Climate Change, Development and Policy MSc 12 months Postgraduate Programme By University of Sussex |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 101-150QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

12 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

23,500 GBPTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

01 Aug, 2026Application Deadline

Programme overview

Main Subject

Social Policy and Administration

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges facing our world and is deeply connected to issues of global justice. Along with intensifying existing problems like food and water insecurity, extreme weather and health inequalities, it also brings new threats such as rising sea levels, melting ice caps and rapid ecological change.

On this MSc, you’ll develop the knowledge and tools to understand and influence climate action and policy. Learning through a critical, interdisciplinary lens, you’ll explore sustainable, equitable solutions to the climate crisis.

By studying at Sussex, you’ll:
  • consider the social, economic and political dimensions of climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • gain a strong grounding in climate and earth systems science, and understand how this informs policy
  • examine climate policy through global justice and development
  • learn from experts involved in shaping policy around the world
  • benefit from the combined strengths of three world-leading institutions – the School of Global Studies, SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS).

IDS is an independent research and teaching institute located on the campus of the University of Sussex, with a close affiliation with the University. All teaching staff are active researchers in development, giving you a unique learning experience grounded in real-world challenges and solutions. 

You’ll join a vibrant community where teaching is shaped by policy engagement and leading research. Our expertise extends across development studies, energy and environmental policy, and climate science.

Throughout your course, you’ll develop the skills and tools to shape effective, evidence-based policy. You’ll also undertake an independent research project on a topic of your choice.

In the past, our graduates have gone on to make an impact in:
  • international agencies
  • government ministries
  • the private sector
  • think tanks
  • consultancies
  • development agencies.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Social Policy and Administration

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges facing our world and is deeply connected to issues of global justice. Along with intensifying existing problems like food and water insecurity, extreme weather and health inequalities, it also brings new threats such as rising sea levels, melting ice caps and rapid ecological change.

On this MSc, you’ll develop the knowledge and tools to understand and influence climate action and policy. Learning through a critical, interdisciplinary lens, you’ll explore sustainable, equitable solutions to the climate crisis.

By studying at Sussex, you’ll:
  • consider the social, economic and political dimensions of climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • gain a strong grounding in climate and earth systems science, and understand how this informs policy
  • examine climate policy through global justice and development
  • learn from experts involved in shaping policy around the world
  • benefit from the combined strengths of three world-leading institutions – the School of Global Studies, SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS).

IDS is an independent research and teaching institute located on the campus of the University of Sussex, with a close affiliation with the University. All teaching staff are active researchers in development, giving you a unique learning experience grounded in real-world challenges and solutions. 

You’ll join a vibrant community where teaching is shaped by policy engagement and leading research. Our expertise extends across development studies, energy and environmental policy, and climate science.

Throughout your course, you’ll develop the skills and tools to shape effective, evidence-based policy. You’ll also undertake an independent research project on a topic of your choice.

In the past, our graduates have gone on to make an impact in:
  • international agencies
  • government ministries
  • the private sector
  • think tanks
  • consultancies
  • development agencies.

Admission Requirements

6.5+
3.3+
88+
176+
62+
120+
  • Degree requirements: You should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above. Applicants with a lower second-class (2.2) degree classification will be considered on a case by case basis.
  • Subject-specific requirements: Your qualification should be in either the social, natural, or physical sciences; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. 

01 Aug 2026
1 Year
Sep

  • Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance

Tuition fees

Domestic
11,250 GBP
International
23,500 GBP

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

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