Program Overview

Introduction to the Graduate Diploma in Climate Change and Sustainability

The Graduate Diploma in Climate Change and Sustainability (Grad Dip CCS) is a two-semester degree coursework programme based in the Department of Geography at NUS. This innovative programme provides an exciting opportunity for prospective students to study at NUS, a top university in Asia, as a pathway to further industry career prospects in climate change and sustainability practices.

Who Should Apply

Those who are curious and passionate about climate change and its threats to society, and are interested in discovering sustainable solutions to climate threats.

Admission Requirements

• The Graduate Diploma in Climate Change and Sustainability has one intake per year (August).
• Applicants seeking admission must have obtained either:
  • A bachelor’s degree in the subject or related fields; or
  • A bachelor’s degree with a relevant Graduate Certificate with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
  • Candidates with other qualifications and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Division, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
• Applicants who do not have a degree from an English-speaking university must present evidence that they have attained the basic level of English language proficiency, either a TOEFL score of 100 (for the internet-based test) or an IELTS score of 7.0. Exceptions may be allowed on an individual basis.
• Applicants should provide one letter of reference from an academic in the case of a recent graduate (graduated in the three years prior to application) or from a recent/current employer in the case of an applicant who graduated more than three years prior to the time of application.

Duration

Full-time students will study over a 12-month period that spans two semesters, which start in Semester 1 (August–November), and continues in Semester 2 (January–April).

• Under normal circumstances, the period of candidature is 12 months of full-time study or 24 months of part-time study from the date of commencement of the course.
• The maximum period of candidature for the programme is 24 months of full-time study or 36 months of part-time study from the date of commencement of the course, inclusive of approved leave of absence and medical leave.
• Leave of absence of up to one year will not be counted towards a candidate’s maximum candidature. Subsequent leave will be considered as part of the candidature.

Programme Structure

The curriculum of the Graduate Diploma in Climate Change and Sustainability programme consists of three core compulsory courses, and three elective courses.

• Core courses will be offered every academic year.
• Elective courses may not necessarily be offered in the same academic year.
• All courses are worth 4 Units.
• Students must complete 24 course Units to complete the Grad. Dip. programme.

List of Core Courses

1. CCS5101 Climate Change the Science and the Policy: The course is a blend of physical, human and political geographies, providing an overview of the entire gamut of topics under climate change.
2. CCS5102 Sustainability and Climate Change: Sustainability approaches can be experienced differently within and between communities. Climate change is placing further stressors on these experiences.
3. CCS5104 Methods and Practice in Sustainability: The course introduces students to the principles and practice of research design.

List of Elective Courses

1. CCS5103 Political Economy of Climate Change & Sustainable Development: This course introduces the political and economic dimensions of climate governance that shape sustainable development goals and ecological outcomes.
2. CCS5201 Introduction to Climate Modelling: The course introduces the science and techniques of climate modelling through lectures and hands-on applications.
3. CCS5202 Climate Hazards, Risks and Uncertainty: Hazards and the risks posed to society are rapidly changing in response to climate change.
4. CCS5203 Resilience of Social-Ecological Systems: Present-day society depends heavily on social-ecological systems as a source of much of the raw materials, food, water and energy it relies upon.
5. CCS5204 Water, Food and Energy Insecurities: The course discusses key issues in the nexus among water, food and energy, in the context of climate change.
6. CCS5205 Sustainable Finance: The course introduces the origins, theories, practices, geographies, and debates on sustainable finance.
7. CCS5206 How to Live Well on a Damaged Planet: This course explores how life is being reshaped, reimagined and re-practiced in the Anthropocene, an era of cascading social and environmental crises.
8. CCS5207 Coastal Vulnerability, Risk and Adaptation: Climate change and sea-level rise threaten the existence and livelihoods of more than 400 million people who live in low-lying coastal areas.

Assessment

The assessment for each course will be based on a combination of examination and continuous assessment, specified in each course.

• A candidate who fails a core course, defined as receiving a F for the course, must retake the same core course during the period of candidature.
• A candidate is allowed to retake the same core course once. Failure to pass the core course after the second attempt will result in termination of the candidature.
• A candidate who fails an elective course may be permitted to either retake the same elective course once, or replace the failed course by taking another elective course in a subsequent academic year.
• Failure to pass the elective course after the second attempt will result in termination of the candidature.

Graduation Requirements

Students are required to complete 24 course Units before graduation, including three core courses (sub-total = 12 Units), three elective courses (sub-total = 12 Units).

Fees and Payment

The cost of each course of this programme for AY2026/2027 will be S$5,785 (including GST).

• The entire cost of the Graduate Diploma (six courses in total) will be calculated based on the cost per course.
• In addition, candidates are also required to pay other miscellaneous student fees decided by the University.