MSci Environmental Geography and Climate Change

There is a pressing need for people who understand both the environmental and social complexities of climate change. This new degree programme offers you the chance to study climate change from a unique multi-disciplinary perspective in one of the world’s leading university departments for the study of climate change.

Why is climate change such a difficult problem to tackle?

This innovative undergraduate degree programme uses the insights, methods and skills of environmental geography and environmental social science to study the historical, environmental, social, economic and political dimensions of climate change. The programme allows students to understand the natural and human drivers of climate change and the varied responses of individuals and societies around the world to the challenges climate change raises. This requires a broad range of disciplinary perspectives and an ability to understand how different approaches for studying climate change complement each other. Although the emphasis is on the human dimensions of climate change, a solid grounding in the natural sciences is also an integral part of the degree programme. An undergraduate programme on climate change from such a strong multi-disciplinary perspective has not before been offered in the UK. This degree is also unique by being taught by some of the world’s leading academics who have studied climate change from this inter-disciplinary perspective.

This programme is offered by the School of Environmental Sciences and is co-ordinated by Professor Mike Hulme, a renowned geographer and climate change expert and founder of the Tyndall Centre. You will take core modules on the history of climate change science, climate politics, and climate change risk, communication and ethics and also be able to choose from a wide range of other modules to tailor this degree to meet your specific interests.

Study Environmental Geography and Climate Change at UEA and find out the answers to the following questions and many more...

• When did scientists first realise humans were altering climate?
• What is the role of population growth in climate change?
• Is it possible to prevent dangerous climate change?
• How do scientists communicate uncertainty about future climate predictions?
• Why has negotiating global climate treaties been so difficult?
• Have the media made it easier or harder for people to understand climate change?
• Do world religions have any part to play in managing climate change?
• Are proposed geoengineering solutions safe?
• Is it unethical to fly?
• Should people be labelled ‘climate deniers’?
• Why do people perceive the risks of climate change differently?
• How can Pacific islands adapt to sea-level rise?
• Are there technological solutions to climate change?
• What are the costs of climate change?
• Why are there controversies about climate change science?
• Should developing countries be paid to keep their forests intact?
• How can energy consumption in the western world be reduced?
• How are the risks of flooding reduced?

Projects and Seminars

Project based seminars will include topics such as the role of newspapers, films and books in communicating climate change, scientific controversies, what climate change means in developing countries, and how different societies adapt. Guided by a member of Faculty you will be able to complete your own projects in these areas and many others relating to your own interests in climate change.

Course Organiser:Prof Michael Hulme

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Entry Requirements A Level: AAA International Baccalaureate: 34 (incl 3 HL subjects at grade 6) Scottish Highers: AAAAA Scottish Advanced Highers: AAA Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAAAA Access Course: See below European Baccalaureate: 85% overall Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
• PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

Applicants are asked to have at least one science based A2-level or equivalent. Acceptable science subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics.

General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.

Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 45 credits at Level 3, including 12 Level 3 Science credits.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have Mathematics and English at minimum of Grade C or above at GCSE Level.

Environmental science is a rapidly progressing, vibrant and exciting field of study with excellent career prospects in the UK and beyond.

Environmental Science is a modern scientific discipline that will have a profound effect on human society as environmental concerns become paramount at the beginning of the 21st century.

A human population of over 6 billion demands energy, transport, and technology, while climate change threatens the security of the most vulnerable peoples on the planet. Management of pollution and waste is essential to protect human health. Global environment change is eroding the planets biological diversity. Natural hazards threaten infrequent but catastrophic disasters.

Solving these urgent problems requires the expertise of trained environmental scientists. In ENV you will be trained to understand the complex interactions of human society with the bio-geosphere and to provide solutions for enhanced industry and sustainable economies. Inter-disciplinary scientists are needed to communicate the solutions and influence policy at local, national and global scales.

Volcanology, seismology, ecology, conservation, meteorology, oceanography, environmental economics, environmental politics, geochemistry, soil science, climate change and energy resources are just a few of the subjects you could study. Whether you choose to study a broad range of the environmental sciences or specialise in one field, you can be sure that your degree will be challenging and inspiring from beginning to end.

In the 2012 National Student Survey, the School of Environmental Sciences at UEA gained a 96% satisfaction rate, putting the department at joint 5th in the UK, above universities like Southampton and Exeter. Teaching was a particular highlight of the survey, and as a School, Environmental Sciences came in joint 2nd with a rating of 97% satisfaction.

UniStats Information Fees and Funding Undergraduate University Fees

We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases. Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £14,400. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Home/EU - The University of East Anglia offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships. To check if you are eligible please visit http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support

International Students - The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study. Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international