez@ucl.ac.uk

Education for Sustainable Development: Perspectives from Policy and Practice (CPAS0135)

This fully online module focuses on the evolution of policies and practices related to education for sustainable development (ESD) and their relationship to the discourses around global learning and global citizenship education. Part of the Global Learning MA. More info

Institute of Education (IOE) / c.bentall@ucl.ac.uk