Program Overview

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MSc Climate Change Science and Policy

Overview

The importance of addressing the climate emergency has never been clearer. Climate change experts are needed in government, business, research, and non-governmental organisations, to help drive sustainable transformation in changing environments.

Our MSc in Climate Change Science and Policy provides you with a solid grounding in climate change science, alongside a critical understanding of the context for action on climate change. The programme is designed for students with a background in science (through their previous undergraduate and/or work experience), and includes hands-on quantitative training with climate models and climate data. Graduates of the programme will have gained experience in a wide variety of climate science tools and methods, an understanding of the role of scientific evidence in policy, and a keen awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to governing the environment.

The programme is provided by the School of Geographical Sciences, ranked first in the UK for 'Geography and environmental studies' research (THE analysis of REF 2021). You will join our research groups in analysing key areas of climate change science and environmental policy.

This innovative programme also allows you to develop a range of scientific and professional skills, from Python and data analysis to science communication, presentations, and interdisciplinary teamwork. There is a strong emphasis on carrying out your own research project.

The programme is closely linked to the renowned Cabot Institute, which brings together the University's research into the changing global environment, and benefits from our location in the city of Bristol, a vibrant hub of environmental action.

Key Information

• Programme duration: One year full-time; Two years part-time.
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline: Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025; Home applicants: 8 August 2025
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location: Clifton
• Awards available: MSc

Programme Structure

The programme consists of six taught units and a dissertation project. Currently, all students will undertake three mandatory units, providing:

• An overview of climate change science and climate change impacts, including the implications of science for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• Hands-on learning and a chance to explore the dynamics of the Earth System with numerical models.
• Training in quantitative analysis of climate datasets.

Students also select three optional units, with the opportunity to pursue further training in quantitative skills (for example, statistics, GIS, remote sensing data) and/or further understanding of the context for climate change policy-making (for example, environmental policy and politics, urbanisation, global development).

Students undertake a research dissertation project on a climate change-related topic of their choice during the summer months, with the support of a supervisor from the School of Geographical Sciences. The dissertation is submitted in the form of a research paper.

World-Leading Research

• The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
• 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry Requirements

You will typically require an upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in one of the following:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Engineering
• Geography
• Mathematics
• Physics

Applicants must be able to demonstrate academic experience in Programming, Modelling or Applied Data Analysis.

All other degree subjects may be considered if applicants can demonstrate academic experience in the above modules. Alternatively, two years paid work experience in a relevant sector such as Non-Governmental organisations, the environmental sector or work involving quantitative research may be considered to demonstrate sufficient academic experience; these will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Evidence of quantitative background could be:

• Computer or Data Science
• Remote Sensing
• GIS
• Instrumental Analysis
• Spatial Modelling
• Environmental Monitoring
• Statistics/Biostatistics
• R or Python
• Water Analysis
• Environmental Impact Analysis
• Analytical Chemistry
• Computer Applications in Environmental Management.

Modules from acceptable degree subjects with "quantitative" in the name can be considered as evidence of appropriate background.

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.

We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:

• Evidence of relevant work experience in think tanks, public sector research agencies or social/political research institutes. Minimum one year.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification from the accepted subjects listed above.

Specific module requirements would still apply.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Fees and Funding

• Home: full-time £14,400 per year
• Home: part-time (two years) £7,200 per year
• Overseas: full-time £31,700 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

Alumni Discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding and Scholarships

Students from developing Commonwealth countries may be eligible to apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme, University of Bristol Think Big Postgraduate Scholarship, and the School of Geographical Sciences Phyllis Mary Morris Bursaries.

Career Prospects

Previous graduates have gone on to work at a wide range of employers after completing this MSc, including environmental consultancy, UK and other government departments, the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and the UK Met Office, as well as numerous PhD positions.

The need for mitigation and adaptation measures in response to climate change will only increase. You will be prepared to enter a range of industries where skills in translating science into policy is vital, from environmental agencies to insurance, banking, and urban planning.