MSc in Climate Change

Careers

Introduction

Our graduates have found employment in a number of areas. A common step, especially for students passing the MSc with distinction, is to to progress onto a PhD programme. Others have found employment as researchers within the academic system in the UK and abroad, with national meteorological services (such as the Met Office), with goverment departments (such as the Environment Agency), consulting firms, commerce and industry, and in the weather department of a news agency.

Past students

Past student: Javier
Javier Sabogal Mogollon had a degree in Industrial Engineering, and an MSc in Economy of the Environment and Natural Resources from Los Andes University in Bogota, Colombia. Javier studied for the MSc in Climate Change at UEA in 2007-8, funded by a Chevening scholarship granted by the British Council.

Javier is now a consultant in Climate Change and Environmental Services for WWF Colombia.

"Studying the MSc in Climate Change in UEA was a great opportunity for me, both professionally and and personally. Thanks to the experience, I found a job in back home in Colombia that really fulfills my expectations - and I also met some great people."

Past student: Gillian
Gillian Damerell was working as a physics teacher before she applied for the MSc.

"I applied for the MSc because I was getting increasingly concerned about climate change and aspired to doing something in the environmental field."

Gillian thought the MSc would give her a solid founding in climate change issues, and some time and space to think about possible careers. Once studying for the MSc though, it became clear that she was suited to academic work: she liked the intellectual challenge, working with like-minded people and learning new ideas. Gillian is now researching for a PhD in oceanography at the University of East Anglia.

Past student: Donal
Donal Mullan came to the MSc with a 1st Class BSc. Hons. in Geography from Queen's University Belfast. During his undergraduate degree, Donal developed an avid interest in climatology and decided to pursue a Master's degree in climate change. Donal applied to UEA on the strength of recommendations by several of his lecturers who hailed it as an outstanding centre for postgraduate study in climate change. Donal was at UEA from 2007-8, partly funded by a NERC scholarship.

Donal is now researching for a PhD in the Geography Department at Queen's University Belfast.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the degree, particularly modules relating to the science of the climate system. The highly challenging and stimulating learning environment inspired me to continue towards PhD research and I am now conducting a climate change impacts study for soil erosion in Ireland."

Past student: David
David Walton was taking a career break travelling when he decided to change the direction of his career and apply for the MSc, having maintained an interest in the science of climate change since his undergraduate degree. David was attracted to UEA through its prominence as a centre of research for the discipline and because of its location allowed him to commute from home.

"I found the move back into academia from the corporate world sometimes quite hard work - but overall a refreshing and thoroughly enjoyable experience."

David conducted a piece of applied research on behalf of a District Council in Essex for his dissertation, bringing in the UK policy context he had been looking for. David's experience through his dissertation, coupled with the reputation UEA has within the Local Authority environmental sector, provided the foundation for him to gain a one-year project placement as Climate Change Partnership Officer for Norfolk County Council.

Sources

Even if you are not currently applying for employment, it is worth keeping an eye on advertised vacancies so you develop an idea of what area you would like a career in, and what the possibilities are. These sites may give you a starting point: