Climate Change Management MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Sustainability

Year of entry: 2027

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Part-time
  • MSc | up to 3 years | Start date: multiple dates
Full-time
  • MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2027

Key facts

School

School of GeoSciences

College

College of Science and Engineering

Study location

Central Area

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About the degree programme

Are you ready to confront the challenges of the global climate crisis?

Join students from across the globe to tackle the challenges of climate change and create a net-zero-carbon economy and society.

With our MSc Climate Change Management, you will be able to develop the skills and knowledge to engage critically with climate change debates and challenges for an equitable transition toward a resilient, net zero-carbon future.

This interdisciplinary programme is fast-paced and dynamic. Your studies will draw widely on the latest climate change research, along with case studies from Scotland and worldwide. Industry experts and programme alumni also contribute to the discussions and provide guest lectures.

Throughout this interactive degree, you are encouraged to dive in and join the conversation, participate in group activities, and offer your critical analysis of the topics. Together, we work to create a culture of positivity in how we think about and act towards the global climate crisis challenge.

This MSc was previously titled MSc Carbon Management.

Edinburgh Climate Change Institute

This degree is associated with the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI).

The ECCI brings together the following domains to help develop a low-carbon society:

  • law
  • business
  • technology
  • consultancy
  • social science
  • policy experts

Through the ECCI, you will have the opportunity to work and network alongside professionals and potential employers within this high-demand field.

Visit the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute website

MSc Climate Change Finance and Investment

This programme is not a substitute for the MSc Climate Change Finance and Investment. If you are keen to focus your studies on climate change finance and investment, we encourage you to find out more details and apply to the Business School.

MSc Climate Change Finance and Investment

Study Climate Change Management

Our interdisciplinary programme brings together individuals from a diverse set of backgrounds passionate about combating the climate crisis.

Study options

Part-time study

Two and three-year part-time study options are available for this programme. Part-time study requires daytime weekday attendance. Therefore, we recommend living within a commutable distance from Edinburgh.

We encourage you to contact us to discuss part-time study in more detail. 

Programme benefits

  • Study alongside a diverse range of students who are passionate about combating climate change. The mix of our students' various backgrounds enhances the interdisciplinarity of the programme and encourages new ideas and approaches that help make the programme engaging.
  • Benefit from teaching that embraces both academic knowledge and understanding, as well as the development of applied and practical skills.
  • Gain the high-level knowledge necessary to support businesses, industry, academia, and governments in responding to climate change and moving the world towards a net-zero future.

The programme has allowed me to collaborate with fellow students, lecturers and industry professionals from diverse backgrounds. It provided me with the opportunity to engage with emerging ideas in climate change adaptations and mitigations and carbon management, topics of growing global significance. I particularly valued the interdisciplinary nature of the degree, which allowed me to tailor my focus through electives. Overall, the MSc challenged me academically, provided me with valuable insights and helped me build a strong professional network.

Anna Lyn Duhme MSc Carbon Management, graduated 2025 (now titled MSc Climate Change Management)
Anna Lyn Duhme, MSc Carbon Management graduate

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Part-time
Full-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

If you receive an offer of admission, you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place.

  • £1,500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)

Find out more about tuition fee deposits

Costs

Additional programme costs

Dissertation costs

The School of GeoSciences operates a fund to support you with activity related to your dissertation project, such as specialist software licenses or travel expenses for site visits. 

On the rare occasion that costs exceed the funding amount, you may be required to cover additional costs. This is not common, and the University is typically able to provide any resources required to undertake your dissertation project.

Accommodation and living costs

You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.

For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £18,504 each year (£1,542 each month) to live in Edinburgh as a postgraduate.

The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.

Living costs: estimates explained 

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject such as environmental sciences, management, social sciences, energy, sustainability, earth sciences, physical sciences, geology, geography, economics, biology, health sciences, engineering, business administration, or finance.

We may also consider degrees in other disciplines if you can demonstrate how it is relevant to the programme, or if you have relevant work experience in a related field.

We may also consider a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, if you have substantial, related professional experience, a strong personal statement and supportive reference.

International equivalent qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test (restrictions apply)
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English (restrictions apply)
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 5.0 with at least 4.0 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

This MSc programme (total 180 credits) comprises of:

  • compulsory and option taught courses (total 120 credits)
  • dissertation (60 credits)

Compulsory courses

This MSc programme has 80 credits of compulsory taught courses, covering diverse topics. Core aspects covered by compulsory courses include:

  • essential understandings of climate change science
  • the politics of climate evidence and policy
  • climate mitigation technological developments and applications
  • examination of what is happening in climate adaptation, risk and impacts
  • tools and methods to understand and explore these issues.
Dissertation

You will also complete an independent research project called a dissertation. This is your opportunity to explore, in-depth, a topic of your choice in relation to climate change and carbon management. You can use the dissertation to demonstrate your work to potential employers.

This is worth 60 credits and typically consists of producing a written paper of up to 12,000 words. Other formats include the business plan dissertation option, which allows you to explore your own business idea for tackling climate change.

Your project is mostly completed over a period of several months between April and August. However, the teaching team will work with you throughout the programme to help you prepare for the dissertation project.

Previous dissertation topics include:

  • Managing Climate Risk through Financial instrument: Can Public Green Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in China Support Environmental Sustainability?
  • The Impact of Carbon Neutrality Advocacy on Chinese Young People's Pro-Environmental Behaviour: A Study of TikTok Short Videos
  • Climate change resilience of New York City and Miami: Current and future impacts of new federal administration
  • Community-owned energy in Scotland: Why has uptake slowed down, how have policy changes impacted their barriers and enablers, and what alternative models of community energy could reverse the decline?
  • The Impact of Carbon Markets on Carbon Emissions from the Electric Vehicle Industry: A Comparative Analysis Between China and the European Union
Dissertations with external partners

You may also have the option to complete a dissertation project in partnership with an external organisation. We work with our wide network to find opportunities for these projects, helping to enhance the real-world relevance of your degree.

This option is not guaranteed and may require an additional application, depending on the popularity and competitiveness of the project offered by the external organisation.

Option courses

Our compulsory courses are supplemented by a wide array of option courses that encompass topics as diverse as:

  • carbon finance and accounting
  • energy systems and technologies
  • global governance
  • environmental sustainability
  • nature-based solutions
  • food systems

You will take 40 credits of option courses.

Although we try to provide a wide range of option courses to choose from, these can be subject to change or cancellation at short notice. Places on option courses can be limited due to course capacity and timetabling constraints. It may not be possible to guarantee every offer holder their top choice of option courses.

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Part-time
Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will experience a range of learning styles while studying, depending on the subject matter and courses you are taking. 

Teaching for this programme will typically involve a mix of:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • flipped-classrooms
  • guest presentations
  • workshop-style group discussions

Assessment

You will be assessed in a variety of ways, such as:

  • essays
  • group presentations
  • creating infographics
  • technical reports, such as a Climate Adaptation Plan

Learning outcomes

On completing the MSc Climate Change Management, you will:

  • Gain a critical understanding of theories, concepts and principles underpinning the impacts of, and responses to, local, regional and global climate change.
  • Be able to demonstrate responses to climate change issues that are reflective, self-critical and based on research and evidence.
  • Be able to demonstrate multidisciplinary skills, techniques and practices that draw upon different empirical sources, analytical perspectives and sub-disciplines within climate change and carbon management studies.
  • Be able to demonstrate initiative in tackling and managing problems towards realising a just and equitable society, given global climate change.

Support for your studies

Student Experience Team

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a Student Adviser within the School's Student Experience Team, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.

How we support you

Cohort activities

You will also have access to a range of cohort activities. These are a mix of social and academic support events. 

Social events are typically student-led. Previous programme cohorts have organised activities such as potluck dinners or local trips to Edinburgh Botanical Gardens. Academic events include workshops to support you with planning for your dissertation project.

Our academic staff

Courses are delivered by our staff, most of whom are also active researchers. Their expertise is supplemented by guest speakers from industry, consultancy, government and other research organisations.

Where you will study

Study location

The majority of your teaching will take place at our Central Area campus, such as ECCI.

ECCI is close to many teaching spaces and facilities within the Central Area campus, such as the Main Library and Pleasance gym.

Depending on the option courses you choose, you may also study at various campus locations in Edinburgh, such as the King's Buildings Campus.

The King's Buildings campus is around 15 minutes from central Edinburgh by bus (there is a regular free shuttle bus between both locations). You can also cycle (15 minutes) or walk (35 minutes) to the campus from the central area.

Walking map from George Square central campus to Grant Institute King's Buildings campus

Shuttle bus route and timetable

Academic facilities

You will have access to the University's facilities across all University campuses, including:

  • libraries
  • laboratories
  • social spaces
  • leisure facilities
  • computing facilities
  • study spaces (some of which are open 24 hours)

You will also have access to the Masters Hub, located in the ECCI building at the Central campus. 

Visit the ECCI website

Career opportunities

Our graduates have been successful in securing employment in the carbon and climate change sector worldwide.

Although there is no 'typical' job our graduates go on to do, your career after completing the MSc Climate Change Management can include:

  • climate change and carbon management consultancy companies
  • climate change managerial roles in a wide range of companies, representing many sectors
  • renewable energy project developer roles
  • central, regional and local government civil servant roles delivering a wide range of climate change and decarbonisation policies
  • climate policy advisor roles
  • NGO climate policy researcher and executive roles
  • climate change adaptation and mitigation specialist roles
  • PhD research and a subsequent academic career path

Start-up opportunities

In addition, some alumni have created their own successful businesses and consultancies.

We have fantastic resources through the University's student enterprise service through Edinburgh Innovations, to help you successfully nurture your entrepreneurial ideas and launch your own enterprise.

Visit the Edinburgh Innovations website

Graduate destinations

In the climate change field, our graduates are employed by hundreds of organisations around the world. Their roles range from data analytics and technical specialists, consultancy, programme management and leadership, and communication and engagement positions.

Examples of organisations our graduates have gone to work for include:

  • Bloomberg New Energy Finance
  • Carbon Sense
  • Mott MacDonald
  • Costain Group
  • PwC
  • John Wood Group
  • The World Bank
  • Forestry Department Malawi
  • The Carbon Trust
  • Arup
  • Deloitte
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Japanese Ministry of Education
  • China Beijing Environmental Exchange
  • University California Berkeley
  • WindPower Nepal
  • Rolls-Royce
  • Department of Business
  • UK Department of Energy Security and Net Zero
  • London Assembly
  • Asian Development Bank
  • SEPA
  • Scottish Parliament
  • Forestry Research Institute of Ghana
  • LCP Delta
  • DSS+ DuPont Sustainable Solutions
  • Jacobs Inc.
  • UNDO

Professional links

Alumni network

The MSc in Climate Change Management has excellent relationships with relevant employers and an exclusive alumni network on LinkedIn, with over 450 members covering more than 30 nations.

This network provides you with unique opportunities to seek advice from alumni, some of whom have decades of experience in the job market.

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Graduate profiles

Robert Connell

Robert smiling for the camera

Degree: MSc Carbon Management (now MSc Climate Change Management)

Year of graduation: 2020

Current work: Assistant Teacher at an international school in Budapest

I have had the opportunity to gain consulting experience by working with the school to reduce its carbon emissions, furthering sustainability, and offering climate knowledge to young learners. On the side, I have published a book chapter on diversifying the private sector in local climate action, and I continue to work with a Scottish social enterprise that aids SMEs in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. I am immensely proud of all this and recognise that it would not have occurred without the unexpected twists and turns that happened throughout my journey during and beyond my MSc.

Robert's profile

Hear from our alumni about their experiences during, and after, postgraduate study

School of GeoSciences postgraduate alumni profiles

Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience at the University, providing:

  • tailored advice
  • individual guidance and personal assistance
  • internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
  • access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network

We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.

Careers Service

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

You should avoid applying to more than one degree within the School of GeoSciences. Applicants who can demonstrate their understanding and commitment to a specific programme are preferred.

If you plan to apply to more than one programme within the School, you should discuss your choices with us before you submit your application.

Where possible, we may make an alternative programme offer if you have been unsuccessful in your chosen programme.

School of GeoSciences deadlines

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
13 September 2027 30 August 2027

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

When to submit your supporting documents

You must submit all supporting documents by the application deadline, or we will be unable to consider your application. Regardless of when you apply, you have 28 days from submitting your application to supply any supporting documents through the Application Hub, after which we will automatically reject your application.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

For this programme, you will need to submit a CV/Resume with your application.

Find out more about applications and CVs for further study

References

You must submit one reference with your application.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. We aim to make admissions decisions on completed applications within 6 to 8 weeks of receipt. However, due to the large number of applications we receive, decisions may take longer during busy periods.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

No one knows what it is like to study here better than the students themselves. Our students are sharing their experiences - from studying to living in Edinburgh and everything in between.

Get social with us:

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Admissions

Lines open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

College of Science and Engineering Admissions Enquiries
Phone:+44 (0)131 650 5737

Academic contact

For programme-specific enquiries, please get in touch with the Programme Director.

Dr Adam Hejnowicz

Programme Director

Contact details

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