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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
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
1st
UEA is ranked 1st overall for research quality in Development Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021Course Overview
The effects of climate change are no longer distant—they’re visible, urgent, and reshaping our world. From rising inequality to global poverty and social injustice, the need for climate action is greater than ever. Solving these complex challenges demands bold, innovative thinking and transformational change at unprecedented scale and speed.
Our renowned MSc in Climate Change and Global Development offers you the opportunity to be part of the solution. This exciting programme draws on UEA’s pioneering track record in climate science and global development. From your very first day, 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.
You’ll begin by mastering the essentials of climate change and its relationship with global development. You’ll then explore more specialised subjects such as food systems, environmental change, sustainable consumption, or energy systems. The course culminates in an exciting independent research project or a rewarding work placement where you can apply your knowledge to real-world challenges. This is your chance to showcase your skills, deepen your expertise, and boost your professional profile. Alongside this, you’ll gain in-demand, career-ready skills through practical classes and dynamic workshops, opening up many career paths and opportunities.
You’ll be based in the School of Global Development, a world-leading centre for research, teaching, and practice, ranked No. 1 for Development Studies in the UK (THE REF Analysis 2021). You’ll join our close-knit academic and student community, where you can get involved in activities such as the Biodiversity and Climate Action Network, explore the vibrant and historic city of Norwich, and wander through UEA’s acres of stunning woodland and nature trails.
Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to launch a meaningful and dynamic career in the climate and development sector. Our graduates have secured roles with prestigious organisations such as the United Nations Environment Programme, the Asian Development Bank, WWF, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and many more.
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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...
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 ethical/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.
After completing your taught modules, you’ll put your learning into action—either through an in-depth independent research project or a professional work placement designed to enhance your real-world experience and boost your career prospects.
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.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
Our Climate Change and Global Development postgraduate course adopts a wide range of inclusive teaching approaches to suit different learning styles. Teaching methods include lectures and seminars, expert and practitioner sessions, peer-to-peer activities, and small group work.
Your lectures go beyond the customary ‘chalk-and-talk’ approaches, they include a range of interactive tasks and activities to support active learning. The use of technology is also widespread, for example through visual representations of empirical evidence in international development (e.g., through statistical programs), the use of online reading materials and lecture screencasts. Seminars provide an opportunity to engage more concretely with the knowledge and skills you're learning. Seminars are interactive and often revolve around work you’ve produced either individually or in small groups.
Running alongside the lectures and seminars are 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. Examples of this type of work include student-led Question and Answer sessions with practitioners and experts and mini-research projects and practicals to support peer-to-peer learning. In addition to supporting your learning, these activities will help you to get to know your fellow students. The more applied elements of the course will also support you to develop transferable skills such as articulating an argument both orally and in writing and presenting complex information in a clear and cogent manner.
Independent study
To succeed at Master's level, you’ll need to spend at least as much time on independent study as you spend in class or interacting with your fellow students. Throughout the course, you’ll receive a range of support and guidance to help you engage critically with academic literature and relevant data. We offer a range of feedback and assistance to help you make the most of your formative and summative assignments. Additionally, each member of the faculty has two office hours available each week, giving you the chance to discuss material in more detail or get face-to-face feedback on specific pieces of work.
Assessment
Assessment methods include presentations and essays in addition to the assessed dissertation or development work placement report. Further assessment methods will differ depending on the optional modules you choose.
You’ll receive constructive and timely feedback on both your formative and summative assessments to help you develop your understanding and skills to improve your performance at assessment. You’ll be encouraged to prepare essay plans or outlines in advance of essay deadlines, and to get feedback on these with the relevant lecturer during their office hours or by email. In addition, you’ll comment on the work of your fellow students in seminars and other fora to further develop your critical reading and evaluation skills.
If you’ve additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help.
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Employability
After the Course
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today. This prestigious course will equip you with advanced analytical skills and specialist knowledge to support your chosen career path.
After completing the programme, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue a meaningful career in the climate and development sector. Our graduates have gone on to work with renowned organisations such as the United Nations Environment Programme, the Asian Development Bank, WWF, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and many more. You could also secure roles with international organisations, governmental or non-governmental bodies, local authorities, or in the private sector. Alternatively, you may choose to progress to PhD-level study.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- International organisations
- Governmental and non-governmental organisations
- Local governments
- Private sector
- Graduates from this course have gone onto careers with the United Nations Environment Programme, the Asian Development Bank, WWF (World Wildlife Fund), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Norfolk County Council, and many others
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
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 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 £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; 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 additional 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.
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
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.