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Global Development at UEA
Find out more about studying Global Development at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Climate Change and Global Development with a Placement Year
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- January 2027
Course options
Other Start Dates
Gain a competitive edge with a placement year
This course is also available with an integrated placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable UK industry experience alongside your master's degree
Other Start Dates
1st
UEA is ranked 1st overall for research quality in Development Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021Course Overview
Why MSc Climate Change and Global Development with a Placement Year at UEA?
The effects of climate change are visible, urgent, and reshaping our world, making the need for climate action is greater than ever. This challenge demands bold, innovative thinking and transformational change, and our renowned MSc in Climate Change and Global Development provides you the opportunity to be part of the solution.
Why choose UEA
- Leading development studies: You’ll graduate with a degree from the UK’s top-ranked Development Studies department (THE REF Analysis 2021)
- Climate crisis in depth: Explore the urgent links between climate change, global inequality, poverty, and the fight for social justice
- Career ready: Graduate equipped to drive meaningful change across international development, policy, sustainability, and humanitarian organisations worldwide
What is MSc Climate Change and Global Development with a Placement Year?
From day one you'll be immersed in cutting-edge thinking and real-world application, taught by leading academics from across UEA and the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research. While mastering the essentials of climate change and global development, you’ll explore specialised subjects of your choice. You'll apply these to real-world challenges in an independent research project or a work placement of your choice.
Our student-centred teaching provides opportunities for you to develop key skills in analysis, presentation, and communication alongside climate change knowledge. Whether you bring years of work or recent academic experience, a tailored academic skills programme supports your transition to UEA.
Studying in the School of Global Development, you'll join our close-knit academic and student community. UEA is also home to the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and the Norwich Institute for Sustainable Development.
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What is Global Development?
Learn how global development is understood and its effects on communities, with a focus on Nairobi, Kenya, in this free, online course. Thro...
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Our Research - 1st in the UK for Development Studies
The School of Global Development is globally recognized for research excellence and ranked first in development studies (Times Higher REF An...
Placement Year
When you choose a Master’s course with a placement route, the placement is an integral and compulsory part of your programme and takes place during your second year. As part of your continued employability development, the first semester of your placement year will include a focused period of preparation and support to help you secure an industry work placement.
Your placement will typically involve working with a UK organisation for eight to ten months, giving you the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge in a professional environment and develop valuable workplace skills. UEA works with a specialist, award-winning partner to provide tailored support throughout the placement search process, helping you identify opportunities and maximise your chances of securing a suitable paid role.
While UEA and our specialist partner will provide guidance and resources throughout the process, securing an appropriate industry work placement remains your responsibility. You’ll need to actively engage with the placement preparation programme, your academic course, and the support available to you to make the most of the opportunities available.
If you’re unable to secure an industry work placement, or if you do not meet the academic requirements for the placement year, you’ll have the opportunity to complete three structured industry projects with different UK organisations. These projects provide valuable practical experience, allowing you to work on real-world challenges and develop skills across a range of professional settings.
Whatever route you take, you’ll graduate with career-relevant experience, enhanced employability skills, and the confidence to take your next step after your Master’s degree.
Find out more about the Postgraduate Placement Year.
Careers
Career Pathways
With an MSc Climate Change and Global Development with a Placement Year degree, you could launch a career in:
- International and multilateral organisations: Work in international organisations addressing the twin goals of climate change action and development.
- Government climate change planning: Work in local or national government departments to implement issues around sustainability
- Green energy: Support private and public sector transitions to green and non-fossil fuel energy sources
- Non-governmental organisations: support the NGO sector working around development and climate change
- Climate change consultancy: Work at the intersection of the public and private sector for clients from local businesses to the World Bank, advising and doing research around issues of climate change and development
Career Support
Guest speakers, employability workshops, and teaching focused on applying skills in the real world are embedded in your course. Alongside assessments and classroom activities designed to provide real-world and transferable skills, there are numerous opportunities to develop your career while studying. The School of Global Development also offers a dedicated extracurricular professional skills programme, designed to enhance your employability on graduation. Responsive to the ever-changing demands of the development sector, the programme evolves continuously to ensure you graduate with the most relevant and sought-after skills.
UEA’s Career Central will support you by offering internships, career events, workshops and mentorship.
After the Course
After your MSc, you'll be ready for a successful career or to pursue further research. Your critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills will support you in careers from public service to the private sector. See our ‘Life after DEV’ brochure for more information and support to start the next steps in your professional journey.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll start by gaining the core knowledge needed to engage with the world’s most pressing climate challenges and their links to global development. You’ll study the science of climate change, its impacts on development, and the role of adaptation in promoting climate-resilient development. Our teaching adopts a student-centred, enquiry-based approach. This ensures you develop a strong foundation in the science underpinning climate change, enabling you to engage confidently and persuasively with diverse audiences. You’ll also be given the theoretical and applied knowledge needed to research and plan for adaptation to climate change.
You’ll then focus on issues of governance and policy for climate change and development. You’ll critically examine national and international climate change governance, policy, and societal impacts, and responses to climate change. You’ll focus on the history and politics of international climate change negotiations and critically examine the way the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change operates. Next, you’ll turn to the interface of climate change and society. You’ll explore participatory governance and urban responses to climate change and critically examine justice-related debates, the role of energy demand, and lifestyle in tackling climate change.
This course also offers you the flexibility to shape your learning around your interests and career goals, so you can truly make it your own. There are a range of optional modules from the Schools of Global Development and Environmental Sciences for you to choose from which will enable you to tailor your degree to suit your interests and career path.
To complement your taught modules, you’ll put your learning into action. This will be via an in-depth independent research project or a professional work placement enhancing your applied experience and boosting career prospects.
During the first year of your Master’s degree at UEA, you’ll complete a year-long Employability Skills module designed to support your career development and prepare you for your placement in the second year of your course.
You’ll develop practical skills to help you successfully apply for placement opportunities, including creating an effective CV, preparing for interviews, and building your professional presence on LinkedIn. Through workshops, careers-focused activities, and one-to-one guidance, you’ll receive tailored support to help you shape your application approach, practise interview techniques, and build confidence in your employability skills.
The module combines online and in-person sessions and is assessed on a pass/fail basis. To successfully complete the module and progress to your placement year, you’ll need to attend at least 75% of scheduled sessions.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 40)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll complete a 60-credit placement module that gives you the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience through a placement related to your area of study.
During the first semester, you’ll undertake an intensive placement search with dedicated support from UEA to help you identify and secure suitable opportunities. You’ll also take part in six in-person workshops designed to support your search, encourage critical reflection on your progress, and help you develop the skills needed to approach the placement process effectively.
If you’re unable to secure an industry placement by the end of the search period, you’ll have the opportunity to complete a series of three industry-focused projects, allowing you to apply your knowledge in a practical setting.
The module assessment will include a portfolio of materials from your placement search and a reflective report on your placement experience. You’ll explore the skills you’ve developed, your understanding of your chosen sector, and areas for further professional growth. The module is assessed on a pass/fail basis.
By completing the placement module, you’ll build career confidence, enhance your CV, expand your professional network, and gain practical experience to support your future career, whether in the UK or internationally.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
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Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
We use a wide range of teaching methods to support different learning styles. These include lectures, seminars, guest speakers, group work, and peer activities. The use of technology is widespread, while interactive seminars provide opportunities to engage more deeply with the knowledge and skills you're learning.
Running alongside lectures and seminars is a range of other teaching approaches that place a greater emphasis on you, because the best way to truly understand something is to work through examples and apply what you’ve learnt in real world scenarios. These include student-led Q&A sessions with practitioners and experts, mini-research projects and practicals to support learning with and from your peers.
Independent study is essential at this level. You'll receive a range of support and guidance to help you work independently and engage critically with class materials and assessments.
Assessment
A portfolio of assessment approaches is used to support the development and refinement of key skills. These include presentations, a range of written assignments, and a significant piece of independent assessed work, such as a dissertation or work placement report.
You’ll receive written and verbal feedback on submitted works and will have the opportunity to get feedback on many assessments prior to submission. Staff members have weekly office hours, giving you the chance to discuss material in more detail or receive face-to-face feedback.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Social Sciences- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Social Sciences- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component).
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner UEA International Study Centre. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £11,400
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International Students: £23,850
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
If you choose to take this course with a placement year, your tuition fees for the first year will be as shown above. An additional fee of £3,500 will apply for the placement year (see our FAQs page for further details).
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.