About
The MSc Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy is an international joint programme between well-established universities: UCD and JLU combining their complementary and multi-disciplinary research profiles and cutting-edge expertise
About the programme
What is Global Change about?
The current environmental changes affect both natural ecosystems and civil societies. Global change refers to planetary-scale changes occurring in complex socio-ecological systems, which are affected by climatic and non-climatic drivers (e.g., changes in human society). Understanding the intricate, medium- to longterm changes in our land, air and water requires advanced scientific knowledge in measurement, modelling and prediction.
This joint international MSc course between the UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science and (opens in a new window)Justus-Liebig University (JLU) Giessen, Germany is the response to these global change challenges and will suit skilled motivated science graduates wishing to develop a scientific career in ecosystem research as well as those aiming to contribute to evidence-based environmental policy.
What will I learn ?
This international joint Masters course is the response to these challenges and will suit skilled motivated science graduates wishing
to develop a scientific career in ecosystem research as well as those aiming to contribute to evidence-based environmental policy. You will be involved in active research groups in both countries, contributing to their on-going ecosystem studies in order to experience the process of creating scientific knowledge in ecosystem science. In addition to acquiring skills in measuring, analysing and understanding what is behind scientific data you will have the opportunity to develop your analytical, presentation and communication skills to enable you to participate in the policy making process.
Where do Global Changers go and work ?
Recent graduates are working in areas ranging from administrative public bodies involved in environmental, planning, sustainability and agricultural research and management: An Post (Ireland); CIE (Ireland Public Transport), Sustainable Northern Ireland; senior policy adviser at the Scottish Government, data scientist at Deutsche Bahn; US Army Corps of Engineers, National Agricultural Research Organisation Uganda, Ministry of Transport of Baden‐Wuerttemberg: Air Pollution Control, Environmental Manager for local administrations.
Many recent graduates are also employed for consulting work in both environmental, engineering and development cooperation: WSP; SLR; RPS Ireland, MKO, Roughan & O’Donovan; Doris UK, Mott Macdonald UK; Flint Corp Canada, BASF; GIZ/German Association for International Cooperation and private environmental companies as sustainability or renewable energy scientists.
Some graduates are also working in media, community engagement, environmental education and public relation (ERINN) as well as research in the private and public sector: Research Institute for Sustainability, Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (RIFS), Institute for Energy, Biorbic Bioeconomy Research Centre (Dublin); Ecology and Economy DFGE München, ZEU/Center for international Development and Environmental Research, Giessen, DLR Projektträger Environment and Sustainability, EuroNatur Foundation). Some have pursued further post-graduate studies including PhDs: at UCD, Teagasc, TCD, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Hal-le-Jena-Leipzig, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt, Research Institute for Sustainability Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, FiBL Germany - Scientific Service for Organic Agriculture, Frankfurt, Forschungszentrum Jülich: Agrosphere).
How do I apply?
If you wish to apply for scholarships, check the deadlines for your region here.