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Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change (Science) (MSc/PGDip/PGCert) (2025 Entry)

Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change students in the classroom

Postgraduate Taught

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Find out more about our Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change (Science) postgraduate courses.

Are you looking to make a real impact in addressing the global climate change crisis? Join us to become a part of the solution to one of the most urgent challenges of our time.


Course overview

The postgraduate courses in Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change(GDCC) are a university-wide transdisciplinary initiative and explore key climate emergency issues. You will investigate the causes and consequences of climate change as well as the emerging solutions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from human activity.

The Science pathway focuses on the physical science aspects of reducing global carbonisation and tackling climate change. It is suited for people with a scientific background who wish to develop themselves further through the GDCC program keeping a scientific focus but, at the same time, wish to broaden their horizons and skillset with non-STEM modules.

Core modules offer a thorough understanding of the causes and consequences of climate change and some of the nature-based solutions that may alleviate impacts. Beside the core modules you will choose a minimum of 2 core-optional modules, to explore topics such as sustainable energy systems, food system and plastics. In addition, this pathway offers you the opportunity to select wider optional modules. You will:

  • Explore the global transition to net zero from more renewable energy technologies to life-cycle (eco)design, sustainable food systems, investment in nature-based solutions and sustainable infrastructure. We cover the challenges of moving to a low-carbon economy whilst adapting to a warming planet and will lead you through the implications of climate change and climate policies for equity between, and within, countries.
  • Gain specialist knowledge of the earth system and climate impact whilst working together in small groups to propose innovative solutions for real-life problems.
  • Recognise social and ethical responsibilities as you learn to mobilise your knowledge across disciplines and work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
  • Gain valuable insights into the demands and duties of the working world, bringing your leadership and management skills to life.

Develop a wide range of talents including creative, critical, and strategic thinking, effective communication, professional engagement, teamwork, problem solving and research analysis through diverse learning approaches and perspectives.

Dr Rachel Hand and Prof. dr. ir. Stefan BonLink opens in a new window head our MSc/PGDip/PGCert Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change courses. Please contact sus dot fut at warwick dot ac dot uk with any specific questions, where our staff are available to discuss any queries.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) ideally in Physical Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, Business or Life Sciences.

The department also welcomes applications from those who have or are on track to achieve a 2:2, ideally in a Physical Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, Business or Life Sciences background. The department further welcomes applications from those who have 5+ years work experience, ideally in a Physical Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, Business or Life Sciences background, regardless of degree status. Such applications will be considered by the department on a case-by-case basis.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

  • Band A
  • IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.


International Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window


International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.


Academic References

We typically ask for one academic reference for taught courses, and two academic references for research courses.

You will be asked to include an email address for your referee(s) when submitting your application and we will contact them for you.

View our guide to academic references.Link opens in a new window


Additional requirements

For the science pathway, mathematical capability to A2 level either via qualification or an assessment at entry via a mathematics test.

Core modules

PGDip, MSc only MSc only

Core Optional Modules

PGDip, MSc only

Optional modules (MSc, PGDip)

Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:

Teaching

Teaching in this emerging field represents practice and research-driven advancements that have been incubated and implemented by world-leading scholars at Warwick and beyond.

Teaching methods on the programme include any or a combination of: lectures and flipped lectures; seminars, tutorials or examples classes for expanding on lecture material; demonstrations and site visits; invited talks and workshops from industry; laboratory, practical or computer room activities; project supervision or project activities


Class sizes

It is anticipated class sizes will range from 5 to 40 students, dependent on modules: some of which are shared across programmes.


Typical contact hours

Depending on your module choices, you can expect to attend around 10-25 hours of lectures and workshops per week(for part time students, this is 3-10 hours per week). Some modules might also include additional supervised practical sessions (for example laboratory or field work). For each one-hour lecture, you should expect to put in additional time for private study.


Assessment

The assessments will take a variety of forms for example: Parliamentary POSTnotes on future scenarios; problem sets; research summaries, examinations; student-devised assessments; presentations (group and individual); reports; and, depending on study level, group projects; group debate; interdisciplinary research projects; project dissertation.

Reading lists 

If you would like to view reading lists for current or previous cohorts of students, most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library on the Talis Aspire platform

You can search for reading lists by module title, code or convenor. Please see the modules tab of this page or the module catalogue.  

Please note that some reading lists may have restricted access or be unavailable at certain times of year due to not yet being published. If you cannot access the reading list for a particular module, please check again later or contact the module’s host department. 


Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, core, core-optional and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your core modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your core-optional and optional modules when you join us in accordance with your level of study and pathway.

Your career

This course will open up a variety of potential career paths in the rapidly expanding market for climate professionals including employment within a wide range of government, non-government and academic organisations, as well as private companies.

Chemistry at Warwick

Do you share our enthusiasm for chemistry and its applications, from medicine to renewable energy?

We are one of the UK’s top chemistry providers, highly-ranked for both teaching and research. Our courses will offer you an excellent all-round experience that allows you to explore and follow your curiosity.

The skills you will develop will equip you to pursue a future career in a number of industries with a number of employers.

Find out more about our research students’ careers and destinations on our website.

Find out more about us on our websiteLink opens in a new window


Our Postgraduate Taught courses

We offer non-accredited and Royal Society of Chemistry accredited course routes, depending on your career aspirations.


Our Postgraduate Research courses

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your taught course fees  


Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status


Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2024/25 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

How to apply checklist

Our how to apply checklist helps you prepare for your application

I'm ready to apply

Learn more about the Applicant Portal.

Application deadlines

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2026 opens on 2 October 2025.

Applications close on 2 August 2026 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.

Explore ways to connect with us

We understand how important it is to visit and explore your future university before you apply. That's why we have put together a range of online and in-person options to help you discover more about your course, visit campus, and get a sense of postgraduate life at Warwick. Our events offer includes:

  • Warwick hosted events
  • Postgraduate Fairs
  • Live chats
  • Talk and Tours
  • Department events