MSc Climate Change Management (Online Learning) Applicant Page

Information for applicants and offer holders to the MSc Climate Change Management (Online Learning). On this page, you will find information on how to set up a meeting request with Dr. James Paterson, upcoming event information, and further information about your chosen degree.

MSc Climate Change Management (Online Learning)

Learn how to develop the skills and knowledge to engage critically with climate change discussions and challenges for an equitable transition toward a resilient, low-carbon future for all.

Meet your Programme Director

Dr James Paterson headshot

Dr. James Paterson

The programme director and cohort lead for MSc Carbon Management (online learning) is James Paterson. James' main interests lie in adaptation to climate change in the agricultural, forest and conservation sectors although he has also worked on several ecosystem services projects. More recently he has been focusing on the role ecosystems can have in adaptation and currently runs a course for campus students called Nature-based Solutions (which he hopes to introduce online very soon). He is a keen bass player (in a progressive rock band…), skier, hiker and wine lover. 

Book a one-to-one meeting with your Programme Director

Connect directly with your Programme Director, Dr. James Paterson, to ask further questions, get tailored advice, and explore what your degree could look like.

Upcoming events

Sign up to the events below for further information about your chosen degree.

Event

Date

Time

Booking Link

MSc Climate Change Management (Online Learning) Information SessionThursday 26 February, 202612:00 - 13:00 GMTBook Session
Postgraduate Student Q&AThursday 07 May, 202617:00 - 18:00 BSTBook Session

Previous recorded events

Online information session

This information session was recorded on 20 February 2025, therefore some information may be subject to change for 2026 entry.

Pre-arrival reading list

Before you arrive with us, take a look at the suggested pre-arrival reading for your programme. This includes online resources and book recommendations provided by your Programme Director.

View pre-arrival reading list

Why choose the University of Edinburgh?

Flexible

This is a 100% online part-time programme, enabling you to study flexibly and at your own pace, wherever you are in the world.

Renowned experts

You will learn from academics working at the leading edge of carbon management and climate change.

Adaptable

This degree is relevant whether you're looking to provide climate change skills and knowledge in your organisation or want to move into this field from a completely different one.

Strong networks

We offer a wide network to find opportunities for dissertation projects with external organisations, enhancing the real-world relevance of your degree.
 

More information about your degree

Compulsory and optional courses

Please note, Degree Programme Tables will be updated in April, 2026. Please use the current edition as an example, only.

Degree breakdown

The future of your subject

Given the burgeoning global impacts of climate change, this area of study has never been more important. We need more people with a strong grounding in climate change issues to work in all areas in society, so we envisage this course going from strength to strength. We are introducing new courses over the next few years as well as updating existing ones.


Hear from our students

Our postgraduate students share their experiences of life during university and after on our blog and through alumni profiles.


My cohort comprised of students from across the globe who proved to be a real asset to the programme; their diverse experiences and perspectives were a fantastic source of learning which our tutorials throughout the MSc managed to embrace through allowing plenty of time for discussion. What’s more, academic staff were approachable and openly shared their insights with us, enriching the conversation.

Sarah Bissett MSc Carbon Management (Online Learning) (now titled MSc Climate Change Management), graduated 2021

Featured scholarships

Online learning scholarships

The University offers several scholarships specifically for online, part-time postgraduate programmes.

Online Learning Scholarships

School of GeoSciences scholarships

See potential funding for GeoSciences students

Scholarships and student funding

You can find funding opportunities, tuition fees and costs of living for prospective UK and international postgraduate students on the University website.

Postgraduate scholarships and student funding

You are also encouraged to undertake your own research into the range of potential scholarships and other funding outside the University for which you may be eligible.

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