Geography

MSc Climate Change and Risk Management

Location

Cornwall Campus

The first of its kind in the UK, this taught Masters programme offered at the Cornwall Campus, addresses some of the most important issues affecting society; namely, present and future climate changes and their economic and social impacts. It is closely informed by expertise in the business community and the world-leading climate modelling and prediction capability of the UK Met Office’s Hadley Centre.

Climate change is likely to maintain its prominence in all areas of human activity over the coming century, as well as increasingly influence aspects of resource scarcity and risk management. It is clear that there will be increasing commercial, political and academic demand for graduates trained to a high degree in climate science. The programme explores the relationship between climate, hazards and risk, with an emphasis on applying scientific knowledge to environmental management problems, and is of direct relevance to careers in insurance, industry and research into climate and hazard modelling and risk assessment.

An important component running through the programme is the use of technologies such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and modelling as predictive and management tools for climate change science. Some of these can be achieved using the School’s own Beowulf computer cluster.

I think the most valuable aspect of the programme is the preparation it gives me for future employment. The quality of the facilities and the numerous conferences, seminars and fieldtrips that are available to students are nicely complimented by the opportunities to have a full social life. Both the University in itself and the location are excellent.

Charlie Campbell, MSc Climate Change and Risk Management graduate