Climate Change Agriculture & Food Security

Course Overview

The Masters in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (MScCCAFS) programme provides motivated students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills in climate change, agriculture, and food security.



‌The course is run with the Ryan Institute in partnership with national and international contributors, including the global network of One CGIAR agricultural research institutes.



Our classes are international and multidisciplinary. We accept students from any background who want to combine scientific, engineering, technical, social or policy skills. MScCCAFS students also complete a research project aimed towards a published outcome. Depending on circumstances, these projects may be completed within the University, of Galway, at students place of work, or through a research collaboration or placement.



Our graduates are equipped to address the deepening climate crisis and build mitigation, adaptation and resilience in the agriculture and food sector globally.The MScCCAFS won the Best New Postgraduate Award (HEA Awards, Ireland) for 2017 (more information here) and was shortlisted for the Best Science Award for 2019.



Our graduates aim to be “Agents of Change” who will deliver significant impacts at scale through their future careers.



The MSc in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (MScCCAFS) is run by the School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, and aligned with the Ryan Institute at the University of Galway. The course is supported by many international experts and researchers who act as guest lecturers.

All of our modules are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN, especially SDG2: Zero Hunger, SDG13: Climate Action and SDG15: Life on Land. There is also an important focus on social equity, including gender equality and climate justice, and the need for just transitions for rural communities.



These modules are taught by world-leading scientists, thinkers and researchers in their areas of expertise. Students will encounter a wide variety of teaching methods including web-based learning, lectures, exercises, seminars, excursions and group/project work. Students also attend events organised by the Irish Forum for International Agricultural Development.



The MScCCAFS programme has strong partnership linkages to international development organisations globally, including across the UN System, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and leading international development NGOs.

NQAI Level 8 honours degree or equivalent to a minimum standard of Second Class Honours, Grade 1 or equivalent in an appropriate discipline is normally required.



Please see Your Country for country-specific entry requirements. Work experience may also be considered..



Other requirements: proof of identity, academic transcripts, an academic recommendation, Personal Statement (max. 600 words), two-page CV.



All applicants, whose first language is not English, or who have not been educated through the medium of the English language during their two most recent years of study, must present an English language qualification taken within two years of the start of the course. Suggested English language qualifications include IELTS, Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), Cambridge C2 Advanced (CPE), TOEFL iBT/TOEFL iBT Home Edition, Pearson PTE.

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

1 year, full-time.

Next start date: September 2025

Career Opportunities

As the climate change challenge for sustainable development on the planet intensifies, there is a need in all organisations for personnel skilled in both climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies/approaches for the development of greener economies, agrifood systems and low-environmental footprint supply chains. Achieving the Paris Climate Agreement will require transformation of food and agricultural systems worldwide while our farming and rural communities must be helped to adapt to climate change.



Graduates of the MScCCAFS are extremely well positioned for strategic “change agent” positions in research, policy, enterprise, business, administration and other activities across a wide range of public and private sector institutions internationally.



Career mentoring, advice, strategy and facilitation is provided to all students on the MScCCAFS programmeto ensure that they rapidly enter employment in relevant institutions and activities, where they can build from their interests, experience and training. The MScCCAFS programmeat University of Galway has a Theory of Change where the impact of the programme on climate change, agriculture and food security globally is realised through our graduates.