Program Overview

MSc in Climate Change: Policy, Media and Society

Course Details

• Course Code: DC669
• Course Type: Postgraduate
• NFQ Level: 9
• Delivery Modes: Full-Time, Part-Time
• Duration: (FT - 1 Year), (PT - 2 Years)

Overview

The MSc in Climate Change: Policy, Media and Society delves into the complex interplay between climate change, policy-making, media communication and societal responses. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring that students gain a holistic understanding of climate change dynamics.

Careers & Further Options

• Careers: The MSc in Climate Change: Policy, Media, and Society is a great choice for recent graduates in science, engineering, communication, social and political science, as well as for government employees working on climate policies. It's also beneficial for industry professionals who want to understand climate-related regulations, educators interested in teaching climate change and individuals from unions and NGOs who may engage in climate policy advocacy.
• Career Titles:
  • Advocacy
  • Communications
  • Consultancy
  • Development
  • Editor
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Environmental Officer
  • International and public policy
  • Journalism
  • Public Relations
• Career Prospects:
  • Advocacy
  • Communications
  • Consultancy
  • Development
  • Editor
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Environmental Officer
  • International and public policy
  • Journalism
  • Public Relations

Entry Requirements

• General Entry Requirements:
  • A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent.
  • If the applicant has not yet completed their degree than a conditional offer may be made on the basis of most recent grades and pending the achievement of a H2.2 degree.
  • Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL.
  • International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

Programme Structure

• Full-time programme:
  • Semester 1: Core modules
    • Climate Change Policy and Governance (10 credits)
    • Climate Change: The Physical Science Basis (10 credits)
    • Climate Change and the Media (10 credits)
    • Research Methodology (5 credits)
  • Semester 2: Core modules
    • Climate Change and Societal Transition (10 credits)
  • Semester 2: Optional modules - students choose two of the following modules
    • Climate Change Law (10 credits)
    • Environmental Change and World Politics (10 credits)
    • Climate Change and Cities (10 credits)
    • Political Economy of the Environment (10 credits)
    • Climate Change Education (10 credits)
    • Future Generations: Priorities, Policies, Politics (10 credits)
  • Year Long
    • Dissertation / Capstone Project (25 credits)
• Part-time programme:
  • YEAR ONE
    • Semester 1 Core modules
      • Climate Change Policy and Governance (10 credits)
      • Climate Change: The Physical Science Basis (10 credits)
    • Semester 2:
      • Core modules
        • Climate Change and Societal Transition (10 credits)
      • Optional module—students choose one of the following modules
        • Climate Change Law (10 credits)
        • Environmental Change and World Politics (10 credits)
        • Climate Change and Cities (10 credits)
        • Political Economy of the Environment (10 credits)
        • Climate Change Education (10 credits)
        • Future Generations: Priorities, Policies, Politics (10 credits)
  • YEAR TWO
    • Core modules Semester 1
      • Climate Change and the Media (10 credits)
      • Research Methodology (5 credits)
    • Semester 2:
      • Optional module - students choose one of the following modules (excluding whichever optional module you chose in year one)
        • Climate Change Law (10 credits)
        • Environmental Change and World Politics (10 credits)
        • Climate Change and Cities (10 credits)
        • Political Economy of the Environment (10 credits)
        • Climate Change Education (10 credits)
        • Future Generations: Priorities, Policies, Politics (10 credits)
    • Year Long
      • Dissertation / Capstone Project (25 credits)

Fees and Funding

• Fees:
  • Full time
    • EU Status Fee: €7,900
    • Non EU Fee: €17,000
  • Part time
    • EU Status Fee Part-time: €4,300 Per Annum
    • Non EU Fee Part time: €8,300 Per Annum

How To Apply

• To apply for this programme: All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal.
• Application Deadlines:
  • Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025
  • Closing date for EU applicants is 30th August 2025

Life On Campus

• Life on Campus: At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities.
• Campus Life: Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
• Accommodation: DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.

FAQs

• Is DCU all one campus? DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree.
• If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus? Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
• Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations? We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
• Does DCU provide accommodation? DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.