Master of Global Change
Degree: Master of Science (MSc), joint degree
Course Language: English
Start: winter semester
Credit Points: 120
Duration: 3 semesters (16 months)
Location: UCD Dublin (Ireland), JLU Giessen (Germany)
International elements: work placement (possible worldwide)
Tuition fees: yes (see UCD website) – scholarship possible
About the Programme
Climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation are among the most pressing challenges of our time. The MSc in Global Change: Ecosystem Science & Policy equips you with the scientific knowledge and policy expertise needed to address these issues — from local ecosystems to global decision-making arenas.
This unique joint Master’s programme is offered by Justus Liebig University Giessen in Germany and University College Dublin in Ireland. Studying in two vibrant academic and cultural settings will give you a dual perspective on how science informs environmental policy and sustainable management.
Learn how to link evidence to impact – translating data, research and field experience into practical solutions for global change.
Learn More
For up-to-date details on course structure, modules, study fees and application, visit the course websites of:
Course Structure & Content
From Data to Decisions
Immerse yourself in an interdisciplinary curriculum desgined to empower you to address global environmental challenges and bridge the gap between science and policy. The curriculum combines ecological and environmental science with quantitative methods, governance, and sustainability.
You will develop strong skills in:
- Ecosystem & Climate Science – understanding global processes and local responses
- Data Analysis & Modelling – translating environmental data into insights
- Policy & Governance – learning how evidence shapes international environmental decisions
- Communication & Impact – bridging the gap between science and society
In your first semester at UCD (Ireland), you will engage with core modules such as Data Analysis and Interpretation, Global Change Ecology, Science & Policy, and Environmental Law.
In the second semester at JLU (Germany), the focus shifts to modules like Modelling Global Change, Resource Economics & Sustainability, Political Consulting, and Biodiversity Informatics.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Putting Theory into Practice
Between your semesters in Ireland and Germany, you will complete a 6-10 week work placement which can be carried out in various companies or institutions all over the world, supported by a broad network of our partner institutions.
Former students have contributed to projects at international agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), consultancies and research institutes, amongst them:
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna
- World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Geneva
- Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ireland
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Brussels
- …and many more
This experience will help you apply what you have learnt in the classroom to real challenges, build a professional network and explore future career paths.
Research Project & Master’s Thesis
Your Contribution to Global Change Science
The programme concludes with an individual research project in the third semester, that allows you to specialise in an area of interest, such as ecosystem modelling, land-use change, conservation policy or sustainable development. You will design your own study and analyse your own data.
The 16-week research project can be undertaken in working groups at either JLU or UCD, or at a suitable external institution worldwide. Upon completion of the project, you will write your Master’s thesis, presenting your results. Throughout the process, you will maintain regular contact with your supervisor, who will support you by guiding the project and providing advice as necessary.
This is your chance to make an original contribution to understanding — and managing — global change.
People & Community
An International Learning Environment
You will study alongside students from around the world who each bring a unique background, ranging from ecology and biology to environmental sciences, geography, sustainability, and more. You will learn together through seminars, field exercises, laboratoy work and group projects.
You will also have the opportunity to work alongside internationally recognised experts who are actively involved in research on ecosystem function, climate impacts, and environmental governance.
Benefit from a collaborative and open atmosphere, with small classes, approachable professors, and plenty of opportunities for exchange.
Career Opportunities
Become a Change-Maker
The Global Change Master’s programme will prepare you for key roles at the intersection of science and policy, helping you to shape the transition to sustainability across sectors. You will learn how to measure, model, and assess global changes, as well as how to communicate your findings effectively to the public, policymakers, and industry.
Your interdisciplinary skills will open up a variety of career paths. Wherever you go, you will bring a rare and powerful skillset to roles requiring both technical expertise and societal relevance.
Possible career paths include:
- Research and academia (PhD or postgraduate projects)
- International organisations (e.g. UN, FAO, UNEP, IUCN)
- Government agencies and policy advisory roles
- Environmental consultancies and NGOs
- Corporate sustainability, data analysis, or communication roles
To find out more about the career paths of our students and alumni, visit the UCD website.
The MSc Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy is an international joint programme between well-established universities: UCD and JLU combining their complementary and multi-disciplinary research profiles and cutting-edge expertise