Composition of the Study Programme (neue Module)
Degree
Master of Science (MSc)
Jointly awarded by Justus Liebig University Giessen and University College Dublin
Duration of studies
3 semesters (16 months) – 120 credit points (cp)
Composition of degree programme
Graduates will be equipped with three generic skill sets:
- Global change science (climate change, ecosystem research, biodiversity, land use change, resource management etc.),
- Policy and communication (policy and law, regulation and governance, stakeholder involvement, policy advice etc.),
- Data management, analysis and reporting (research methods, data collection, data analysis and evaluation, modelling etc.)
The Master’s course consists of 12 core modules and at least two (11 cp) optional modules. The core modules are predefined and the optional modules can be chosen from a broad catalogue of modules.
UCD modules, 35 credit points:
| Core modules | cp |
|---|---|
| Data Analysis and Interpretation | 5 |
| Designing Global Change Research Projects | 5 |
| Global Change Ecology – Introduction | 5 |
| Science and Policy | 5 |
| Environmental Impact Assessment | 5 |
| Environmental Law and Policy | 5 |
| Optional module (5 cp), e.g.: |
|---|
|
a. Biodiversity (5 cp) b. Peatland and Environmental Change (5 cp) |
JLU modules, 35 credit points:
| Core modules | cp |
|---|---|
| Global Change: Modelling and Advanced Techniques | 5 |
| Adaption to Global Change | 3 |
| Political Consulting - Environmental Policy and Development Cooperation | 6 |
| Resource Economics, Sustainability and Environmental Management | 6 |
| Biodiversity Informatics | 3 |
| Sustainable Agroecosystems | 6 |
| Optional module(s) (6 cp), e.g.: |
|---|
|
a. Field Methods in Global Change Research (3 cp) b. Human Health Impacts of Climate Change: the International Dimension (6 cp) c. Stress Ecology (3 cp) d. Into the Footsteps of a Researcher (3 cp) e. Man in Past Climates and Climate Change Impacts (3 cp) |
Module: Work Placement (20 cp)
The work placement module allows our students to gain an initial insight into the different areas of work they may wish to pursue in the future. It also enables them to gain practical work experience and establish contacts with potential future employers. The 6-week work placement can be carried out in various companies or institutions all over the world. Benefit from our contacts and complete the work placement in renowned institutions such as:
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Vienna
- World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Geneva
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Rome
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland
- Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) Potsdam
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) Potsdam
- ICLEI European Secretariat Freiburg
- Rural Investment for a Sustainable Europe (RISE) Foundation Brussels
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Brussels
- Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) Barcelona
- Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) Tokyo
- Marine Institute, Ireland
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and the Marine, Ireland
- Sustainable Food Trust, UK
- Environmental Consultancies
- NGOs
- Scottish Wildlife Trust
Module: Research Project / Thesis (30 cp)
The third semester is devoted to writing the Master's thesis. The thesis demonstrates the student's ability to conduct independent research on a given topic within a limited period of time. It can be undertaken at either UCD, JLU or external institutions.