Global Environmental Change With Industrial Practice, MSc
Gain a solid foundation in environmental science, data analysis, and land/water-use interactions with this exciting Master’s in Global Environmental Change.
With our MSc Global Environmental Change, you'll develop the knowledge and skills to address some of the world's major challenges. Your study topics include climate change, environmental law and policy, meteorology and sustainability. This wide-ranging programme reflects the strength of unique expertise held within our prizewinning Natural Resources Institute (NRI).
Our recent interdisciplinary research ranges from practical areas with a direct relevance to climate adaptation - such as agricultural practices - to issues of equity and environmental economics. NRI academics who run modules for the MSc Global Environmental Change have contributed to global initiatives such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment reports.
The Industrial Placement component offers invaluable career development support. You will have the chance to engage with professional development advisors, peer mentors, and industry employers through training sessions and networking events. This experience will enhance your professional skills and provide the opportunity to pursue a one-year internship with a relevant employer in the field.
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Location
Duration
2 years full-time
Start month
September; January
Fees information
For fee information related to this course, please see fees section below
What you should know about this course
What you will study
Year 1
Option Set 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.
- Independent Research Project (NRI) (60 credits)
- Environmental Footprinting (15 credits)
- Academic English for Postgraduates (Science)
- Research Methods for Postgraduates (15 credits)
- Fundamentals of Meteorology and Climate Change (30 credits)
- Adaptation to Environmental Change: Climate and Water (15 credits)
Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.
- Risk Analysis for Agriculture and the Environment (15 credits)
- Agricultural and Natural Resources Innovation for Development (15 credits)
- Responsible Business and Natural Resources Management (15 credits)
- Introduction to GIS for Natural Resource Management (15 credits)
Students are required to choose 30 credits from this list of options.
- Conservation Ecology (15 credits)
- Climate Change, Food Security and Sustainable Development (15 credits)
- Soils and Environments (15 credits)
Option Set 2
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules
- Independent Research Project (NRI) (60 credits)
- Environmental Footprinting (15 credits)
- Academic English for Postgraduates (Science)
- Research Methods for Postgraduates (15 credits)
- Fundamentals of Meteorology and Climate Change (30 credits)
- Adaptation to Environmental Change: Climate and Water (15 credits)
Students are also required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.
- Elective Choice PG 15cr (15 credits)
- Postgraduate Negotiated Learning Module (15 credits)
Students are also required to choose 30 credits from this list of options.
- Conservation Ecology (15 credits)
- Climate Change, Food Security and Sustainable Development (15 credits)
- Soils and Environments (15 credits)
Option Set 3
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.
- Independent Research Project (NRI) (60 credits)
- Environmental Footprinting (15 credits)
- Academic English for Postgraduates (Science)
- Research Methods for Postgraduates (15 credits)
- Fundamentals of Meteorology and Climate Change (30 credits)
- Adaptation to Environmental Change: Climate and Water (15 credits)
Students are also required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.
- Risk Analysis for Agriculture and the Environment (15 credits)
- Agricultural and Natural Resources Innovation for Development (15 credits)
- Responsible Business and Natural Resources Management (15 credits)
- Introduction to GIS for Natural Resource Management (15 credits)
Students are also required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.
- Conservation Ecology (15 credits)
- Climate Change, Food Security and Sustainable Development (15 credits)
- Soils and Environments (15 credits)
Students are also required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.
- Elective Choice PG 15cr (15 credits)
- Postgraduate Negotiated Learning Module (15 credits)
Year 2
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.
- Independent Research Project (NRI) (continued)
- Industrial Practice (60 credits)
- Employability Skills and Support for Industrial Practice
About the course team
At NRI, we hold high professional standards and place the student experience at the heart of all we do. We have over 80 academics publishing work of internationally leading quality, with 22 professors involved in research leadership. Many of our staff have become Fellows, Senior Fellows and Principal Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have:
An honours degree (at least 2.2 or above).
OR an equivalent professional qualification in an appropriate subject.
* Applicants from other backgrounds may be considered. Please email the Programme Leader at fes-courseinfo@gre.ac.uk.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
In some cases, it may be possible to consider your prior learning and experience if it is specifically relevant to the programme. This might include research undertaken as part of your work experience or involvement in non-governmental organisations or projects. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Please note: there is no reduction in fees.
How you will learn
Teaching
Our taught modules are research-engaged. These are delivered through a combination of interactive lectures, discussions, and tutorials, with the use of appropriate and relevant case-studies. Most modules have a practical component that relates to the theory you cover in the classroom. Individual research projects help you learn to adapt and apply specific methodologies to unfamiliar problems.
Class sizes
We restrict our class sizes to enhance the learning experience of students. Class size is dependent on module options choice.
Independent learning
Our courses are designed to give you the space for exploratory and independent study. You'll work towards individual and group assignments and undertake the preparation/follow-up work associated with lectures, seminars, integrative assignments and laboratory classes.
A research skills module will shape your approach to independent learning, especially for your research project.
We encourage students to take advantage of a range of related extra-curricular opportunities. The faculty hosts regular seminars from NRI staff and external visitors on a range of diverse topics.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job.
Assessment
Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, such as:
- Classroom presentations, discussions and case-studies
- Critical reviews, looking at new areas of research
- Examinations.
Feedback summary
University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date.
Examination results will be available within 28 days.
Dates and timetables
Each academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.
(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | £16,550 | N/A | N/A |
| International | £21,000 | N/A | N/A |
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
The Greenwich Bursary
This bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria.
EU Bursary
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.
Financial support
We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
The industrial placement is an opportunity to put into practice the knowledge and experience you gain during your first year on the programme. You will engage with current industrial systems, processes, and practices, which contribute to your professional development as a scientist.
How long is my placement?
An industrial practice placement should typically last 11 months, with a maximum of 48 weeks, and a minimum of 35 weeks (only if required by the student placement search process).
Mentors
A workplace mentor supports you during your placement, helping you to set objectives and goals, and ensuring you receive appropriate training.
You will also be allocated an academic mentor who monitors your written work. The academic mentor will engage with you to ensure your placement is running smoothly.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
This interdisciplinary course prepares graduates for a range of careers, from non-governmental and developmental organisations to civil service roles in key areas such as environmental management, forestry, agriculture, etc.
Graduates who take a practical laboratory project can take specific skills into industry an industrial setting. The independent research project also gives you insight into research degrees (MPhil/PhD) and future careers in academia.
Do you provide employability services?
We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. This includes an Employer Partnerships Manager, who works with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities.
Our team will also help you understand the jobs market, produce effective CVs, and prepare for a graduate job and placement applications in your final year.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
The course leader has the overall responsibility for your course and will be your first point of contact.
We also allocate you a personal tutor, who you meet soon after you join the department. Their role is to support your personal and academic development and act as your point of contact for queries or problems.
Support from the department
We help new students over the first few weeks with our faculty and department induction. This covers the first week of term 1 (September) and term 2 (January). We'll also help you discover the academic and social landscape at Medway Campus.
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