Aberdeen - The Energy Capital of Europe
Aberdeen is a major research centre of the energy industry in all aspects of regulation, engineering, and innovation and the university has been leading that innovation in the Energy Capital of Europe
Climate Politics and Policy (MSc)
Introduction
With the growing political, financial, and social attention around the causes, impacts and solutions to climate change, there has never been more demand for interdisciplinary approaches to the world’s biggest challenge.
This multi-disciplinary, research-led programme is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex political, social, and economic dynamics underpinning climate change and challenges in its policymaking.
This innovative offering leverages the expertise of the School of Social Science, and that of the School of Geosciences, and engages a diverse team of scholars whose research intersects with the many facets of climate politics.
£20,000 NEO NEXT+ Postgraduate Scholarship opportunity - learn more.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September or January
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
As we witness our planet and society confront the swift and relentless consequences of climate change, we are also undergoing the largest social, technical, and political transition that humankind has ever seen.
MSc Climate Politics and Policy is a comprehensive programme that provides you with the building blocks of understanding how climate change is impacting every corner of the political world to equip you for careers in any organisation or sector engaging with the climate as a topic of policy and praxis.
This programme provides the opportunity and ability to analyse climate policy as a political arena that is determining the future of our planet. Over the course of the MSc, you will have the chance to examine climate politics and policy within multiple disciplines, looking at issues such as:
- Examining the threats climate poses to the security of various actors and systems
- Climate-induced internal displacement and cross border migration
- The political economy of low carbon solutions
- Political constructions of climate change and its historical origins
- The complexities of sustainable governance and how this is articulated in policy versus the real world
- Human and non-human consequences of international and national climate policy frameworks
- The political psychology of how both individuals and populations react to climate change
In Aberdeen, a city at the heart of the UK’s energy transition, you also have the chance to witness how climate- and energy-oriented policies are taking effect in a historically oil-based economy that it transitioning to a low carbon one.
Ultimately, this MSc can help you develop a deeper understanding of climate politics from a unique perspective that critically examines the solutions in place, and provides an insight that is incredibly valuable to a range of potential employers in a climate-affected world.
Available Programmes of Study
This programme will give you skills and experience you can apply to various sectors in need of expertise in climate politics and policy. Upon completing each course on this programme, you will come away with knowledge and skills in:
- Creating or growing specific expertise around climate politics and policy
- Formulating presentations and presenting on original research
- Writing for academic audiences and the general public
- Translating research into policy briefs for non-specialist audiences
- Producing original academic and non-academic works
- Leading seminar discussions
- Developing work habits to meet multiple deadlines
- MSc
-
Climate Politics and Policy
- Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location
- Aberdeen
- Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January
- Location
- Aberdeen
Programme Fees
- UK
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £11,100
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *)
- £7,000
-
University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £23,000
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £15,000
-
The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Funding Opportunities
NEO NEXT+ Postgraduate Scholarship - NEO NEXT+ Energy Limited are offering two postgraduate scholarships in a variety of Masters programmes related to the energy transition, including MSc Climate Politics and Policy, for students commencing their studies in September 2026 or January 2027. Each scholarship is valued at £20,000. Check your eligibility and apply by Friday 29 May 2026.
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Teaching includes a range of interactive methods and approaches to learning in order to enhance students’ critical thinking, presentation, interpersonal, and policy drafting skills.
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Courses are assessed through essays, presentations, group and project work and exams. The variety of assessment in the programme ensures that students apply theory to practice and become expert communicators and team players.
The degree of MSc shall not be awarded to a candidate who fails to achieve a CAS mark of 9 in the relevant dissertation course, irrespective of their performance in other courses.
Why Study Climate Politics and Policy?
- You are taught from the School of Social Science and the School of Geoscience, which have both developed an international reputation as a centre of academic excellence for political research over five decades with staff publishing internationally
- We ranked 1st in the UK for Student Positivity in Business Studies, and Top 5 in the UK for Student Positivity in Earth Sciences (National Student Survey 2025)
- You will develop a deeper knowledge of climate politics and policy in a world attempting to mitigate the greatest challenge humanity has collectively faced, in an Energy Transition of Europe
- Aberdeen hosts FTS 100 oil and gas companies and other energy innovation companies, and our city is a global hub of energy professionals, who are all having to respond to national and international climate policy
- Learn from experts actively involved in research. The University of Aberdeen is home to several research centres and institutes, including the Just Transition Lab, Centre for Energy Transition; Centre for Global Development; the Centre for Global Security and Governance; the Institute for Conflict, Transition, and Peace Research; and more
Interested in this programme?
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body.
Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. Also taken into careful consideration is the trajectory of results. An applicant without an overall 2.1 but with 2.1 results in their final two years of study may be admitted.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
- Reference x 2
- two reference letters, one of which should be from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employers, or other professional individuals
Careers
You can apply your knowledge to different types of organisations, ranging from international and national non-governmental organisations and think tanks, major utilities and energy companies, independent and local companies, as well as local government and national government agencies.
Alumni of MSc programmes in Politics and International Relations have gone on to join the UK Government, Equinor, South Pole, Mexican Council on International Affairs, and beyond. Others have continued their education by undergoing PhD studies.
Career Opportunities
- Biodiversity Risk and Opportunities Associate
- Energy Policy Consultant
- Energy and Business Consultant
- Energy and Sustainability Adviser
- Government Officer
- Policy Officer
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Renewables Advice Officer
Our Experts
Bennett Collins has worked in the field of climate politics and policy for a number of years. He has worked with community organisations, government, and non-government stakeholders, on a range of issues relating to energy, environmental, and climate policy around the world.
For Bennett, climate politics is not only about the state, but a myriad of actors attempting to react to and survive the devastating consequences of the climate crisis, and the social injustices that can result
- Programme Leader
- Dr Bennett J Collins
- Other Experts
- Dr Andrew Whitehouse
- Dr Digdem Soyaltin Colella
- Dr Ezel Tabur
- Dr Jo Vergunst
- Dr Philippe Beauregard
- Dr Piotr Niewiadomski
- Dr Tavis Potts
- Professor Martin Mills
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX