Master in Environmental Science & Climate Change
Study a highly topical subject in truly a unique location for environmental research.
KEY FACTS
Faculty:
School of Marine Science
Study Options:
Full Time
Start Date:
Sept 2023
Level:
Postgraduate
Course Length:
1 Year
Fees:
Home: TBC
International and EU: TBC
Apply:
Direct
Coming Soon
Launching September 2023 (subject to validation).
Enquire for 2023
*Please note that applications will open once the validation process has been completed. For those who wish to apply please complete the above enquiry form.
Expert Teaching
The MSc Environmental Science & Climate Change teaching team brings together a multi-disciplinary group of internationally-recognised specialists in the area of Environmental Science who have extensive expertise in developing and delivering academic programmes in the sciences.
Face to face learning
We are committed to providing an excellent learning experience that is personal and participative. That’s why we have decided to continue the face-to-face delivery of our programmes.
Modules
The programme is based on a series of modules in increasing levels of specialism.
- The first part of the programme will focus on Ecology, Conservation and Environmental Management, research skills and methods, marine conservation, sustainability and management of marine ecosystems.
- The second part will concentrate on climate-change impacts, particularly climate change adaptation and ecosystem-based disaster-risk reduction.
- The final section of the Masters programme will involve an independent and original research project, which will be assessed via dissertation and viva.
You will undertake your research project working directly with researchers at the University of Gibraltar and potential external specialists, and (where possible) potentially to carry out your research project abroad.
Semester 1
Ecology, Conservation and Environmental Management
This module is designed to be a comprehensive and fundamental introduction to the subject at postgraduate level that will provide a coherent and integrative baseline to support the modules on methods and techniques and the capstone module, which build upon the student’s knowledge. It will cover thematics on ecology, species-environment interactions and conservation as well as provide students with a baseline coverage of the state of play in environmental science to include aspects such as ethics, stewardship and policy.
Research Skills & Methods (Sciences and Social Sciences)
This module is designed to provide students with the qualitative, quantitative and research skills required to critically analyse literature and data in order to answer research questions.
Coastal Zone Management: Area Based Marine Tools
The module examines ICZM from a range of perspectives, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), policy and legislation and those of numerous, often conflicting, stakeholder interests via case studies, role play and real-life scenarios.
Semester 2
Ecology, Conservation and Environmental Management (continued)
This module is designed to be a comprehensive and fundamental introduction to the subject at postgraduate level that will provide a coherent and integrative baseline to support the modules on methods and techniques and the capstone module, which build upon the student’s knowledge. It will cover thematics on ecology, species-environment interactions and conservation as well as provide students with a baseline coverage of the state of play in environmental science to include aspects such as ethics, stewardship and policy.
Marine Systems and Sustainability
This module will explore the structure and functioning of coastal marine ecosystems are affected by human impacts (including land reclamation, habitat destruction and overfishing). Strategies to maximising sustainability in all scenarios are explored such as Marine spatial Planning (MSP), and various mitigating strategies are considered, including practical applications of these.
Advanced Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation
The module examines adaptation and mitigation from a range of perspectives and types, and offers a range of solutions to overcoming barriers preventing adaptation and mitigation. Included in the course structure are: practice in integrating knowledge of the interactions and processes that determine the form, function and well-being of social-ecological systems, and appreciation of their vulnerabilities and resilience to a changing climate. The modules covering energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies are important additions with regards to the resilience of communities around the world.
Ecological Disaster Risk Reduction
The module takes a broad, holistic perspective to reflect that which is needed for Eco-DRR. It presents concepts and approaches, both scientific and community-based, and case studies. It also provides participants with practical exercises in order to apply the concepts and approaches being taught. It will examine Eco-DRR from a range of perspectives and types, and offer a range of solutions to overcoming barriers preventing Eco-DRR.
Capstone
The Capstone module will enable students to demonstrate a systematic understanding of the knowledge gained in previous modules, and to apply this knowledge to a practical setting of their choosing; to demonstrate a critical awareness of current problems which is informed by their chosen field of study/interest; to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them, and where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses; to demonstrate a high level of skill in problem solving, analysis and critical evaluation.
Semester 3
Independent research-based project
This module will aid the students in their transition from primarily receptors of information into to becoming independent researchers. It will hone their scientific skills in hypothesis-development and testing, critical thinking, communication and stakeholder engagement, data collection and analysis, critical evaluation and reflection, scientific writing, verbal presentation and oral defence. This module will be of particular relevance to students wishing to progress into an academic research career or PhD study.
| Exit Award level | Module | Credits |
| PGCert | Ecology, Conservation and Environmental Management | 30 |
| PGCert | Research Skills and Methods | 15 |
| PGCert | Coastal Zone Management: Area-based Marine tools | 15 |
| PGDip | Marine Ecosystems and Sustainability | 15 |
| PGDip | Climate Change Adaptation | 15 |
| PGDip | Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction | 15 |
| PGDip | Capstone project | 15 |
| Master’s | Research-based Project | 60 |
CATS = Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme where 1 CAT = 10 notional (contact + individual) hours of study
QAA Global Accreditation
The University is delighted to have achieved global accreditation from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), the UK’s independent quality body and a global leader in quality assurance for higher education.
“In achieving QAA’s global accreditation, the University has displayed its compatibility with international best practice.”
Vicki Scott, UK Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Chief Executive.
Entry Requirements
Typically, all applicants will have:
- Possess a minimum of a second class Honours degree (2.1 preferred) awarded by a UK university or overseas equivalent in a relevant subject.
- Be able to communicate ideas effectively in writing, in discussions and presentations. Basic IT skills, such as word-processing, email and Internet are expected.
- Alternate entry into the Masters programme can be achieved through suitably documented extensive work experience (e.g. >1 year) relevant to the programme (e.g. marine environmental research, government planning, environmental impact work, work for non-governmental organisation i.e. NGO or international agency). Such applicants may be required to submit a discursive account of why this experience is relevant.
English language requirements:
- An overall IELTS test result of 6.5, including a minimum of 6.0 in all sub-tests. Equivalent awards will be considered (e.g. Pearson’s Test of English, Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English, Duolingo English Test, City & Guilds International ESOL 8984, or the TOEFL- IBT test of English proficiency). If you do not meet our entry requirements, you can still apply as we will consider your application.
If you have been resident in Gibraltar for more than five years then, once you receive your offer letter from the University of Gibraltar, you can apply to the Department of Education for funding.
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+350 200 71000 ext.901
Student Accommodation
Accommodation is available at the purpose built Europa Suites. Located just a two-minute walk from our Europa Point Campus, the rooms have been designed as spaces in which to relax and study. Each self-contained studio apartment features a compact kitchen, en-suite bathroom and large desk.
Payment Method(s)
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