Global Change - Ecosystem Science & Policy

Global change refers to planetary-scale changes occurring in complex socio-ecological systems, which are affected by climatic and non-climatic drivers (e.g., changes in human society). Understanding the intricate, medium- to long-term changes in our land, air and water requires advanced scientific knowledge in measurement, modelling and prediction. This should in turn inform the science-policy interface.



This joint international MSc in Global Change is the response to these global change challenges and will suit graduates wishing to develop a scientific career in ecosystem research as well as those aiming to contribute to evidence-based environmental policy. Students will study at both UCD, Dublin and Justus Liebig University (JLU) Giessen, Germany where you will be involved in active research groups, contributing to their ongoing ecosystem and policy consultancy studies.



Visit our website globalchange.ucd.ie to discover more about this unique opportunity to study in both Ireland and Germany and make a difference.



- The first semester is based at UCD Ireland between September and December.



- This is followed by a 6 week minimum internship in a company or institution of your choice (for example: Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Agriculture Organisation, UNFCCC and Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change offices, Rural Investment Support for Europe foundation, ICLEI (Local Government for Sustainability), Postdam Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies, Irish Environmental Network, European Forest Institute).



- The second taught semester is based in JLU, Giessen, Germany between March and August.



- The last semester is devoted entirely to an individual research project, which can be undertaken in either UCD or JLU or host institutions.



- You will gain expertise in global change processes (soil, air, water), plant-soil-atmosphere interactions; skills to work at the science and policy interface; environmental law and international regulations as well as specific communication skills.



What Will I Learn?

1 - Understand the ecosystem science underpinning our knowledge of global environmental change

2 - Participate in ecosystem research using the latest research methods and data management tools

3 - Communicate policy-relevant evidence to diverse target audiences in an unambiguous way

4 - Understand and promote the development of policy in terms of adaptation and mitigations for natural and managed ecosystems, thereby supporting sustainable livelihoods

5 - Perform environmental work and research in a confident manner by applying relevant tools in data collection, management, analysis and reporting

6 - Develop strategies for continuous professional development and continue self-directed learning required to enhance their career ambitions.

7 - Ability to use and interpret a wide range of datasets

8 - Maturity to pursue study as well as critically appraise scientific information



Student Internships

The course includes a 20 credit professional work placement* (up to 10 weeks) in highly recognised international institutions. The following internships are examples of past placements: Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (Japan), Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (Germany), Deltares (The Netherlands), RISE Foundation (Belgium), Irish and German EPA, An Taisce, Sonairte, Rediscovery Centre and Irish Peatland Conservation Council, IAIA: International Atomic Agency (Vienna), Center for International Forestry Research, Forschungsinstitut fürbiologischen Landbau FiBL (Switzerland), Das Bundesamt für Naturschutz (BfN) and Government agencies like Coillte and Irish Water.



*Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed.

Stage 1 Options - A) Min 13 of:

Year 1 core modules

BIOL40140 Science and Policy Autumn 5

BIOL40780 Designing and communicating Global Change research Autumn 5

ENVB40040 Environmental Impact Assessment Autumn 5

ENVB40130 Global Change Ecology Autumn 5

ENVB40370 Data Analyses & Interpretation (On-line) Autumn 5

LAW41730 Foundations of Environmental Law SBES Autumn 5

BIOL40160 Biodiversity Informatics (JLU) Summer 3

BIOL40230 Resource Economics and Environmental Management (JLU) Summer 6

BIOL40580 Policy Consulting - Environmental Policy and Development Cooperation (JLU) Summer 6

BIOL40680 Global Change: Modelling and Advanced Techniques Summer 5

BIOL40690 Adaptation to Global Change (JLU) Summer 3

BIOL40740 Sustainable agro-ecosystems Summer 6

BIOL40120 Work Placement (Global Change) Year-long (12 months) 20



Stage 1 Options - B)1 of:

Year 1 options (Select one)

BOTN40270 Biology and Ecology of Coastal Wetlands Autumn 5

ENVB30130 Ecology & its Application (On-line) Autumn 5

ENVB40310 Peatlands and Environmental Change Autumn 5

ENVB40410 Management of Sustainable Fisheries (On-line) Autumn 5

ENVB40540 Introduction to Ecological Mapping with open source software (QGIS) Autumn 5

MEEN40900 Energy, Climate and Sustainability (online) Autumn 5

ZOOL40510 Conservation of Biodiversity: Theory and Practice Autumn 5



Stage 1 Options - C) Min 1 of:

(Select module(s) from List C) Select module(s) from List C to make up 6 credits

BIOL40570 World Food Economy (JLU) Summer 6

BIOL40660 Methods in Global Change Research Summer 3

BIOL40700 Stress Ecology (JLU) Summer 3

BIOL40710 Into the footsteps of a researcher (JLU) Summer 3

BIOL40750 Global Governance (JLU) Summer 6

ENVB40560 Natural Resources and Ecosystem Services (JLU) Summer 6



Stage 1 Options - D)1 of:

Year 2 core module

BIOL40130 Research Project (Global Change) Autumn 30

- This programme is intended for applicants with a Bachelor degree in an appropriate life sciences discipline, such as biology, agriculture or environmental science (including zoology, ecology, biochemistry, geology and physics). A bachelor degree (NFQ Level 8) with honours 2(2) (GPA 2.48 or higher) or international equivalent is required.



- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.



- These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

16 months full-time. Delivery: On Campus.

Next Intake: September 2025.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Graduates may pursue roles as policy advisers, scientific analysts or researchers in government, international organisations, NGOs, research institutes or consulting companies. There are also many opportunities for further studies. The skills you acquire, particularly through the completion of the minor thesis, provide a strong foundation for PhD research. Prospective employers include the Environmental Protection Agency, governmental departments, European Commission, European Environment Agency and International organisations (e.g. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, United Nations Environment Programme, International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Food and Agricultural Organisation).