Master of Climate Change Science and Policy

Climate change is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges our world faces.

Globally we already see some of the consequences: an increase in extreme weather events, the loss of habitable land, and growing concerns about food security, species loss, and threats to biodiversity.

International agreements aim to keep global warming well below a 2 degree threshold to prevent even more repercussions. But deciding how we go about reducing our emissions—and how we adapt to changes that have already happened—requires scientists and policy-makers with a broad understanding of both physical sciences and human systems.

The 180-point Master of Climate Change Science and Policy will give you the necessary combination of policy and science knowledge to address the real-world problem of climate change. It’s a cross-disciplinary programme that combines taught courses with a research essay or placement with an external organisation.

Entry requirements

To be accepted into this programme you need:

A Bachelor’s degree with at least a B average or equivalent in a relevant subject (see ‘Important information’ below)

To be accepted by the programme director as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study

IELTS (Academic): minimum overall score of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0

TOEFL: minimum score of 90 for the internet-based test with a minimum of 20 in writing

Pearson Test of English: minimum score of 58 (with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 50)

Victoria University of Wellington English for Academic Purpose (EAP) programme: minimum final scores of 4,4,5,5

Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169

New Zealand Certificates in English Language (NZCEL): Level 5 (Academic)

NZAPA: English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3 (with no skill lower than Level 2)