Climate Change Science and Management

Program Overview

The MSc Climate Change Science and Management program at Loughborough University equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to understand and manage climate risks, promote sustainability, and contribute to low-carbon solutions. Combining scientific knowledge with practical management skills, the program prepares students for careers in climate change modelling, policy, communication, agriculture, energy, and disaster risk management.

Program Outline

Climate Change Science and Management (MSc) at Loughborough University

Degree Overview

The MSc Climate Change Science and Management program at Loughborough University addresses the urgent issue of climate change from a broad, problem-focused perspective. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and manage climate risks, promote sustainability, and contribute to the development of low-carbon solutions. The program is suitable for graduates with backgrounds in science, engineering, and social sciences who are interested in pursuing research or careers related to climate change.

Objectives:

• Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of climate change science, its impacts, and potential solutions.
• Equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to critically analyze and model climate risks.
• Develop students' abilities to design and implement sustainable development strategies in the face of climate change.
• Foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, enabling graduates to effectively contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Program Description:

The MSc Climate Change Science and Management program combines scientific knowledge with practical management skills to equip graduates with the ability to influence climate change policies and practices. The program features a dynamic curriculum that includes:

• Mapping and Modelling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): This module focuses on the quantitative analysis of Climate, Land, Energy, and Water systems (CLEWs) within the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the interconnectedness of these vital systems and their impact on sustainable development.
• Geospatial Risk Modelling for Management: This module introduces students to mathematical and numerical modelling techniques used in simulating natural hazards and their application in geospatial models for risk assessment and management.
• Climate Science into Practice: This module focuses on the practical application of climate science in decision-making processes, encompassing the translation of scientific data into usable formats that can inform policy and guide operational strategies for businesses and organizations.
• Economic Modelling and Policy for Sustainable Development: This module explores the economic impacts of various policy options designed to achieve sustainable development goals, with a particular focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and adaptation strategies in the energy sector.
• Dissertation: The program culminates in a dissertation project, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to a specific research topic related to climate change science and management.

Outline

The MSc Climate Change Science and Management program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, independent study, workshops, and practical sessions. The program structure is as follows:

Semester 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Hydrometeorology for the Climate Emergency
• Climate Futures
• Mapping and Modelling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Semester 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Geospatial Risk Modelling for Management
• Climate Science into Practice
• Economic Modelling and Policy for Sustainable Development

Summer:

• Compulsory Module:
Students will learn about the latest technologies and techniques used to monitor and model these systems, and gain experience in evaluating the effectiveness of different measurement and monitoring practices.
• Climate Futures: This module explores the concept of climate pathways and introduces students to tools and datasets used to model future climate scenarios.
Students will learn how to analyze climate data and projections, and develop strategies for communicating the potential impacts of climate change to various stakeholders.
• Mapping and Modelling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): This module focuses on the quantitative analysis of the interactions between the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the CLEWs (Climate, Land, Energy, and Water systems).
Students will learn how to model these complex interrelationships and assess the potential impacts of climate change on achieving the SDGs.
• Geospatial Risk Modelling for Management: This module introduces students to the mathematical and numerical modelling techniques used in simulating natural hazards and their application in geospatial models for risk assessment and management.
Students will gain experience in using these models to assess the risks associated with climate change and develop strategies for mitigating these risks.
• Climate Science into Practice: This module focuses on the practical application of climate science in decision-making processes, encompassing the translation of scientific data into usable formats that can inform policy and guide operational strategies for businesses and organizations.
Students will learn about the challenges and opportunities associated with communicating climate science to non-scientific audiences and develop skills in effectively communicating climate risks and options for adaptation and mitigation.
• Economic Modelling and Policy for Sustainable Development: This module explores the economic impacts of various policy options designed to achieve sustainable development goals, with a particular focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and adaptation strategies in the energy sector.
Students will learn how to use economic models to analyze the costs and benefits of different policy options and develop strategies for promoting sustainable development in the face of climate change.
• Dissertation: The dissertation project allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a specific research question related to climate change science and management.
Students will undertake independent research, analyze data, and write a comprehensive report on their findings.

Assessment

Students in the MSc Climate Change Science and Management program are assessed through various methods, including coursework assignments, essays, reports, and a final dissertation project. The specific assessment methods and criteria for each module will be outlined in the module descriptions.

Teaching

The MSc Climate Change Science and Management program is delivered by a team of experienced academics and researchers with expertise in climate science, environmental management, economics, and policy. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions, to foster student engagement and active learning. The program also provides opportunities for students to interact with industry professionals and participate in field trips to relevant organizations and research facilities.

Careers

Graduates of the MSc Climate Change Science and Management program are well-positioned for careers in a variety of sectors, including:

• Climate Change Modelling and Risk Assessment: Modeling and assessing climate-related risks for businesses, organizations, and government agencies.
• Climate Change Policy and Advocacy: Participating in policy development and advocating for climate action at the local, national, or international level.
• Climate Change Communication and Education: Communicating climate change science and risks to various audiences, including the general public, policymakers, and businesses.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry: Managing agricultural and forestry practices to adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: Developing and promoting renewable energy technologies and strategies for energy efficiency.
• Disaster Risk Reduction and Management: Managing and mitigating the risks associated with natural disasters, including those exacerbated by climate change.

Other

The MSc Climate Change Science and Management program is housed in the Geography and Environment department at Loughborough University. The department is home to state-of-the-art research facilities, including a river science laboratory, geospatial lab, and a campus-based weather station. The department also has a 16-hectare research forest, comprising ancient and semi-natural woodland. This rich environment provides students with exceptional opportunities to engage in hands-on learning and conduct research in the field. The MSc Climate Change Science and Management program is specifically designed for graduates seeking to develop their skills and knowledge in a field that is both critically important and rapidly evolving. The program provides students with the opportunity to learn from leading experts, engage in cutting-edge research, and gain the practical skills needed to make a difference in the fight against climate change.

UK fee: £12,250 Full-time degree per annum International fee: £24,500 Full-time degree per annum