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2024/25
2025/26

MSc Environment, Climate Change and Development

  • Year of entry
    2025/26
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months
  • Year of entry
    2025/26
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months

Address the challenges of global environmental climate change and economic development with our MSc Environment, Climate Change and Development master’s degree.

Study at the UK’s leading university for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24).

Climate change has profound economic and social dimensions. Through this programme, you will examine the social-scientific drivers and consequences of climate change – and its associated policy debates – by integrating the natural and social science of climate change, and applying cutting-edge, transdisciplinary tools.

Choose MSc Environment, Climate Change and Development at the University of Reading

You will:

  • join the highest ranking UK university, and one of the top 20 universities in the world, for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023). We are the only UK university ranked in the top 50.
  • focus on the interface between climate change and development, with particular attention paid to the perspective of ecological economics.
  • prepare for work in aid and development agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and government departments, or more generally in environmental consultant, advisor or policy roles.

Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics in our School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, where we are committed to empowering change through our teaching and research. Our academics tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues across their respective fields of expertise, and our mission is to make a difference in the context of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Your learning environment

You’ll learn from academics who are conducting world-class research within global development as well as applied economics and marketing.

Current research, policy and practise examples are used throughout the course and many modules include external seminar speakers. There is also a series of department and research division talks and events.

You will choose from a diverse range of modules that aim to give you the knowledge and skills you need to have an impact and be part of global change.

Class sizes vary by module, but emphasis is always placed on good contact with lecturers.

Learning occurs across a variety of:

  • interactive learning methods
  • seminars
  • lectures
  • tutorials
  • participation in the classroom: debates, discussions
  • field trips.

You will also have opportunities for research, networking, and personal development, as well as access to modern study resources and employability support. We also offer study skills support that’s tailored to our School’s master’s students.

The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics

As an MSc Environment, Climate Change and Development student, you’ll be a member of the School’s Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE).

GIIDAE attracts a diverse community of master’s students from more than 40 countries, and holds diversity, equality and high-quality teaching and learning as core values in its approach to education.

  • GIIDAE has an active scholarship programme. Visit our dedicated scholarships webpage for more information about scholarships, bursaries, and other sources of funding.
  • Visit the GIIDAE website for more information about the modules you can take during your degree.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £11,750

New international students: £25,850

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government's guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics also offers a number of scholarships.

Your MSc Environment, Climate Change and Development degree will prepare you for opportunities in a wide variety of environmental and developmental settings. These include aid agencies, NGOs, and relevant government departments – especially those focused on energy policy and climate change issues.

A wide variety of visiting speakers and field trips means you’ll have many opportunities for networking, while competitive internships, placements, and research dissertations provide opportunities to showcase your skills, undertake field research, or link with organisations in the development sector.

Our graduates

  • Read about Christopher Manda, a graduate who is now an Environmental Inspector with the Environmental Affairs Department in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining.
  • Read about Daniel Collins, a graduate who is now an Analyst with Carbon Smart, a sustainability firm that helps businesses set and achieve their environmental objectives.