Environmental Science

Master of Climate Change Adaptation

The Master of Climate Change Adaptation is a postgraduate programme that equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in climate science, adaptation strategies, and resilience building. The programme seeks to improve the science and practice of climate change adaptation, exploring fundamental changes caused by anthropogenic and natural activities that influence the alteration of the Earth's environment.

Core areas of study include climate science and modelling, climate change impacts and vulnerability assessment, adaptation planning and implementation, climate policy and governance, disaster risk reduction, climate-resilient agriculture, water resources management, ecosystem-based adaptation, climate finance, community-based adaptation, and research methods. Students engage with both global climate science and local adaptation contexts.

The programme is offered by the University of Nairobi through its Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation (ICCA). The ICCA is a specialised institute focusing on climate change research, teaching, and policy engagement. The programme is also offered at Kenyatta University and Moi University. UoN's ICCA hosts the African Climate and Environment Center (AFAS) in partnership with German universities.

Students develop competencies in climate analysis, vulnerability assessment, adaptation planning, climate policy analysis, disaster risk management, climate-resilient development, climate finance, and research. The programme combines coursework, continuous assessment, examinations, and a research thesis, integrating climate science with practical adaptation planning.

The programme is delivered over two years with twelve course units plus a thesis. Intakes are in September at the start of the academic year, though admission is continuous. The programme is designed for environmental professionals, researchers, policy makers, and development practitioners working on climate change.

Graduates pursue careers as climate change adaptation specialists, environmental consultants, climate policy analysts, disaster risk reduction officers, sustainability managers, climate researchers, and development practitioners in government, NGOs, international organisations, research institutions, and private sector companies.

Skills Required

Climate Science and Modelling
Climate Change Impact and Vulnerability Assessment
Adaptation Planning and Implementation
Climate Policy and Governance
Disaster Risk Reduction
Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Ecosystem-Based Adaptation
Climate Finance
Community-Based Adaptation
Research Methods in Climate Change Studies

Key Subjects

Climate Science and Modelling
Climate Change Impacts and Vulnerability Assessment
Adaptation Planning and Implementation
Climate Policy and Governance
Disaster Risk Reduction
Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Water Resources and Climate Change
Ecosystem-Based Adaptation
Climate Finance
Research Methods in Climate Change Studies

Certifications

ICCA Climate Change Adaptation Certification
NEMA Environmental Impact Assessment Certification

Specializations

Climate Science and Modelling

Focuses on climate system science, climate modelling, data analysis, climate projections, and the scientific basis of climate change.

Adaptation Planning

Examines adaptation planning frameworks, vulnerability assessment, adaptation strategy development, and implementation of climate adaptation measures at different scales.

Climate Policy and Governance

Covers climate policy frameworks, international climate agreements, national climate policy, climate governance, and the policy process for climate action.

Disaster Risk Reduction

Focuses on disaster risk reduction, climate-related hazard management, early warning systems, and building resilience to climate extremes.

Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Examines climate-smart agriculture, resilient farming systems, food security under climate change, and agricultural adaptation strategies.

Ecosystem-Based Adaptation

Explores ecosystem-based adaptation, nature-based solutions, biodiversity conservation under climate change, and ecosystem services for adaptation.

Climate Finance

Covers climate finance mechanisms, green climate fund, carbon markets, adaptation financing, and financial instruments for climate action.

Community-Based Adaptation

Focuses on community-based adaptation, participatory approaches, local knowledge integration, and grassroots resilience building in vulnerable communities.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 295,800
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Climate Science and Modelling
Climate Change Impacts and Vulnerability Assessment
Adaptation Planning and Implementation
Climate Policy and Governance
Disaster Risk Reduction
Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Water Resources and Climate Change
Ecosystem-Based Adaptation
Climate Finance
Research Methods in Climate Change Studies

Modules

10 in the programme

Climate Science and Modelling
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines climate system science, greenhouse gas dynamics, climate modelling, data analysis, and climate projections for understanding climate change patterns.
Climate Change Impacts and Vulnerability Assessment
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers climate change impact assessment, vulnerability analysis frameworks, risk assessment, and methods for evaluating climate change effects on communities and ecosystems.
Adaptation Planning and Implementation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines adaptation planning frameworks, adaptation strategy development, implementation approaches, and monitoring and evaluation of adaptation interventions.
Climate Policy and Governance
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers international climate agreements, national climate policy, climate governance frameworks, and the policy process for climate change adaptation.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Resilience
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines disaster risk reduction, climate-related hazard management, early warning systems, and building resilience to climate extremes and disasters.
Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Food Security
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers climate-smart agriculture, resilient farming systems, food security under climate change, and agricultural adaptation strategies for vulnerable communities.
Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Nature-Based Solutions
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Explores ecosystem-based adaptation, nature-based solutions, biodiversity conservation under climate change, and ecosystem services for climate resilience.
Climate Finance and Economics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers climate finance mechanisms, green climate fund, carbon markets, adaptation financing, and economic analysis of climate change impacts and interventions.
Research Methods in Climate Change Studies
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers qualitative and quantitative research methodologies for conducting original research in climate change adaptation, including field research and data analysis.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a climate change adaptation topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and climate science, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Climate Science and Modelling
Focuses on climate system science, climate modelling, data analysis, climate projections, and the scientific basis of climate change.
Adaptation Planning
Examines adaptation planning frameworks, vulnerability assessment, adaptation strategy development, and implementation of climate adaptation measures at different scales.
Climate Policy and Governance
Covers climate policy frameworks, international climate agreements, national climate policy, climate governance, and the policy process for climate action.
Disaster Risk Reduction
Focuses on disaster risk reduction, climate-related hazard management, early warning systems, and building resilience to climate extremes.
Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Examines climate-smart agriculture, resilient farming systems, food security under climate change, and agricultural adaptation strategies.
Ecosystem-Based Adaptation
Explores ecosystem-based adaptation, nature-based solutions, biodiversity conservation under climate change, and ecosystem services for adaptation.
Climate Finance
Covers climate finance mechanisms, green climate fund, carbon markets, adaptation financing, and financial instruments for climate action.
Community-Based Adaptation
Focuses on community-based adaptation, participatory approaches, local knowledge integration, and grassroots resilience building in vulnerable communities.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures at UoN's Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation on climate science, vulnerability assessment, or adaptation planning. Students engage with climate data, models, and analytical tools to understand climate change patterns and impacts. Practical sessions involve using climate modelling software, conducting vulnerability assessments, and developing adaptation plans. Field visits to climate-affected communities, adaptation projects, and environmental monitoring sites provide real-world context. Seminar discussions analyse climate policy documents, IPCC reports, and adaptation case studies from Kenya and Africa. Group projects involve developing climate adaptation proposals, disaster risk reduction plans, or climate finance applications. Guest lectures from climate scientists, policy makers, and adaptation practitioners provide diverse perspectives. Those in the thesis phase conduct independent research on climate change adaptation topics, working under faculty supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme offered at UoN's Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation, a specialised institute with dedicated faculty and research focus.
DAAD-AFAS fully funded fellowships available covering tuition, stipend, insurance, and research costs for eligible students.
Climate change adaptation is a high-priority area globally and in Kenya, creating strong and growing career demand across sectors.
Programme combines climate science with policy, finance, and practical adaptation planning, providing comprehensive and versatile expertise.

Against it

Programme requires interdisciplinary knowledge spanning science, policy, and social dimensions, which can be challenging for students from single-discipline backgrounds.
Climate data and modelling infrastructure may be limited at some offering universities compared to international standards.
Rapidly evolving climate science and policy landscape requires continuous learning beyond the programme.
Field research in climate-affected areas may involve travel to remote and challenging environments.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 181 environmental science courses

Public187k to 296k

187k at Moi University296k at Kenyatta University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KU KES 295,800/yr (ku.ac.ke). Moi ~KES 187,200/yr (worldscholarshipforum). Private unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. The DAAD-AFAS programme offers fully funded fellowships covering tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, laptop, and research funds for eligible students. Green Climate Fund and other climate finance mechanisms may support research and project work.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
DAAD-AFAS Fully Funded Fellowships
Green Climate Fund Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

DAAD-AFAS Fully Funded Fellowships
ScholarshipKsh 803,000
Fully funded fellowships for the AFAS master's programme covering tuition, monthly stipend of EUR 350, health insurance, laptop, and research funds. For students in environmental/agricultural sciences, ecology, climate sciences, economics, or sociology.
HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
Green Climate Fund Research Support
ScholarshipKsh 300,000
Research and project funding through Green Climate Fund and other climate finance mechanisms for climate adaptation research and projects.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Applications are processed continuously and can be submitted at any time through the UoN online portal. Applicants must upload certified copies of bachelor's certificate, transcripts, CV, and KCSE certificate. Intake is in September at the start of the academic year.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
CATs, climate analysis assignments, vulnerability assessment reports, adaptation plan development, and seminar presentations conducted throughout each semester.
Final Examination
Examination40% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering climate science, adaptation theory, and policy, including essay questions, data analysis, and case studies.
Practical and Field Work
Practical20% of the mark
Practical assessment involving climate data analysis, field visits to adaptation projects, vulnerability assessments, and adaptation planning exercises.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a climate change adaptation topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and climate science, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The University of Nairobi offers the programme through its Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation (ICCA). UoN, Kenyatta University, and Moi University are all CUE-accredited public universities. The ICCA also hosts the African Climate and Environment Center (AFAS) in partnership with DAAD and German universities.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Nairobi offers the programme through its Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation (ICCA). All offering institutions are CUE-accredited public universities.
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
Professional certification
Kenyan environmental management authority. Graduates may pursue NEMA certification as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) lead experts for professional practice.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Climate Change Adaptation Specialist
High demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 400,000
Designs and implements climate adaptation strategies for government agencies, NGOs, or international organisations, helping communities and sectors adapt to climate change.
Environmental Consultant
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 350,000
Provides consulting services on environmental management, climate risk assessment, and adaptation planning for private sector, government, and NGO clients.
Climate Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 85,000 to Ksh 350,000
Analyses climate policy issues for government agencies, think tanks, or international organisations, providing evidence-based recommendations on climate action.
Disaster Risk Reduction Officer
High demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 280,000
Manages disaster risk reduction programmes in government, NGOs, or international organisations, building resilience to climate-related hazards.
Sustainability Manager
High demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 380,000
Manages sustainability and climate resilience programmes in private sector companies, integrating climate adaptation into business strategy and operations.
Climate Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Conducts research on climate change impacts, adaptation strategies, and climate science for research institutions, universities, or international organisations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as climate change adaptation specialists, environmental consultants, climate policy analysts, and disaster risk reduction officers in government, NGOs, international organisations, and research institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

R Statistical Software
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical computing software for climate data analysis, statistical modelling, and visualisation of climate trends and patterns.
ArcGIS
SoftwarePrimary
GIS software for spatial analysis of climate data, vulnerability mapping, and adaptation planning across geographic areas.
Python
Software
Programming language for climate data processing, scientific computing, and development of climate analysis tools and models.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for quantitative research in climate change studies, including survey data and social vulnerability analysis.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Climate change adaptation is just about environmental conservation.
The programme covers climate science, policy, finance, disaster risk reduction, agriculture, water resources, and community development, addressing the multi-dimensional nature of climate change.
This programme is only for science graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from environmental sciences, agriculture, economics, sociology, geography, and other related fields, as climate adaptation requires interdisciplinary perspectives.
Climate change adaptation has limited career prospects.
Growing global, regional, and national focus on climate action creates strong demand for adaptation specialists in government, NGOs, international organisations, and private sector.
Climate adaptation is only relevant to environmental organisations.
Climate adaptation is relevant across sectors including agriculture, water, energy, health, infrastructure, finance, and development, creating diverse career opportunities.
This is a theoretical programme with no practical application.
The programme includes field visits, vulnerability assessments, adaptation planning exercises, and a research thesis, providing practical skills for real-world climate adaptation work.
Climate change is not a priority in Kenya.
Kenya is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts including droughts, floods, and changing rainfall patterns, making climate adaptation a national priority with growing investment and career opportunities.