Climate Change Management (Online Learning) MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Sustainability

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

Online learning

Part-time
  • MSc | 3 years | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

School of GeoSciences

College

College of Science and Engineering

Accreditation

Not available

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About the degree programme

This MSc was previously titled MSc Carbon Management (Online Learning).

If you are passionate about climate change and its global impact or want a career where you can be part of the solution to one of the world's greatest and most complex challenges, this programme is for you. 

With our MSc Climate Change Management (Online Learning), you can develop the skills and knowledge to engage critically with climate change discussions and challenges for an equitable transition toward a resilient, low-carbon future for all.

This is a 100% online part-time programme, enabling you to study flexibly and at your own pace, wherever you are in the world. Many students continue to work full-time and partake in the programme. 

This interdisciplinary programme is fast-paced and dynamic. Your studies will draw widely on the latest research in several climate change-related fields. You will also focus on case studies from Scotland and further afield.

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. You can learn not only from lecturers, but also from your fellow students. Together, we work to create a positive culture in how we think about and act towards the global climate crisis challenge.

Programme benefits

  • Enjoy the flexibility to study whenever and wherever is most convenient for you.
  • Many of our students continue to work full-time and partake in the programme. This degree may be for you if you're looking to provide climate change skills and knowledge in your organisation, or want to move into this field from a completely different one.
  • 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 our excellent relationships with relevant employers and join a strong, active alumni network with members from around the globe.

As a postgraduate student in MSc Carbon Management (Online Learning), I am consistently eager to investigate innovative approaches to investing in nature. In my initial year of study, I have developed a strong understanding of nature-based strategies aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture, which has further fuelled my enthusiasm for soil carbon, regenerative farming, and facilitating climate finance for land stewards.

Courage Chibanda 1st Year MSc Carbon Management (Online Learning) student
Courage Chibanda, MSc Carbon Management (Online Learning) student

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

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

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

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

Featured funding

Mastercard Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships

Scholarships are available for this programme. The postgraduate study scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year will accept applications from 1 October 2025 at 10am until 7 November 2025 at 5pm (UK Time). Applicants must be citizens of an African country and residents in an African country. Applications from refugees and displaced people who have left their African home country to live elsewhere on the continent are welcome.

Mastercard Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships

If the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is the only scholarship you are interested in applying for at the University of Edinburgh, please apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarship first. 

If you receive a scholarship offer from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you can then apply for the academic programme.

Online Learning Scholarships

The University offers several scholarships specifically for online, part-time postgraduate programmes.

Online Learning Scholarships

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 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

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.

International 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
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • 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): total 100 with at least 20 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.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • 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)
  • Trinity ISE
  • 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 courses (total 120 credits)
  • a dissertation (60 credits)

This programme is part-time, which means you will study 60 credits per year.

Each year of this programme is split into three 11-week teaching blocks. You will study one course per teaching block.

The final year of the programme will be spent completing your dissertation.

Topics

You will be taught various topics and themes across the required courses, including:

  • climate science
  • climate change risk
  • mitigation and adaptation
  • policy
  • nature-based solutions
  • climate justice

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. 

This is worth 60 credits and consists of three elements:

  • research proposal
  • 10,000 written dissertation paper
  • conference poster

You may also be able to pursue other formats, such as the business plan dissertation option, which allows you to explore your own business idea for tackling climate change.

Your dissertation project is completed in Year 3 of the programme. However, the teaching team will work with you throughout the programme to help you prepare for the dissertation project.

You can use the dissertation to demonstrate your work to potential employers.

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. Examples of previous organisations we have collaborated with include:

  • Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Scottish National Heritage
  • Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh
  • Plan Vivo
  • Ecometrica

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

There may be an option to take an option course in Year 2 of the programme.

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

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

Disclaimer

This programme is undergoing structural changes as it transitions to MSc Climate Change Management (Online Learning) from MSc Carbon Management (Online Learning). We link to the latest information available for this programme, but please note that this is subject to change.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will experience a range of unique online teaching modes, depending on the subject matter and courses you are taking. 

Teaching for this programme will typically involve a mix of:

  • online recorded lectures
  • virtual group meetings with the course organiser and tutor
  • online readings
  • online discussions
  • virtual case studies
  • reading resources and links

Our supportive online environment enables you to meet students from all over the world. Each week, you will meet in online tutorials to discuss issues, questions and ideas with the group. Tutorials are live, but are recorded in case you are unable to attend. Tutorial times also vary to accommodate you, regardless of your timezone.

You will learn from academics working at the leading edge of climate change management. Our tutors will regularly interact in group sessions as well as one-on-one online meetings.

Additionally, you may watch short video clips and interviews with climate change experts.

All of these techniques will allow you to investigate the subject in-depth and to promote extensive discussion of the best ways to tackle this key global challenge.

Assessment

Each course has two assessments.

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

  • blog writing
  • essays
  • creating infographics or posters

Assessments will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge but also develop your ability to convey scientific concepts to non-specialist audiences.

Learning outcomes

On completing the MSc Climate Change Management (Online Learning), you will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of key issues relating to global, regional and local climate change management, specifically, the science of climate change and the business response to climate change.
  • Be familiar with carbon auditing methodologies, as well as the tools used for climate change impact assessment and adaptation planning.
  • Develop and demonstrate an integrated view of mitigation and adaptation by businesses, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and governments.
  • Possess in-depth knowledge and understanding in more specific climate change management-related areas and obtain an understanding of how to undertake research and apply this knowledge in the context of a major study (dissertation).
  • Demonstrate skills in interdisciplinary analysis, drawing upon different empirical sources, analytical perspectives and sub-disciplines within carbon management studies.
  • Conduct research into carbon management issues that require familiarity with a range of data, research sources and appropriate methodologies.

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

How online learning works

This degree programme is taught entirely online. There is no need to come to the city or University campus. 

All learning and teaching takes place within our virtual learning environment (VLE). Through the VLE, you can: 

  • access all your learning materials and study resources, including e-books and library resources
  • interact with your tutors and classmates 

An online degree from the University of Edinburgh is academically equivalent to an on-campus postgraduate degree and involves the same level of work overall. The qualification you get is of equal value. Your degree certificate will not mention that you studied the programme online.

Watch our video to see how online learning works.

Time commitment

This programme is designed to be fully flexible to fit around your schedule. You can study in your own time and access all your learning resources, such as reading lists, discussion forms and slides from anywhere in the world.  

If there are live online sessions, you can watch a recording later in the virtual learning environment at a time convenient to you.    

Typically, you will need to dedicate around 10 to 20 hours per week to your programme although managing this is up to you. This may also vary from course to course, and the time commitment may increase when assignments are due.  

See 'Find courses' in Programme details for more information about study time commitment

Equipment and software needs

To study this online programme, you will need access to:   

  • a computer or laptop  
  • the internet  
  • the latest version of a web browser  

As an online student, you will have access to a range of software you can download to help you complete your coursework, including Microsoft Office 365. 

IT support is available if you have technical difficulties.  

IT and computing help

Opportunities to attend in person

You are welcome to visit our campus at any time. As an online learning student, you still have access to University facilities, such as the libraries.

There may also be opportunities to attend in-person seminars if you are local, but seminar attendance is not a requirement of the programme.

On completion of the programme, you will be invited to attend an in-person graduation ceremony in Edinburgh.

Support for online students

Career opportunities

A key strength of our programme is the employability of our graduates. We have an active and growing alumni group on LinkedIn, which is a testament to the success of graduates working professionally in this field.

Our graduates have been very successful in securing employment in the carbon and climate change sectors around the world. They are working in national and regional government departments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), consultancy and other business organisations. Some progress towards completing a PhD.

Graduate destinations

Examples of the organisations in which our graduates have gained employment include:

  • Deutsche Bank
  • Forestry Department Malawi
  • Scottish Government
  • The Carbon Trust
  • Deloitte
  • AECOM
  • Mott MacDonald
  • World Bank
  • 2020 Climate Group
  • Japanese Ministry of Education
  • Climate Bonds Initiative
  • China Beijing Environmental Exchange
  • WindPower Nepal
  • UBS
  • Department of Energy and Climate Change
  • Edinburgh Climate Change Institute

Examples of roles our graduates have gone on to include:

  • Sustainability Compliance Delivery Manager
  • Climate and Sustainability Analyst
  • Senior Manager, Climate Change
  • Carbon trader
  • Forestry Carbon Project Development and Management
  • PhD candidate
  • Senior Policy Advisor at Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
  • Headteacher

Types of roles include:

  • renewable energy project developers
  • commercial carbon management consultants to companies large and small
  • central, regional and local government civil servants delivering a wide range of climate and decarbonisation policies
  • climate policy advisors to parliaments
  • NGO climate policy researchers and executives
  • PhD research and subsequent academic career path

Professional links

Alumni network

The MSc in Climate Change Management (Online Learning) has excellent relationships with relevant employers, as well as an alumni network covering more than 35 nations. This network provides you with unique opportunities to link up on research projects and find new positions in the field of carbon management.

Many of our alumni have come back to give guest lectures or workshops, which adds to the real-world relevance of the programme.

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

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

Due to high demand, the school operates a number of selection deadlines.

We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications may close earlier than the published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

We may make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis. However, the majority of applications will be held until the advertised deadline.

We aim to make the majority of decisions within eight weeks of the selection deadline.

If we have not made you an offer by a specific selection deadline this means one of two things:

  • your application has been unsuccessful, in which case we will contact you to let you know
  • your application is still being considered, it will be carried forward for consideration in the next selection deadline, and we will be in touch once a decision is made

The final deadline may be extended if any places remain on the programme.

If the final deadline is extended, 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.

Selection deadlines

RoundApplication deadlineDecisions made or applications rolled to the next deadline
115 December1 March
231 March31 May
331 May31 July

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. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

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:

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 James Paterson

Programme Director

Contact details

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