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MSC CLIMATE CHANGE
Gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to analyse global and Irish climate change science, impacts, and policies with this 2-year part-time programme.
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- Qualification
- Master Of Science Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MHN57
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Part time
- Closing Date
- 27 August 2027
Overview
The MSc in Climate Change at Maynooth University provides graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to analyse global and Irish climate change science, impacts, and policies. The programme develops strong technical, analytical, and critical thinking skills relevant to climate research, policy, and practice.
The course offers a well-integrated suite of taught modules such as The Ocean and Climate Change, Detection, Attribution and Decision Making, and Impacts, Adaptation and Mitigation. These modules reflect the major themes of climate change and include essential technical training in modelling and analysis.
Students also gain applied experience through collaboration with industry stakeholders on proposed dissertation topics linked to real-world climate challenges. This ensures that societally relevant research topics directly meet stakeholder needs while helping students develop connections with potential employers.
Why study Climate Change at Maynooth University?
- The Maynooth University MSc in Climate Change is one of the leading national and international postgraduate courses in this field.
- Staff are internationally recognised experts and research leaders.
- Students have access to a dedicated computer lab equipped with specialist software, including Geographical Information Systems, Statistical Downscaling, and Hydrological Modelling tools.
Commences: September
If you would like to receive updates about this programme, upcoming events, and postgraduate scholarships at Maynooth University, you can register your interest here.
Course structure
Duration: 2 years part time
The course provides a well-integrated and encompassing programme of taught modules that reflect the major themes of climate change, together with essential technical training in modelling and analysis and are designed to nurture independent and critical thinking on climate change issues. The course is delivered using a variety of techniques from traditional lectures, seminars, and workshops with the emphasis firmly placed on integrating cutting edge research into the delivery of the MSc.
Students will take modules available as part of the full time MSc Climate Change but split over the course of two years. In the first year emphasis is placed on completing taught credits with the emphasis in year 2 moving to the thesis.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Year 1
Year 2
Careers after your Masters
This course is designed to equip students who wish to pursue careers in areas in environmental management for which climate change considerations are necessary or further research in aspects of climate change modelling and impact analysis.
Since its inception in 2008/09, of those graduates who we can track, the vast majority of our students have found employment in related fields. Our graduates tend to follow three career pathways: 22 percent are secondary teachers, 15 percent progress to research as PhD candidates or in research roles within academic institutes in Ireland and internationally, while 62 percent secure employment in the private sector.
Our former students hold posts with
- the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)
- ECO-UNESCO
- Geological Survey
- Met Éireann
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Flood Risk Manager
- Office of Public Works
- Consultants (e.g. RPS, Jacobs)
- Commission for Energy Regulation
- Data Analytics, Development
- Insurance /Re-Insurance.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a Second-Class Honours, Grade 1 (2:1) in Geography or a related discipline such as Planning, Physics, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, English and Geophysics. Applicants who hold a minimum of a Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (2:2) in a cognate area may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you do not meet the standard entry requirements then you may be eligible to apply under the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Please click here for further information.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here.
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
You will be required to upload the following documents after you submit your application:
- Personal Statement (minimum 500 words on why you would like to study your chosen programme)
If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.