Study plan - Master in Climate Change Management

The Master in Climate Change Management program equips the students with a broad understanding of the complex challenges posed by climate change and the competence to generate knowledge and solutions across traditional scientific disciplines. With a suit of multi- and interdisciplinary courses, the students learn about climate challenges from different scientific fields and perspectives and are trained to integrate methods, tools and knowledge from several disciplines. The students possess a solid academic foundation to evaluate, plan, and advise on how various sectors can implement strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt nature and society to the impacts of climate change.

Admission

The following requirements need to be fulfilled:

1. Bachelor’s degree with a relevant specialization in natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, technology or engineering. The specialization must be relevant for climate and environment studies, for example: energy and environmental sciences, governance and policy, green technology and transition, geosciences and natural hazards or a combination of topics.
2. The grade point average of your bachelor's degree must be C or better.
3. Applicants from outside the Nordic countries must provide evidence of their academic achievements
and proficiency in English.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

The student possesses:

• Insight into the impacts of climate change on nature and society and the consequences of climate change for natural systems that support human activities.
• Knowledge of climate models and projections and their application in analyzing and assessing future scenarios.
• Advanced understanding of national and international climate policies and their implementation.
• A broad understanding of how ecosystems and biodiversity are affected by climate change, and how ecosystem services from natural systems may contribute to both climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• Knowledge of transitioning energy production and consumption towards more environmentally friendly practices.
• Understanding of incorporating evaluations of natural hazards and water management into planning processes.
• Advanced knowledge of strategies, actions, and tools for adapting to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions both nationally and globally.
• Advanced understanding of the interactions between climate change, climate measures, the nature crisis, and sustainable development

Skills

The student is capable of:

• Critically evaluating various sources of information and use them to structure and develop academic arguments.
• Working independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams to solve practical and theoretical problems.
• Utilizing relevant qualitative and quantitative methods and various computer software to evaluate data and interpret results.
• Using tools relevant for management and applied science.
• Conducting independent research projects or planning assignments while adhering to established research ethics norms.
• Formulating research questions, collecting and analyzing data, and communicating findings academically and in lay terms.
• Leading and conducting planning processes in the preparation of energy and climate plans.
• Developing strategies for climate change adaptation.
• Planning measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, with a particular focus on addressing avalanches, landslides, flooding, and sea level rise.

General Competence

The student is able to:

• Identify and critically evaluate relevant literature.
• Apply knowledge and skills towards executing advanced tasks and managing research and planning projects related to climate change.
• Collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams and integrate knowledge from diverse fields.
• Proficiently share his/her work and use relevant terminology.
• Communicate research, analyses, and conclusions both in writing and orally.
• Contribute to discovering new solutions and innovations that shift energy production and consumption from fossil fuels to sustainable sources.
• Aid in developing strategies and measures for fostering a more sustainable society.

Content

The program consists of nine courses, each worth 10 ECTS, and a master’s thesis valued at 30 ECTS. The teaching is organized in a block schedule, where each course is taught and assessed through an examination before the next course begins. Competence in scientific methods, tools and presentation is developed throughout the program, providing a solid foundation for the master’s thesis. The thesis focuses on either research or applied management, depending on the student's interests. Detailed information about each course can be found in the specific course descriptions.

Teaching

The program utilizes a range of teaching and learning methods, which include compulsory learning activities. Emphasis is placed on developing students' skills through case-based projects, where they engage in problem-solving within interdisciplinary teams. A significant focus is also on enhancing students' abilities to communicate results, both in writing and orally.

The teaching combines lectures, excursions, field and laboratory work, exercises, case studies, and other interdisciplinary group work. Students can tailor their specializations through various independent tasks.

The master's thesis can be completed individually or in pairs under the supervision of at least one faculty member from the department. More detailed information for each course can be found in the specific course descriptions.

Assessment

The assessments include written and oral school exams, written home exams, and written or oral assignments, which can be conducted individually or in teams. Compulsory learning activities include excursions, field- and laboratory work, workshops, oral presentations, written assignments, exercises etc. These activities must be approved to qualify for the exams. For more specific information, please refer to the course descriptions.

Required progression

The student must have completed 70 ECTS of the program courses before he/she can start the final Master's thesis course.

Internationalization

Students have the opportunity to apply for exchange programs at selected institutions abroad during the second semester. Additionally, the master's thesis can be completed in collaboration with other universities, both in Norway and internationally, provided that the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences is a partner in ongoing research projects.