MSc Environment, Climate Change and Development
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Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 12 months Part Time: 24 months
-
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 12 months Part Time: 24 months
Address the challenges of global environmental climate change and economic development with our MSc Environment, Climate Change and Development master’s degree.
Climate change has far-reaching economic and social implications. Through this programme, you will examine the social-scientific drivers and consequences of climate change – and its associated policy debates – by integrating the natural and social science of climate change, and applying cutting-edge, transdisciplinary tools to the subject.
Choose MSc Environment, Climate Change and Development at the University of Reading
You will:
- join the highest-ranking UK university for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 - Agriculture & Forestry). We’re ranked 11th in the world, and are the only UK university in the top 50.
- focus on the interface between climate change and development, with particular attention paid to the perspective of ecological economics.
- prepare for work in aid and development agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and government departments.
Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics in our School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, where we are committed to empowering change through our teaching and research. Our academics tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues across their respective fields of expertise, and our mission is to make a difference in the context of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Your learning environment
You’ll learn from academics who are conducting world-class research within global development as well as applied economics and marketing.
Current research, policy and practise examples are used throughout the course and many modules include external seminar speakers. There is also a series of department and research division talks and events.
You will choose from a diverse range of modules that aim to give you the knowledge and skills you need to have an impact and be part of global change, and you can choose to undertake an optional placement during the summer term, as well.
Class sizes vary by module, but emphasis is always placed on good contact with lecturers.
Learning occurs across a variety of:
- interactive learning methods
- seminars
- lectures
- tutorials
- participation in the classroom: debates, discussions
- field trips.
You will also have opportunities for research, networking, and personal development, as well as access to modern study resources and employability support. We also offer study skills support that’s tailored to our School’s master’s students.
The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics
As an MSc Environment, Climate Change and Development student, you’ll be a member of the School’s Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE).
GIIDAE attracts a diverse community of master’s students from more than 40 countries, and holds diversity, equality and high-quality teaching and learning as core values in its approach to education.
- GIIDAE has an active scholarship programme. Visit our dedicated scholarships webpage for more information about scholarships, bursaries, and other sources of funding.
- Visit the GIIDAE website for more information about the modules you can take during your degree.
- Download a copy of the GIIDAE brochure, which tells you more about postgraduate study in our School.
Overview
Address the challenges of global environmental climate change and economic development with our MSc Environment, Climate Change and Development master’s degree.
Climate change has far-reaching economic and social implications. Through this programme, you will examine the social-scientific drivers and consequences of climate change – and its associated policy debates – by integrating the natural and social science of climate change, and applying cutting-edge, transdisciplinary tools to the subject.
Choose MSc Environment, Climate Change and Development at the University of Reading
You will:
- join the highest-ranking UK university for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 - Agriculture & Forestry). We’re ranked 11th in the world, and are the only UK university in the top 50.
- focus on the interface between climate change and development, with particular attention paid to the perspective of ecological economics.
- prepare for work in aid and development agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and government departments.
Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics in our School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, where we are committed to empowering change through our teaching and research. Our academics tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues across their respective fields of expertise, and our mission is to make a difference in the context of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Learning
Your learning environment
You’ll learn from academics who are conducting world-class research within global development as well as applied economics and marketing.
Current research, policy and practise examples are used throughout the course and many modules include external seminar speakers. There is also a series of department and research division talks and events.
You will choose from a diverse range of modules that aim to give you the knowledge and skills you need to have an impact and be part of global change, and you can choose to undertake an optional placement during the summer term, as well.
Class sizes vary by module, but emphasis is always placed on good contact with lecturers.
Learning occurs across a variety of:
- interactive learning methods
- seminars
- lectures
- tutorials
- participation in the classroom: debates, discussions
- field trips.
You will also have opportunities for research, networking, and personal development, as well as access to modern study resources and employability support. We also offer study skills support that’s tailored to our School’s master’s students.
The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics
As an MSc Environment, Climate Change and Development student, you’ll be a member of the School’s Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE).
GIIDAE attracts a diverse community of master’s students from more than 40 countries, and holds diversity, equality and high-quality teaching and learning as core values in its approach to education.
- GIIDAE has an active scholarship programme. Visit our dedicated scholarships webpage for more information about scholarships, bursaries, and other sources of funding.
- Visit the GIIDAE website for more information about the modules you can take during your degree.
- Download a copy of the GIIDAE brochure, which tells you more about postgraduate study in our School.
Entry requirements
IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)
Entry requirements
Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (ideally 2:1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. Applicants who have relevant career experience are also encouraged to apply.
Students may join immediately after their undergraduate degree, or after some years of employment to enhance career prospects by acquiring further skills.
For a list of requirements by country, please visit our Country-Specific Information page.
Your personal statement
Your personal statement needs to show us that you understand the goal of the course, and your interest in climate change. It needs to demonstrate that you understand what the course is about, your motivation for studying, and what you would like to get out of your studies. You may reflect on paid or unpaid experience in the field to help support your personal statement.
Language requirements
Applicants may need to provide evidence of their ability to study in English (if required by UK Visa and Immigration). Our online list of English language tests and qualifications is routinely updated, so please check to see if you already have an acceptable qualification or test, and for the most recent changes to language requirements.
If you have any questions about your evidence of English language proficiency, please email pgadmissions@reading.ac.uk.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
APME75 | Energy, Climate Change and Development | DR Nick Bardsley |
IDM071 | Research and study skills for independent learning | PROF Julian Park |
IDM072 | Dissertation (International Development & Applied Economics) | DR Sarah Cardey |
IDM095 | Theories and Practices of Development | MS Reham Elmorally |
IDM099 | Global Environmental Change, Justice and Development | DR Andrew Ainslie |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
APMA102 | Ecosystem Services | DR Yuan Pan |
APMA103 | Rethinking Agricultural Development (including Horticulture): Implementing Solutions | DR Andrew Ainslie |
APMA90 | Climate change and food systems | DR Jake Bishop |
APMA96 | Plants, Greenspace and Urban Sustainability | DR Tijana Blanusa |
APME67 | Food Policy | DR Giuseppe Nocella |
IDM012 | Gender and Development | DR Sarah Cardey |
IDM013 | Participatory interventions in development | PROF Peter Dorward |
IDM077 | Food Security and Development | DR Samuel Poskitt |
IDM089 | Personal and Professional Development Programme for International Students | DR Georgia Koromila |
IDM096 | Addressing Poverty and Inequality through Social Policy | DR Henny Osbahr |
IDM100 | Communication Planning and Processes | DR Sarah Cardey |
GVMCC | Climate Change | PROF Maria Shahgedanova |
GVMPFF | Preparing For Floods | PROF Hannah Cloke |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £10,500
New international students: £21,350
Tuition fee information
The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government's guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics also offers a number of scholarships.
Careers
Your MSc Environment, Climate Change and Development degree will prepare you for opportunities in a wide variety of environmental and developmental settings. These include aid agencies, NGOs, and relevant government departments – especially those focused on energy policy and climate change issues.
A wide variety of visiting speakers and field trips means you’ll have many opportunities for networking, while competitive internships, placements, and research dissertations provide opportunities to showcase your skills, undertake field research, or link with organisations in the development sector.
Our graduates
- Read about Christopher Manda, a graduate who is now an Environmental Inspector with the Environmental Affairs Department in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining.
- Read about Daniel Collins, a graduate who is now an Analyst with Carbon Smart, a sustainability firm that helps businesses set and achieve their environmental objectives.