Master of Climate Change Science and Policy

The global threat of climate change is real and urgent. Gain insight into climate change challenges in science and policy-making with this multi-disciplinary degree.

Fight a global problem

Climate change is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges our world faces.

Globally we already see some of the consequences: an increase in extreme weather events, the loss of habitable land, and growing concerns about food security, species loss, and threats to biodiversity.

International agreements aim to keep global warming well below a 2 degree threshold to prevent even more repercussions. But deciding how we go about reducing our emissions—and how we adapt to changes that have already happened—requires scientists and policy-makers with a broad understanding of both physical sciences and human systems.

The 180-point Master of Climate Change Science and Policy will give you the necessary combination of policy and science knowledge to address the real-world problem of climate change. It’s a cross-disciplinary programme that combines taught courses with a research essay or placement with an external organisation.

Get the postgraduate handbook

Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Wellington Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Handbook.

Download the handbook

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Make an impact

If you want to work in policy, iwi development, or NGO advocacy related to climate change, this programme will give you the skills and knowledge you need to make an impact. You’ll also have the choice of doing a practicum placement, where you can apply what you’ve learned to a real-life working environment.

Your undergraduate degree might be in science, law, engineering, or the social sciences—you don’t need a degree in science to apply for the Master of Climate Change Science and Policy.

To find out more about career opportunities with the Master of Climate Change Science and Policy, see What can I do with my degree in Geology and Geophysics

Consider diverse perspectives

Develop your understanding about the physical nature of global climate change. Consider the ethical, scientific, and policy strengths and weaknesses of current and proposed strategies for dealing with it. Explore the political forces working for—and against—addressing this challenge.

Gain insight into the economics, politics, behavioural science, and public engagement critical to developing strategies to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change at a local, national, and global level.

Community

Postgraduate study will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, University staff, and future colleagues. Make the most of opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops, and social functions.

You’ll also benefit from the expertise of working professionals through the Faculty’s connections with local industry and research institutions such as the New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute.

Why Wellington

Wellington is a great place to be a student. It’s culturally rich, it has a stunning natural environment, and you can walk almost everywhere. It’s also home to the highest concentration of scientists and science organisations in New Zealand.

Scholarships

You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.

Learn about how you'll study for the Master of Climate Change Science and Policy.

How you’ll study

The 180-point Master of Climate Change Science and Policy can be completed in one year of full-time study (three trimesters) or up to three years of part-time study.

How you’ll study

The 180-point Master of Climate Change Science and Policy can be completed in one year of full-time study (three trimesters).

The degree is made up of two parts. You’ll study the first part in Trimester 1 and Trimester 2, and you’ll do the second part in Trimester 3.

Part 1

The first part of the MCCSP comprises a core of compulsory courses spread over Trimesters 1 and 2. These four courses will give you a broad understanding of climate change issues. Learn about the physical aspects of climate change and the different impacts it has on a local, national, and global scale. You’ll also learn about the history, present, and future of climate policy, and examine different approaches to mitigating the effects of climate change.

Part 2

The second part of the MCCSP comprises elective courses spread over Trimesters 1 and 2. The approved course list includes a wide range of disciplines from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, drawing on expertise from conservation ecology to meteorology and governance. Make a choice that suits your interests or professional ambitions.

Part 3

Part three of the Master of Climate Change Science and Policy takes place in Trimester 3. In this part, you’ll choose between a research essay or a practicum placement and project.

Research essay

Investigate a climate-related topic of your choice in a major research project, culminating in an essay of up to 15,000 words.

Practicum placement and project

You’ll be placed with an employer in the field of climate change science, policy, or management, and complete a short research project.

Workload

If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students will need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.

Workload

Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year.

Postgraduate certificate and diploma

If you enrol in the Master of Climate Change Science and Policy and choose to leave before completing the full programme, you may be able to graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Science.