Global Change: Ecosystem Science & Policy

1 - Understand the ecosystem science underpinning our knowledge of global environmental change
2 - Participate in ecosystem research using the latest research methods and data management tools
3 - Communicate policy-relevant evidence to diverse target audiences in an unambiguous way
4 - Understand and promote the development of policy in terms of adaptation and mitigations for natural and managed ecosystems, thereby supporting sustainable livelihoods
5 - Perform environmental work and research in a confident manner by applying relevant tools in data collection, management, analysis and reporting
6 - Develop strategies for continuous professional development and continue self-directed learning required to enhance their career ambitions.
7 - Ability to use and interpret a wide range of datasets
8 - 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 Agricultural Organisation).

The course includes a 20 credit professional work placement* (up to 10 weeks) in highly recognised international institutions. The following internships are examples of past placements: Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (Japan), Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (Germany), Deltares (The Netherlands), RISE Foundation (Belgium), Irish and German EPA, An Taisce, Sonairte, Rediscovery Centre and Irish Peatland Conservation Council, IAIA: International Atomic Agency (Vienna), Center for International Forestry Research, Forschungsinstitut fürbiologischen Landbau FiBL (Switzerland), Das Bundesamt für Naturschutz (BfN) and Government agencies like Coillte and Irish Water.

Visit the Global Change website for more information and examples of hosts/employers.

*Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed.

This unique joint international programme has been accreditated by the German agency AQAS before it commenced and has been re-accreditated after 5 years.

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please visit International Scholarships.

• This programme is intended for applicants with a Bachelor degree in an appropriate life sciences discipline, such as biology, agriculture or environmental science (including zoology, ecology, biochemistry, geology and physics). A bachelor degree (NFQ Level 8) with honours 2(2) (GPA 2.48 or higher) or international equivalent is required.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
• These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes 

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 communicating policy-relevant evidence to diverse audience.