Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change, MSc

Accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

Wildfire

Course Overview

2.5 inchThis programme is one of two Swansea University courses which are among the first postgraduate qualifications to be awarded accreditation by the Royal Geographical Society.

The MSc in Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change concentrates on global and regional environmental and climatic change.

By analysing the scientific basis and limitations of models and data collection techniques you cultivate a range of valuable skills.

Your learning benefits from the combined Geography and Biosciences research expertise of our staff around environmental and climate dynamics, marine and ecosystem biology, environmental management and sustainable development.

Read more about our accreditation

Why Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change at Swansea?

  • Top 100 in the World (Shanghai Ranking Subject Rankings 2024)
  • Top 201-250 in the World for Environmental Sciences (QS World University Rankings 2025)
  • 90% of our research outputs have been recognised as world-leading and internationally excellent - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
  • 100% of the environment was rated as world-leading and internationally excellent - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

You will be taught by a range of inspiring experts in environmental dynamics and climate change.

These include Professor Adrian Luckman, who earned global media coverage for climate change research into the collapse of the Larsen C ice shelf; Professor Peter North, who has collaborated with NASA on the ‘greening-up’ of the Amazon; and Professor Siwan Davies, whose work focuses on establishing why climate change has changed abruptly over the past 100,000 years through the investigation of volcanic ash deposits trapped in ice sheets.

Your Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change Experience

Read about Rhys Bowen's fieldwork experience when he travelled to the DEKAMER Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan, Turkiyë for a month long expedition as part of his MSc Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change thesis.

You will acquire a deep and broad knowledge of the current scientific issues underpinning climate change and environmental dynamics. 

Our exceptional computing facilities will support your studies from start to finish. These include fifteen dual-processor workstations for Earth Observation.

Upon graduation, you will have the practical problem-solving and communication skills required for a successful career in the wider industry.

Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change Employment Opportunities

The MSc in Environmental Dynamics & Climate change enhances your prospects for a career in the environmental service industry, regulating bodies or academia. After developing specialist insights into the modern world, your understanding can be applied in a diverse range of settings.

Our graduates have progressed to a range of stimulating roles. Below are just a few examples. 

  • Environmental Monitoring Officer (Natural Resources Wales)
  • Geographical Data Processor (Western Power Distribution)
  • Graduate Statutory Orders Specialist (Jacobs)
  • Catchment Scientist (Welsh Water)
  • Ecologist (Natural England)
  • Multi-site Supervisor (Phase Eight)
  • Data Analyst (PHS Group)
  • Account Manager Support (Handelsbanken)

Modules

The first part of this MSc contains compulsory and optional 20-credit modules on subjects such as principles of environmental dynamics, climate change and modelling earth systems. The second part exclusively involves a 60-credit environmental dynamics and climate change dissertation.

We reserve the right to change the options available each year.

"I’d like to thank everyone in the department for running a course that has enabled me to get a job I love, it wouldn’t have been possible without my Master’s degree"

Rhys Jones | Graduate Statutory Orders Specialist