Master of Climate Change

Solve complex global environmental problems as a climate change expert or policymaker with this graduate degree.

Upskill or retrain in an Australian Government National Priority Area

Gain a better understanding of current issues and approaches to climate change science and policy. Be prepared for a career in climate change risk assessment, adaptation and mitigation strategy development, and regional, national and international policy formulation.

Study in-person or online

In 2024, all graduate courses offered by the Crawford School will be available for either in-person or online study. All students are expected to attend live sessions at particular times each week for their courses. Crawford online courses are not 'study at your own pace'. International students studying on an Australian student visa should enrol in in-person courses.

Participation

Real-time interaction, discussion and debate between students and with convenors is an central part of the learning experience. Attendance at interactive classes is important for both on campus and online students.

Degree overview

Are you eager to make a real and lasting contribution to an area of national priority for Australia?

Climate change is one of the greatest threats to humanity's long-term survival. It is critically important that Australia has the people able to solve the complex problems climate change is creating and exacerbating through sound and considered policy making.

The Master of Climate Change (1.5 years full-time, or part-time equivalent) offers significant breadth and depth of study in climate change science and policy, including economics, law, policy and governance aspects.

Is this degree for me?

Taught by world-leading experts in climate change policy and science at The Australian National University (ANU), the Master of Climate Change provides you with the skills to decipher the problem of climate change through exposure to different lenses and perspectives.

You will develop an in-depth understanding and strategic insight into how to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate.

This degree caters to a diverse range of participants who are seeking to upskill or retrain: from policymakers working in high-level government and non-government organisations, to policy officers and middle managers in Australian government and industry, to university graduates with limited work experience who are seeking to enhance their qualifications in a competitive employment environment.

If your aim is to help secure a safer future as a specialist climate change professional, this degree is for you.

Why choose this program and study at Crawford School

Taught by world-leading experts in climate change policy and science, this program provides you with the skills to decipher the problem of climate change through exposure to different lenses and perspectives.

Climate change is a global policy problem. Your in-depth understanding and strategic insight into how to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate will be in demand. You will benefit from drawing on expertise from the Crawford School of Public Policy and ANU's highly-acclaimed Fenner School of Environment and Society.

Design a degree program that best reflects your education and career goals in the field of climate change, including the study of climate policy design and implementation; vulnerability and strategies for adaptation; the economics of climate change; climate science; and effective climate change communication and engagement.

Strengthen this knowledge with study in complementary fields - non-fossil fuel energy technologies and policies; integrated approaches to risk and vulnerability assessment; the legal dimensions of climate change; and the politics, policy and governance perspectives on climate change.

Application Deadlines

Please note application deadlines are different for domestic and international students.

Domestic students

This program is with pre-sessional program (PSP) component for domestic students.

Apply by 31 May 2024 for Semester 2 (S2) 2024 and by 15 Dec 2024 for Semester 1 (S1) 2025.

Orientation and PSP are from 11 January to 9 February 2024 for S1 2024 and from 13 June to 12 July 2024 for S2 2024.

International students

Find ANU's general application and acceptance deadlines by visiting the webpage linked here.

Key dates for application:

* Semester 2 2024 intake:

Final closing dates: 15 April 2024
Final acceptance date: 1 June 2024*

Orientation and PSP are from 11 January to 9 February 2024 for S1 2024 and from 13 June to 12 July 2024 for S2 2024.

* Semester 1 2025 intake:

Final closing dates: 15 October 2024
Final acceptance dates: 1 December 2024*

*Some students may need to accept well before this date to allow for visa processing times in their country.

View the full degree program structure, admission requirements and academic information.

To find out more, contact us at crawford.degrees@anu.edu.au today.