find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses

Refine courses

University College Dublin: Global Change: Ecosystem Science & Policy

Institution University College Dublin View institution profile
Department UCD School of Biology & Environmental Science
Web www.ucd.ie/global
Email internationalenquiries@ucd.ie
Telephone +353 1 716 8500
Study type Taught

Summary

Global change refers to planetary-scale changes occurring in complex socio-ecological systems, which are affected by climatic and non-climatic drivers (e.g., changes in human society). Understanding the intricate, medium- to long-term changes in our land, air and water requires advanced scientific knowledge in measurement, modelling and prediction. This should, in turn inform the science-policy interface. This joint international MSc in Global Change is the response to these global change challenges and will suit graduates wishing to develop a scientific career in ecosystem research as well as those aiming to contribute to evidence-based environmental policy. Students will study at both UCD, Dublin and Justus Liebig University (JLU) Giessen, Germany where you will be involved in active research groups, contributing to their ongoing ecosystem and policy consultancy studies.

Visit our website globalchange.ucd.ie to discover more about this unique opportunity to study in both Ireland and Germany and make a difference.

The first semester is based at UCD Ireland between September and December.

This is followed by a 6 week minimum internship in a company or institution of your choice (for example: Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Agriculture Organisation, UNFCCC and Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change offices, Rural Investment Support for Europe foundation, ICLEI (Local Government for Sustainability), Postdam Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies, Irish Environmental Network, European Forest Institute).

The second taught semester is based in JLU, Giessen, Germany between March and August.

The last semester is devoted entirely to an individual research project, which can be undertaken in either UCD or JLU or host institutions.

You will gain expertise in global change processes (soil, air, water), plant-soil-atmosphere interactions; skills to work at the science and policy interface; environmental law and international regulations as well as specific communication skills.

Graduates may pursue roles as policy advisers, scientific analysts or researchers in government, international organisations, NGOs, research institutes or consulting companies. There are also many opportunities for further studies. The skills you acquire, particularly through the completion of the minor thesis, provide a strong foundation for PhD research. Prospective employers include the Environmental Protection Agency, governmental departments, European Commission; European Environment Agency and International organisations (e.g. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; United Nations Environment Programme; International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Food and Agricultural Organisation).

MSc

Why UCD?

University College Dublin is one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities. 

Rankings

  • UCD has now moved up to 118th globally overall
  • 49th in Sustainability globally, 1st in Ireland
  • Four subjects ranked in the top-50 globally are Veterinary Science (33), Petroleum Engineering (34), English Language & Literature (41), and Nursing (44).
  • There were nine subjects at UCD also ranked between 51 -100 by QS, these were Agriculture & Forestry; Anatomy and Physiology; Archaeology; History; Library Management; Performing Arts; Philosophy; Social Policy and Administration; and Sports Related Subject

UCD, Ireland’s Global …

View Profile

Not what you are looking for?

Browse other courses in Environmental science, Ecology, International studies or Policy studies, or search our comprehensive database of postgrad programs.

Postgraduate Bursary Opportunity with Postgrad.com

Are you studying as a PG student at the moment or have you recently been accepted on a postgraduate program? Apply now for one of our £2000 PGS bursaries.

Click here