Programme
The 16 month long 120 ECTS course entails taught modules with field components and practicals, seminars, group work and critical discussions as well as a mandatory work placement and an independent research project. The first semester is based at UCD, followed by the 6 weeks minimum contact-time work placement. The second taught semester is based at JLU and the third semester is comprised of the individual research project which can be undertaken in either UCD or JLU.
You will gain experimental and theoretical knowledge in the following topics:
- Global change (soil, air, water): introduction & advanced techniques
- Plant-soil-atmosphere interactions
- Science and society
- Core skills for research
- Modelling in geo-ecology
- Policy consultancy
- Economics and environmental management
- Biodiversity informatics
- Palaeo-climatology
In addition, you will be able to choose an optional module during each taught semester to complement your knowledge in an area of your choice. You will be taught by academics who are internationally recognised in their fields of research. About 50% of the time is devoted to classroom or lab-based activities. The student spends the remaining time carrying out a substantial research project, chosen in consultation with academic staff.
Independent Research Project:
The research project is an important element of the Masters in Global Change as it involves the planning, execution and communication of a research question that the student wishes to investigate in depth.During the third semester, a period of 14 weeks will be devoted entirely to the project work. The research projects are normally carried out within research groups at UCD or JLU. Students will maintain regular contact with their supervisor, who will assist by guiding the project and providing advice as necessary. On completion of the research project the student will produce a minor thesis in the format of a scientific paper.
Work Placement:
This Masters programme is distinctive in that it offers students the opportunity to spend a minimum of 6 weeks on a work placement. You will be placed in a setting that reflects your own interests. Placements may vary considerably but students will normally be placed in industry, government, non-government or research agencies where they will obtain a breadth of practical experience to complement their degree programme. Through this work placement, you will acquire transferable skills which will make you a sought after and effective employee.
Programme outcomes:
On successful completion of the programme, graduates will be equipped with 3 generic skills sets namely (1) Global Change: Science, (2) Policy & Communication and (3) Data Management, Analysis & Reporting, and will be able to:
- Understand the ecosystem science underpinning our knowledge of global environmental change
- Participate in ecosystem research using latest research methods and data management tools
- Communicate in an unambiguous way policy-relevant evidence to diverse target audiences
- Understand and promote the development of policy in terms of adaptation and mitigation for natural and managed ecosystems supporting sustainable livelihoods.