Climate Futures: Science, Society and Politics

Climate change has become one of the most defining crises of our time, affecting every corner of the world. From extreme weather to food and water insecurity, the future of our planet relies on qualified specialists to deliver solutions to help combat these problems.

Our Climate Futures Masters will provide you with a holistic understanding of the climate crisis, delivering the scientific, social and political approaches you’ll need to respond creatively and effectively to the unprecedented, complex and dynamic challenges of a changing climate.

The transdisciplinary design of this course means you’ll be engaging with multiple perspectives from world-leading climate experts across the University— giving you a comprehensive and extensive skill set that’ll enable you to challenge failed strategies and provide innovative solutions going forward. You’ll be taught by academics and researchers who are dedicated to providing and questioning climate problems and solutions and are directly engaged in a wide variety of groundbreaking research surrounding the climate crisis, meaning you’ll be at the helm of conceptual debates and innovations as they happen.

Here at Leeds, we also offer a uniquely active, immersive learning experience with the chance to put theory into practice and get involved in exciting, climate-based projects across the campus, city and beyond.

This means that, once you graduate, you’ll be equipped with the in-depth knowledge, skills and practical experience that’ll empower you to contribute towards meaningful climate action and pursue a challenging yet rewarding career that contributes to more sustainable and just climate futures.

Why study at Leeds:

Graduate with a transdisciplinary MSc that covers the scientific, social and political areas of climate from a university which is actively  intervening in key processes and itself taking action on climate change.

Learn the deeper background and latest insights in diverse aspects of climate change and sustainability from the research conducted across the several world-leading institutes right here on campus, which feeds directly into the course.

Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas such as the societal challenges connected to climate change, the natural science describing climatic change, the history of climatology and social and political dimensions of climate as a problem.

Tailor your degree to suit your career aspirations and interests with a selection of topical yet diverse optional modules, giving you flexibility to shape the course to your preferences.

Develop your individual and team skills in academic and real-world challenge-based activities that give you the chance to pursue your specific interests and also grow your professional network through engagement with our outside contacts.

Discover cutting-edge science, the latest perspectives and innovative solutions from leading climate researchers, professionals (e.g. policy makers/advisors, activists, organisations) and impacted communities in talks and seminars across campus.

Take your own action against climate change throughout the course and get hands-on in exciting and transformational projects, which may include our Living Labs, new woodlands and rewilding initiatives, the Sustainability Service, Atmosphere and Critical Zone Observatory, Geosolutions, the centre for Advanced Research Computing and the Leeds Climate Commission.

Experience expert theoretical and practical teaching, delivered by a programme team who are actively working to tackle the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.