MSc CLIMATE CHANGE

Program Overview

Maynooth University's MSc in Climate Change provides a comprehensive understanding of climate science, impacts, and policies. Through interdisciplinary modules, students gain expertise in climate research, decision-making, and mitigation strategies. The program emphasizes real-world experience through industry collaborations and a dissertation, preparing graduates for careers in environmental science, climate research, and related fields.

Program Outline

MSc in Climate Change at Maynooth University

Degree Overview:

• Provides graduates with knowledge and practical skills in analyzing global and Irish climate change-related science, impacts, and policies.
• Offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program of modules covering:
• Global and Irish climate change science:
• Understanding the Earth's climate system, past and future changes, and climate change projections.
• Analyzing climate-ocean interactions, carbon cycle, global and regional precipitation, extreme weather events, regional climate change.
• Climate Change and Irish Agriculture: Exploring the vulnerabilities of agriculture to climate change in Ireland and potential adaptation strategies to ensure food security in a changing climate
• The Ocean and Climate Change: :
Examining the impact of climate change upon the ocean, oceanography, and marine biology, along with related societal impacts
• Coastal Climate Impacts and Society: :
Analysing coastal vulnerabilities and climate impacts and potential societal adaptations
• Decision making in response to climate change
• Climate change mitigation:
Options and opportunities to adapt to and mitigate climate change effects
• Advanced skills in climate change impact research:
Gain expertise in various research and analytical methods like geographic information systems (GIS), spatial statistics, climate model analysis, and climate-related social impact assessment
• Nurtures critical thinking about climate challenges through interactive seminars and group projects.
• Provides real-world experience through individual dissertations with industry stakeholders addressing real challenges, facilitating networking opportunities with potential employers.

Outline:

• Delivered over 2 years in a part-time format
• Modules:
• The Ocean and Climate Change
• Detection, Attribution and Decision Making
• Impacts, Adaptation and Mitigation
• Climate Change Science (Irish Context)
• Advanced Techniques for Climate Research
• Climate Change: Theory, Science and Analysis
• Climate Change Mitigation
• Climate Change and Decision Science
• Climate Change Modelling
• Climate Modelling Practica
• Contemporary Climate Issues
• Students complete a dissertation in their chosen area of expertise
• Emphasis on integrating cutting-edge climate change research into the curriculum
• Variety of teaching methods including:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops.

Assessment:

• Dissertation (50-60%)
• Coursework (40-50%)
• Assessments may include essays, reports, presentations, exams, case studies, and independent project work.

Teaching:

• Dedicated computer lab:
• Provides access to specialized software like GIS, climate modeling, hydrological models, helping students gain experience in critical data analysis
• *Faculty:**
• Internationally acclaimed experts and leaders in climate change research and policy.
• Offer extensive support to guide students on their research journey, helping connect knowledge to the real-world
• *Learning**:
• Emphasis on independent and critical thinking about climate problems
• Integration of research into teaching for a comprehensive and engaging learning experience

Careers:

• Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in:
• Environmental science/engineering/management:
Dealing with climate change considerations and working on mitigation strategies and climate adaptation projects in public or private sectors
• Climate Research:
• May pursue further research (e.g., PhD) or embark on research positions in academic or non- academic research institutes
• Specific examples include roles at:
• The Environmental Protection Agency
• Met Éireann (Irish Meteorological Service)
• European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) - Geological Survey
• Consultancy firms
• Government departments

Other:

• The MSc in Climate Change at Maynooth University is recognized as a leading national and an esteemed international postgraduate qualification in the field of climate change.
• Has been successfully running since 2008/2009, producing graduates with highly sought skills in the industry.
• Strong alumni network:
• Provides graduates with valuable networking and career support