Climate Change, Adaptation and PolicyMSc

Accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), this MSc programme will prepare graduates to make change happen, giving you the skills to keep pace with cutting edge research, understand the policy and governance frameworks for climate change and sustainable futures, and implement evidence-based mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Course structure

This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode. Study a range of compulsory and optional modules completed with an independent research dissertation. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each term.

The course draws on the diverse, internationally leading research and teaching across the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, from fundamental climate hazards, to hydrological and ecological impacts, to resilient planning for a safe and healthy population, to governance and leadership of change.  

Programme highlights

• Learn to interrogate lines of evidence for climate impacts and adaptation strategies
• Combine physical and social sciences with leadership and management skills to communicate with stakeholders from varied backgrounds
• Build research skills to fill knowledge gaps on climate change adaptation, including opportunities to work with employers in the sector
• Accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), providing free IEMA Student membership while studying, and the option to upgrade to Graduate membership on successful completion of the MSc.
• The University of Birmingham is proud to be a member of the Met Office Academic Partnership
• We are home to the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action

• Taught modules - delivered through a mix of traditional lectures and practice-oriented activities
• Seminars - take part in discussion-led seminars alongside your peers and experts in the field
• Research-intensive teaching - gain research and transferable skills with specialist teaching

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

The following must be taken:

You must choose one of the following:

You must choose 40 credits of modules from the following list:

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.