Department of Development Studies, Centre for Development, Environment and Policy & Centre for Water and Development

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SOAS On-demand

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Start date

September

Duration

2 years

Start of programme

October 2024 / April 2025

Attendance mode

Part-time

Location

Distance Learning

Fees

MSc: £10,270*
PGDip: £8,200*
PGCert: £4,100*

*Fees are set to increase for the September/October 2025 sessions.

The MSc will increase to £12,000.

Course code

OLTF0001

Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a relevant subject.

In addition to degree classification in a relevant subject we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

See international entry requirements and English language requirements

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Our MSc (or PGDip/PGCert) in Climate Change and Development provides you with the knowledge and solutions to simultaneously tackle the climate change crisis, meet Sustainable Development Goals and improve the lives of people all over the world.

Designed for those working on, or hoping to work on, climate change and development issues, this programme helps you develop the analytical skills needed to solve adaptation problems and identify low carbon development options. The programme also offers critical insight into how current development models produce environmental problems like climate change, which themselves threaten the objectives of development.

Why study MSc Climate Change and Development at SOAS?

SOAS is ranked 3rd in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings 2024)
We are ranked 2nd in the world for Academic Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2024)
We're ranked 6th in UK for graduate employability (QS World University Rankings 2023)

Testimonial

Annick Gillard-Bailetti, Director, Verdae Consulting

"Completing the MSc in Climate Change and Development programme from SOAS was a significant turning point in my career. The program’s interdisciplinary approach showed how traditional development models fuel climate change and how its impacts, in turn, undermine sustainable progress. The programme equipped me with the understanding and confidence to address these challenges head-on.

My dissertation research further reinforced my passion for gender-responsive approaches, which have since become the heart of my work. SOAS not only deepened my understanding of these critical issues but also inspired me to launch Verdae Consulting, where I now lead transformative initiatives in sustainable development and climate action."

Anaitée Mills, Climate Change Specialist, Inter-American Development Bank (or IDB Group)

"My experience in the CC&Dev programme at SOAS was transformative. The well-researched modules addressed the urgent climate crisis, the diverse student body fostered global connections, and the real-world focus equipped me with critical, reflective foundations to approach my career in sustainable development with greater depth, purpose, and a global perspective."

Entry requirements

We welcome applications from those working in sustainable development looking to further their skills and understanding of climate change. We also encourage applications from those with a strong first degree but without relevant work experience, who can demonstrate a strong interest in climate change and development issues.

Contact

Email: cedep-studentsupport@soas.ac.uk

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Climate Change and Development is available as a Master of Science (MSc), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert).

The programme is organised in two study sessions per year, beginning in April and October. In each study session students complete one module, starting with the core module, over a period of a 16 weeks followed by one of 4 dissertation stages for MSc students.

MSc students are required to enrol for their dissertation at the same time as their modules, before the start of each session. Students will need to allocate at least 10-15 hours of study per module, per week.

Three programme structures: MSc, PGDip and PGCert

Please note that programmes must be completed within the registration period.

MSc

Four modules, comprising one core (30 credits), at three elective modules (30 credits each) from the list below (only one elective is permitted from outside CeDEP).
MSc students will also be required to complete a dissertation (60 credits). In a typical 2-year MSc programme, the dissertation is completed in four 8-week stages following each delivered module.
For students aiming to complete the MSc over three years, there will be two study sessions when you will not need to study a module. You may choose not to study at all during these sessions due to other commitments. Alternatively, you may want to use this time to undertake preparation for your dissertation.

PGDip

Four modules, as per the requirements for MSc students, but will not be required to complete a dissertation (thereby gaining 120 credits in total).

PGCert

One core module and one elective module from List A.

Modules

Modules from other departments: Only students on MSc and PGDip programmes may take one module from other departments as listed below.

Module type	Module name	Apr 2024	Oct 2024	Apr 2025	Oct 2025
Core	Climate Change and Development (30 credits)	*	*	*	*
List A (choose 1-2 modules)	Climate Change Adaptation (30 credits)	*		*
List A (choose 1-2 modules)	Low Carbon Development (30 credits)		*		*
List B (choose 0-2 modules)	Food Security and Social Protection (30 credits)		*		*
	Urban Sustainability (30 credits)		*		*
	Water and Land Management for Sustainable Development (30 credits)		*		*
	Global Environmental Change and Sustainability (30 credits)	*		*
	Understanding Poverty (30 credits)	*		*
	Biodiversity, Conservation and Development (30 credits)	*		*
List C	Understanding Violence, Conflict and Development (offered through Development Studies)	*		*
List C	The Politics of Gender and Feminisms in Development (offered through Development Studies)		*		*
Dissertation	Dissertation Climate Change & Development (Stage 1)	*	*	*	*
Dissertation	Dissertation Climate Change & Development (Stage 2)	*	*	*	*
Dissertation	Dissertation Climate Change & Development (Stage 3)	*	*	*	*
Dissertation	Dissertation Climate Change & Development (Stage 4)	*	*	*	*

Registration period

Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc Students are registered for a maximum of 3-years. If a student upgrades from a PG Certificate to PG Diploma or PG Diploma to MSc the 3-year registration period will apply from the date the students commences study on the first programmes.

Successful requests to upgrade will be made in the first year of study and must meet specific criteria.

Important notice

The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously delivered as part of these programmes.

However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.

Core

Compulsory Dissertation

MSc Climate Change and Development (ODL) Guided Options List C Other ODL Departments

A maximum of 30 credits to be taken from MSc Climate Change and Development (ODL) Guided Options List C Other ODL Departments

MSc Climate Change and Development (ODL) Guided Options List A

Minimum 30 and maximum 60 credits to be taken from Guided Options List A

MSc Climate Change and Development (ODL) Guided Options List B- Home Department

Minimum 30 credits and maximum 60 credits taken from Guided Options List B- Home Department

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Students are supported by a dedicated module tutor and convenor with whom students can discuss academic queries at regular intervals during each study session. This programme is delivered 100% online through Moodle which provides access to all learning materials and course resources as well as access to the SOAS Library.

Learning is asynchronous allowing students to fit their studies around existing commitments. Students are able to interact with their module tutor and fellow students in discussion forums, peer-to-peer learning and engagement guided by the tutor. Assessments are designed to build knowledge and skills over the course of study.

Assessment

Modules are assessed by a combination of formative and summative assessment. The variety of assessments on our modules aims to develop a range of critical, analytical and writing skills. All assessments are submitted online.

Research methods and dissertation (MSc students only)

The dissertation involves desk-based and/or field-based research. In year one, students will learn how to conduct original research by completing the research methods module. In year two, students will complete data collection, write up and submit the final dissertation.

The dissertation is assessed through two components: the assessed proposal (20% of the final module mark); and a 10,000 word dissertation (80% of the final module mark).

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Title	Deadline date
DS-CeDEP Online Learning bursary	21 March 2025

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Programme level	MSc	PGDip	PGCert
Fee	£10,270*	£8,200	£4,100

*Fees are set to increase to £12,000 for the September 2025 sessions onwards.

See online learning fees for further information.

Pay as you learn

Our online learning programmes can be paid in full at the time of enrolment or on a pay as you learn basis. Pay as you learn means you only pay for the module you are enrolling on.

Postgraduate loans

If you have been a resident in England for 3 years you may be eligible. See postgraduate funding and finance for more information.

Look through the available postgraduate scholarships.

Alternatively, we also recommend students approach their local British Council, British High Commission or British Embassy, for information on local funding

Dependent on nationality, employment circumstances and other factors, funding and sponsorship sources can include:

United Nations (UNESCO, FAO, UNDP, UNEP etc)
Bilateral Aid Agencies (SIDA, GTZ, etc)
European Union
British Council
UK Department for International Development / Foreign & Commonwealth Office
NGOs
Educational and other charitable trusts

Application

To make an application, or to find out more about our admissions procedure, please visit how to apply (ODL)

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Graduates from the Centre for Development, Environment and Policy (CeDEP) leave SOAS with in-depth knowledge about the environment and sustainability challenges facing the world today. Recent graduates have been hired by: