MSc-Postgraduate Diploma in Global Environmental Change
ObjectivesEnvironmental change is happening at unprecedented speed and is changing the world we live in. Human induced greenhouse gas emissions, land use change and unsustainable resource utilisation are affecting the global carbon cycle, water cycle and energy balance and consequently are a major contributor to climate change. The impacts can be felt in the form of extreme heat waves and summer droughts, forest fires, catastrophic flooding, water shortages and species extinction in most parts of the world. The climate system interacts with the biosphere, atmosphere, oceans and geosphere at a range of temporal and spatial scales. To understand fully, mitigate and adapt to environmental change requires a multidisciplinary, global approach. As a Global Environmental Change student you will develop a broad understanding of the physical processes and human impacts leading to environmental change. You will develop in-depth expertise in the area of your MSc thesis. Specialists in this area are increasingly sought after by the private sector, international non-governmental organisations, the UN and government departments. The MSc can also be an ideal basis for pursuing a research career through a PhD later on.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements Students are normally required to have at least a lower second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in an environment related or a science subject. Upper second-class and first-class students will be preferred. Appropriate industrial or professional experience can be considered as an equivalent entry qualification on a case-by-case basis. Students for whom English is not their first language are required to perform to the required standard in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or English Language Test Score (IELTS).
Academic titleMSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Global Environmental Change
Course descriptionCourse modules
Compulsory modules:
-Global Climate and Environmental Change (20 credits)
-Landscape Sensitivity and Change (20 credits)
-Research Design and Methods in Physical Geography (20 credits)
-Optional modules (THREE optional 20 credit modules can be chosen):
-The Earth from Space
-Water Resource Issues
-Theories, Concepts and Applications of Sustainable Development
-Introduction to GIS
-Spatial Information Science
-Sustainable Management of Biological Resources
-Earth Observation and Remote Sensing
-Biogeochemistry: past and present environments
-Programming for Spatial Sciences (requires Introduction to GIS or Spatial Information Science)
-one of which can be a field trip module from the following:
-Biodiversity Conservation and Global Change: Tropical East Africa
-Neotropical rainforests
Teaching and assessment methods
Teaching is by a variety of methods including lectures, seminars, self-paced learning, directed reading and practicals. Assessment of taught modules is by a mix of coursework and examination. The MSc thesis is assessed separately.