Climate, Innovation and Sustainability Policy MPA

About this degree

In tackling complex sustainability challenges like climate change the need for innovation in planning and governance approaches is increasingly prominent. Governments face the urgent need to improve living standards, mitigate and adapt to climate change, and support sustainable development. While the demands on physical, ecological and social infrastructure are growing, there is evidence across the globe that many infrastructure systems are in disrepair, with significant policy and governance challenges. The introduction of new technological and social innovations offers ways to operate infrastructures more effectively and efficiently, delivering better quality services, and providing leadership in the paradigm shifts needed to respond to contemporary environmental and social challenges.

Students will examine contemporary issues for climate and sustainability policy at local, national and global levels, considering the impact of new technologies alongside growing imperatives for infrastructure to support the changing nature of economies and societies.

The programme examines the institutional structures and governance of innovation systems for addressing climate change, alongside decision-making processes and the mobilisation of technical expertise to plan and deliver physical infrastructure systems that are sustainable.

Students will develop strong analytical skills, to critically evaluate the range of technical, policy and regulatory solutions that can be used to identify, understand and address sustainability problems.

The Climate, Innovation and Sustainability Policy MPA prepares future decision-makers to tackle complex sustainability challenges, particularly in relation to climate change and associated innovation. This includes, but is not limited to, developing clean energy, expanding green infrastructures, modernising water systems, and improving integrated transport networks. Graduates gain the skills and knowledge to develop robust policies that align infrastructure investment with economic, social and environmental goals.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university in a relevant discipline or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Students are encouraged (but are not required) to have work experience prior to enrolling on this programme.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Graduates of this Master's of Public Administration acquire skills to work in environment, climate and sustainability areas and in a range of infrastructure sectors or policy organisations. Career destinations might include national and local government; utility providers or regulators; international agencies such as the World Bank, United Nations and other global organisations; technology companies focused on innovations in infrastructure systems; environmental agencies; consultancies and think tanks.