MSc in Global Change: Ecosystem Science & Policy
Dublin, Ireland
MSc
DURATION
16 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Rolling - Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key 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 they will be involved in active research groups, contributing to their ongoing ecosystem and policy consultancy studies.
- 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 at 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.
Who Should Apply?
Full-time option suitable for:
- Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
- International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
The MSc in Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy degree is aimed at individuals who intend to pursue a career in the wide field of ‘Environmental issues’ with the skills to understand the science as well as communicate policy-relevant evidence to a diverse audience.
A full list of modules is available for the MSc Global Change: Ecosystem Science & Policy. Modules are subject to change and are not guaranteed by UCD.
- Understand the ecosystem science underpinning our knowledge of global environmental change.
- Participate in ecosystem research using the latest research methods and data management tools.
- Communicate policy-relevant evidence to diverse target audiences in an unambiguous way.
- Understand and promote the development of policy in terms of adaptation and mitigation for natural and managed ecosystems, thereby supporting sustainable livelihoods.
- Perform environmental work and research in a confident manner by applying relevant tools in data collection, management, analysis and reporting.
- Develop strategies for continuous professional development and continue self-directed learning required to enhance their career ambitions..
- Ability to use and interpret a wide range of datasets.
- Maturity to pursue study as well as critically appraise scientific information.
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 Agriculture Organisation).