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Climate Change MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Help tackle one of the world’s most pressing challenges with this interdisciplinary MSc, designed to equip the next generation of climate change professionals. You’ll gain critical expertise in the science, policy and practice of climate adaptation and mitigation, with opportunities to specialise in areas such as modelling, geohazards and citizen science – all under the guidance of UCL’s world-leading researchers.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£16,800
£8,400
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£35,400
£17,700
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject (such as environmental science, geography, oceanography, biology, chemistry, physics or engineering) from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants with relevant professional experience in climate science or environmental management will also be considered.

The English language level for this course is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


This interdisciplinary MSc offers a scientific and analytical understanding of the Earth system—encompassing the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere—and the complex drivers of climate variability and change.

The course combines observational climate science with advanced environmental modelling, equipping students to analyse and interpret the impacts of climate change across physical and human systems. A key strength of the course lies in its integration of climate science with broader dimensions of anthropogenic environmental change, and its critical exploration of how climate knowledge interacts with social and policy responses.

By bridging physical science and applied policy, this course enables students to develop the depth and range of understanding needed to address climate change in both scientific and societal contexts.

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for graduates from geography, environmental science, or related scientific disciplines who are keen to understand climate systems, data modelling, and the challenges of climate change. It will particularly appeal to those seeking careers in climate research, policy, or environmental consultancy.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

The MSc Climate Change equips graduates with the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical research skills needed to address one of the key challenges of our time. Drawing on the expertise of leading researchers from UCL Geography, this course enables students to explore climate systems, environmental modelling, and the socio-political dimensions of climate impacts and adaptation.

  • Develop expertise across climate science, policy and environmental change, with training that supports both scientific and policy-oriented career paths.
  • Learn from a Department internationally recognised for its innovative research and teaching across both the natural and social sciences.
  • Join a vibrant academic community where MSc students actively contribute to research projects and co-create new knowledge through workshops and collaborative learning.
  • Benefit from flexibility in module choices, allowing you to specialise in topics such as Arctic change, carbon management, or urban sustainability.
  • Gain practical skills in data analysis, modelling, and communication that are valued across academic, governmental, and consultancy sectors.
  • Study in London, a global hub for climate diplomacy, NGOs, and policy engagement, with opportunities to connect your learning to real-world environmental leadership.

“I chose UCL because of its global reputation, specialised course and expert academics... The Department can help shape and support your interest in your chosen specialism, and for that reason, I would recommend it to prospective students.” — Bishal Bhardwaj, MSc Climate Change

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Graduates from the MSc Climate Change course go on to work in a wide range of sectors, including policy, consultancy, science communication, and environmental management. Recent alumni have secured roles in UK government departments, international environmental consultancies, and research institutions. Others have pursued further academic study, including PhDs, contributing to research in climate science, adaptation, and sustainability.

According to the Graduate Outcomes survey (2017–2022), over 80% of respondents were in highly skilled employment or postgraduate study within 15 months of graduating. Graduates are employed across the UK and internationally, in roles such as environment professionals, research analysts, sustainability consultants, and policy advisors. The course provides a strong foundation for both professional careers and further research in this fast-evolving field.

Employability

Climate change presents some of the most urgent challenges facing society today, with wide-reaching implications across government, industry, academia, and the third sector. This course equips graduates with advanced analytical, scientific, and policy-relevant skills essential for addressing climate-related issues in a range of professional contexts.

You will develop a strong foundation in climate science, quantitative methods, and evidence-based decision-making, alongside key transferable skills such as:

  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Scientific communication and presentation
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Interdisciplinary research design and project management.

These graduate attributes ensure you are well prepared to contribute effectively to complex, climate-related work and to respond to evolving environmental and societal challenges.

Networking

Students benefit from the expertise of world-leading researchers in climate science, policy, and geography. The course’s interdisciplinary nature also provides opportunities to engage with academics from across UCL, supporting wider intellectual and professional connections.

The Department organises annual careers events where alumni share their experiences across sectors—from environmental consultancy and government to NGOs and academia—offering valuable insights into life after graduation. These events, alongside UCL’s wider postgraduate community and careers service, help students build professional networks and explore a broad range of climate-related career paths.

Teaching and learning

The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and computer-based practical classes. These core methods are complemented by optional modules that offer laboratory work and field studies, allowing students to explore specialised techniques and apply theory to practice. 

Teaching is research-led and designed to develop a critical understanding of climate systems, data analysis, and policy responses. Interactive classes and practical sessions promote the development of analytical, technical, and communication skills. 

This diverse approach to teaching and learning ensures students are equipped to meet the course’s learning outcomes, including the ability to evaluate complex climate data and apply interdisciplinary knowledge to global environmental challenges.

Assessment on this course is designed to support students in achieving the learning outcomes through a range of summative methods. You will be assessed through independent project work, oral presentations, practical exercises, and written coursework tailored to a variety of audiences. The course culminates in an independent research dissertation.

These assessments are intended to develop and demonstrate your ability to analyse complex climate-related issues, communicate scientific findings effectively, and apply interdisciplinary knowledge to real-world environmental challenges.

For full-time students, contact time typically amounts to around 12 hours per week. Outside of lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, full-time students use their remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments (approximately 20-25 hours). Additionally, approximately one week is allocated to fieldwork (if taken).

You will also undertake a dissertation, worth up to 60 credits, with regular guidance and support from your supervisor throughout the research and writing process.

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months) is offered. A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, full-time 12 weeks, part-time one year) is offered.

Modules

As a full-time student, you will undertake eight taught modules and complete a research dissertation over the academic year.

Term 1:
You will take four compulsory modules delivered through lectures, seminars, computer practicals, and interactive group work. Two of these modules are fixed. For the remaining two, you will choose from the following options:

Term 2:
You will select four optional modules from an approved list, with at least 30 credits drawn from the Department of Geography. Modules are delivered through a range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, laboratory work, and computer-based sessions.

Term 3 and Summer:
Dissertation planning begins in Term 2, with research and writing carried out during Term 3 and over the summer. The final dissertation is submitted at the end of August.

As a part-time student, you will undertake eight taught modules over two academic years and complete a research dissertation. You will study alongside full-time students, with flexibility in how you structure your pathway through the course. Dissertation planning begins in the first year, with research and writing carried out during the second year.

Year 1
Term 1: You will take two modules from the five core options available to full-time students, introducing key scientific foundations of climate change.
Term 2: You will take two optional modules, allowing you to explore specific areas of interest.
Term 3 and Summer: You will be supported to begin preliminary dissertation planning and research.

Year 2
Term 1: You will take a different two core modules not previously studied.
Term 2: You will take two further optional modules.
Term 3 and Summer: You will focus on completing your dissertation, building on work developed in Year One.

Compulsory modules





Optional modules















Field Evidence of Environmental Change



Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Climate Change. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Climate Change. Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PG Cert in Climate Change.

Fieldwork

MSc Climate Change students may have the opportunity to take part in an optional overseas field class designed to develop applied research skills in climate science and environmental change. In previous years, this has included trips to Ireland and the Greek island of Lesvos, with activities focused on field-based data collection and climate-related analysis. The field class may be offered depending on student numbers and staffing. Where offered, additional costs may apply to cover travel, accommodation and subsistence. Further details will be provided to students at the start of the academic year.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £16,800 £8,400
Tuition fees (2026/27) £35,400 £17,700

Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

There is no fee deposit required for PG Dip and PG Cert applicants.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Students are required to produce a printed poster for their dissertation presentation, which involves an estimated cost of approximately £20.

Some optional modules may include fieldwork components. Students selecting these modules will need to cover related expenses, including travel and accommodation. For example, the cost of the field class is currently estimated at around £600. Further details about optional fieldwork costs can be obtained from the Department.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

Information about funding opportunities for the MSc Climate Change course can be found via UCL’s Scholarships Finder. Applicants are encouraged to explore a wide range of scholarships, studentships, and bursaries available to support their studies.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Aziz Foundation Scholarships in Social and Historical Sciences

Value: Full tuition fees (equivalent to 1yr full-time) (1 year)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application, we would like to understand:

  • what motivates your interest in climate change and its global challenges
  • why you have chosen to study the MSc Climate Change course at UCL specifically
  • which aspects of the course content and approach most appeal to you
  • how your academic, professional, or personal experience has prepared you for the intellectual demands of the course
  • how this course fits into your longer-term professional or academic goals.

Alongside meeting the academic entry requirements, your personal statement is a critical opportunity to demonstrate your motivation, readiness for advanced study, and how your background and interests align with what this course offers. We are particularly interested in applicants who can show a clear sense of purpose and who are eager to contribute to the dynamic community of climate researchers and practitioners at UCL.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Geography
Geography

geog.office@ucl.ac.uk

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