Course overview
The Paris Agreement states that countries must become Net Zero by 2050, take an account of emission sources from different sectors of the economy and implement actions towards greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. Business activities contribute to GHG emissions and therefore they must undertake necessary risk assessments and implement adaptation actions.
This master’s course builds on your understanding of climate science and policy. You identify sources of GHG emissions from activities undertaken by businesses and industry, exploring ways to reduce them and mitigate risk. You also investigate climate change risks for businesses, designing actions for them to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Learn about the set of financial regulations, standards and products that follow a climate change mitigation and adaptation objective, drawing on your own knowledge and experience of climate change impacts.
There has never been a more exciting time to study in Teesside. Here are some top reasons you should study here:
- Teesside Offshore Wind Farm: North East England’s first large-scale commercial wind farm, with 22 local companies involved in its construction.
- Tees Green Hydrogen: the Tees Valley’s pioneering hydrogen sector is laying the foundation for the world’s first Net Zero industrial cluster, with a paper setting out how the region will lead the UK in its energy ambitions. EDF Renewables UK and Hynamics are announcing plans to invest significantly in their Teesside operation, supporting local and national government aspirations to regenerate the area by investing in decarbonisation.
- Net Zero Teesside: the anchor project to deliver carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) in the Tees Valley industrial cluster. Led by bp, it is the UK’s premier CCUS project.
- Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre: an innovative £13.1m facility in partnership with Tees Valley Combined Authority, putting Teesside firmly at the heart of the UK’s green industrial revolution and supporting the drive for clean energy and sustainability.
- Darlington Economic Campus (DEC): a multi-department government hub in the North East of England where insight is developed and policy is made and delivered through a diverse workforce.
* Subject to University approval
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Climate Change and Sustainability Science and Policy
Explore the fundamental processes that drive the earth's climate system, including orbital forcing, biosphere-climate interactions and El Niño. You also cover the human impact on the current and future climate, as well as the scientific basis for attributing climate change to human activities.
Climate Impacts, Risks and Adaptation
You learn about the impact of climate change on businesses and society, and the need for adaptation. You also identify risks to the supply of food, goods and vital services due to the climate-related collapse of supply chains and distribution networks.
You will integrate your learning and development and synthesise knowledge and understanding of theory and practice through its application to organisational issues, which are demonstrably concerned with development within the organisation. You are supported throughout the process by a supervising tutor who will monitor progress and ensure that you are appraised of your on-going performance. Usually the dissertation should be completed within one year.
Understand the complex relationship between climate change, business and financial decisions. You cover the origin, content, scale and scope of green finance, and its implications internationally. You also examine the theory, history, practice and relevance of green finance, and how it is essential in accelerating the transition to a low carbon, environmentally sustainable and resilient economy.
The Economics of Climate Change
Gain an economic perspective on the causes and consequences of climate change, covering key concepts such as externalities and public goods. Identify and assess policy responses to climate change, such as command and control measures, taxation, and subsidies. Explore national and international policy approaches in dealing with climate change and assess their implications for economic development.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You learn through a range of methods including lectures, practical exercises, film-making and research seminars. You discuss real climate change-related challenges faced by businesses across the globe, and work individually and in groups to solve research questions from ongoing projects at Teesside University. There are also opportunities to visit stakeholders in the Tees Valley through short placements and field trips.
How you are assessed
Assessment methods are varied and include essays, business carbon accounting, fieldwork reports, poster presentations, group presentations, short projects with stakeholders, filmmaking and your final dissertation.
Entry requirements
The normal entry requirement is one of the following:
- a good honours degree (at least a 2:2)
- a post-experience or professional qualification
- equivalent qualifications (including international qualifications).
However, if you do not have an honours degree but have significant appropriate work experience, you are encouraged to apply.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country
Employability
Career opportunities
From job adverts:
Climate Change Officer
Climate Change Action Officer
Climate Change Policy Advisor
Climate and Carbon Manager
Net Zero Consultant
Climate credits consultant
Climate Analyst
Green finance consultant
Climate Resilience Manager
Energy and Emissions Consultant
Sustainability Council Officer
Carbon and Sustainability Advisor
Carbon and Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Manager
Environmental Advisor
Academia: Research, Teaching, Innovation
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
Select your country:
Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.
