Environmental Science

Master of Science in Climate Change

The Master of Science in Climate Change is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in climate change science, adaptation, mitigation, and policy. The programme prepares graduates to address climate change challenges through scientific research, policy development, and practical interventions.

Core areas include climate change science, climate change hazards and risk assessment, adaptation and mitigation, socio-political dimensions, economics of climate change, environmental sustainability, geospatial modelling, research methods, and specialised electives. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical field and computational applications.

The programme is offered by 51 universities across Kenya, with the University of Nairobi as a college. UoN offers MSc in Climate Change through its Department of Earth and Climate Science. UoN also offers a Master of Climate Change and Adaptation through the Institute of Climate Change and Adaptation.

Students develop competencies in climate science, risk assessment, adaptation planning, mitigation strategies, climate modelling, geospatial analysis, policy analysis, and research. UoN's programme includes 16 course units with 9 core courses and electives across five specialisations, plus a research project. The programme covers coursework, continuous assessment, examinations, and research.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time and part-time study modes. UoN's programme runs for a minimum of three semesters and a maximum of twelve semesters, with each semester lasting fifteen weeks. The programme accommodates environmental science, geography, and related graduates.

Graduates pursue careers as climate change specialists, environmental consultants, policy analysts, sustainability officers, researchers, and lecturers in government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and international organisations.

Skills Required

Climate Change Science and Analysis
Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment
Climate Change Adaptation Planning
Climate Change Mitigation Strategies
Climate Modelling and Geospatial Analysis
Environmental Sustainability Assessment
Climate Change Policy Analysis
Economics of Climate Change
Disaster Risk Reduction
Climate Change Research Methods

Key Subjects

Climate Change Science
Climate Change Hazards and Risk Assessment
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
Socio-political Dimensions of Climate Change
Economics of Climate Change
Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability
Climate Change and Geospatial Modelling
Research Methods and Techniques
Climate Change Modelling
Disaster Risk Reduction

Certifications

NEMA Environmental Impact Assessment Certification
IPCC Climate Science Certification

Specializations

Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Focuses on climate change and sustainable development, agriculture, food security, technology, energy, water resources, biodiversity, and balancing development with climate action.

Climate Change Modelling and Scenarios

Examines climate change modelling, statistics, advanced climate science, regional climate modelling, physics of climate models, and climate change simulation.

Human Dimensions of Climate Change

Covers socio-economic dimensions of climate change, gender and climate change, benefit assessment, international environmental agreements, and climate change communication.

Disaster Risk Reduction

Focuses on disaster risk communication, climate extremes and ecosystem impacts, disaster risk assessment, managing disaster risks, and building resilient futures.

Urban Environment under Climate Change

Examines urban hydrology, urban climatology, urban design and climate change, urban climate modelling, and urbanisation and climate change interactions.

Climate Change Policy and Governance

Covers climate change policy, environmental governance, international climate agreements, and developing and implementing climate change policies and regulations.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 295,800
Private, up to: Ksh 249,800
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: 25 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Climate Change Science
Climate Change Hazards and Risk Assessment
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
Socio-political Dimensions of Climate Change
Economics of Climate Change
Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability
Climate Change and Geospatial Modelling
Research Methods and Techniques
Climate Change Modelling
Disaster Risk Reduction

Modules

12 in the programme

Climate Change Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines climate change science, climate system dynamics, greenhouse gases, radiative forcing, and the physical science basis of climate change.
Climate Change Hazards, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers climate change hazards, vulnerability analysis, risk assessment methods, and assessing climate change risks to communities and ecosystems.
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines climate change adaptation strategies, mitigation approaches, reducing emissions, and implementing climate action at various scales.
Socio-political Dimensions of Climate Change
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers socio-political dimensions of climate change, social impacts, political responses, governance, and understanding climate change as a social and political issue.
Economics of Climate Change
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines economics of climate change, economic impacts, cost-benefit analysis of climate action, climate finance, and economic instruments for climate policy.
Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers climate change and environmental sustainability, sustainable development, balancing climate action with development, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Climate Change and Geospatial Modelling
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines climate change and geospatial modelling, GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis of climate data, and using geospatial tools for climate research.
Research Methods and Techniques
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for climate change, experimental design, data analysis, field methods, and conducting climate research, preparing students for their research project.
Climate Change and Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines climate change impacts on agriculture, livestock, food security, and developing adaptation strategies for agricultural and food systems.
Disaster Risk Assessment
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers disaster risk assessment, assessing climate-related disaster risks, vulnerability analysis, and developing disaster risk reduction strategies.
Urban Climatology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines urban climatology, urban climate systems, urban heat islands, and understanding climate in urban environments and climate change impacts on cities.
Research Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research project on a climate change topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and climate change knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Focuses on climate change and sustainable development, agriculture, food security, technology, energy, water resources, biodiversity, and balancing development with climate action.
Climate Change Modelling and Scenarios
Examines climate change modelling, statistics, advanced climate science, regional climate modelling, physics of climate models, and climate change simulation.
Human Dimensions of Climate Change
Covers socio-economic dimensions of climate change, gender and climate change, benefit assessment, international environmental agreements, and climate change communication.
Disaster Risk Reduction
Focuses on disaster risk communication, climate extremes and ecosystem impacts, disaster risk assessment, managing disaster risks, and building resilient futures.
Urban Environment under Climate Change
Examines urban hydrology, urban climatology, urban design and climate change, urban climate modelling, and urbanisation and climate change interactions.
Climate Change Policy and Governance
Covers climate change policy, environmental governance, international climate agreements, and developing and implementing climate change policies and regulations.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Climate Change programme begins with morning lectures on climate change science, adaptation, or risk assessment. Students engage in theoretical discussions on climate systems, greenhouse gas dynamics, and climate change impacts. Climate change science sessions cover the physical science basis, climate system dynamics, greenhouse gases, and climate modelling. Risk assessment sessions examine climate hazards, vulnerability analysis, and assessing climate change risks to communities and ecosystems. Adaptation and mitigation sessions cover strategies for adapting to climate change, reducing emissions, and implementing climate action. Economics sessions examine the economic impacts of climate change, cost-benefit analysis of climate action, and climate finance. Geospatial modelling sessions involve GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis of climate data. Field work takes students to climate-affected areas where they observe climate impacts, conduct vulnerability assessments, and collect climate data. Specialisation electives allow students to focus on sustainable development, climate modelling, human dimensions, disaster risk reduction, or urban environments. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their research project, covering climate research methods, data analysis, and scientific writing. Guest lectures from KMD meteorologists, NEMA officers, IPCC scientists, and climate policy experts provide real-world insights. UoN's programme at the Department of Earth and Climate Science offers access to climate data and research facilities. The programme includes 16 course units with 9 core courses and electives. The two-year programme culminates in a research project.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's climate vulnerability and international climate commitments create strong and growing demand for qualified climate change specialists.
Programme is offered at 51 universities across Kenya, providing wide geographic access for prospective students.
UoN offers a comprehensive programme with 16 course units, five specialisations, and detailed curriculum covering science, policy, and practice.
Strong career opportunities with government agencies, NGOs, international organisations, UN bodies, and private sector sustainability roles.

Against it

Programme quality may vary significantly across 51 universities, with some institutions lacking adequate climate science facilities.
UoN's programme is relatively expensive at KES 400,500/year compared to other universities.
Field work in climate-affected areas may require travel to remote regions affected by drought, floods, or other climate impacts.
The broad offering across 51 universities may dilute programme quality and specialisation depth at some institutions.

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

Private131k to 250k

131k at Mount Kenya University250k at Daystar 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 295,800/yr (ku.ac.ke). Moi 187K. Daystar 250K, MKU 131K/yr.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. IPCC supports climate change research and capacity building. UNFCCC provides climate funds for developing countries. The programme's climate change focus attracts significant international donor and climate organisation funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
IPCC Research Grants
UNFCCC Climate Funds

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate climate change studies at recognised universities.
IPCC Research Grants
GrantKsh 400,000
IPCC supports climate change research and capacity building, providing grants for postgraduate training and research in climate science.
UNFCCC Climate Funds
GrantKsh 500,000
UNFCCC provides climate funds for developing countries, supporting climate change capacity building, adaptation, and mitigation projects including postgraduate training.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme is designed for environmental science, geography, and related graduates. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time study modes at UoN. Minimum three semesters and maximum twelve semesters, each of fifteen weeks. Students take at least three and maximum six course units per semester. Each unit covers 45 contact hours. UoN's programme includes 16 course units with 9 core courses and electives across five specialisations, plus a research project. Application fee KES 3,000 for masters at UoN.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through tests, assignments, practicals, field work, and term papers throughout the programme.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering climate change science, adaptation, mitigation, economics, and policy, conducted at end of each semester.
Field and Practical Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of field and practical skills including climate data analysis, GIS, risk assessment, field surveys, and practical reports.
Research Project
Research100% of the mark
Original research project on a climate change topic, equivalent to four course units, demonstrating mastery of research methods and climate change knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). UoN offers MSc in Climate Change through its Department of Earth and Climate Science with 16 course units and five specialisations. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate climate change training.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. UoN offers MSc in Climate Change through its Department of Earth and Climate Science with 16 course units and five specialisations. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate climate change training.
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
Professional accreditation
NEMA regulates environmental management in Kenya. Graduates conducting environmental impact assessments for climate-related projects may require NEMA certification as registered EIA/EA lead experts.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Climate Change Specialist
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Develops and implements climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, conducting climate risk assessments and supporting climate action in organisations.
Environmental Consultant
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Consults on climate change and environmental issues, conducting environmental impact assessments and advising on sustainability and climate resilience.
Climate Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 600,000
Analyses climate policy, developing policy recommendations, supporting climate governance, and advising governments and organisations on climate action.
Sustainability Officer
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages sustainability programmes, implementing climate action plans, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring organisational compliance with sustainability standards.
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts climate change research, studying climate impacts, developing adaptation strategies, and contributing to climate science knowledge.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches climate change and environmental science in universities, conducting research and training future climate change professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as climate change specialists, environmental consultants, and policy analysts in government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and international organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

GIS Software (QGIS/ArcGIS)
SoftwarePrimary
Geographic information systems for mapping climate data, analysing spatial patterns of climate change, and supporting climate risk assessment and adaptation planning.
R Statistical Computing
SoftwarePrimary
Open-source statistical computing environment for climate data analysis, statistical modelling, and climate change research.
Climate Models (e.g., WRF, RegCM)
Software
Regional climate models for climate simulation, projecting future climate scenarios, and understanding climate system dynamics.
Remote Sensing Software
Software
Remote sensing software for satellite imagery analysis, monitoring land cover change, and assessing climate change impacts on ecosystems.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Climate change is just about global warming.
Climate change encompasses extreme weather, sea level rise, biodiversity loss, food security, water resources, health, economics, and social impacts, far beyond temperature increase.
Climate change careers are only for environmentalists.
Climate change careers span science, policy, economics, finance, technology, urban planning, agriculture, and disaster management, requiring diverse professional backgrounds.
There is no demand for climate change specialists in Kenya.
Kenya's climate vulnerability, green economy strategy, and international climate commitments create strong demand for qualified climate change specialists.
This programme is only for science graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from environmental science, geography, economics, social sciences, agriculture, engineering, and related fields.
Climate change is a future problem, not relevant now.
Kenya is already experiencing climate impacts including droughts, floods, and food insecurity, making climate change expertise urgently needed.
A climate change degree has limited career prospects.
Climate change expertise is increasingly sought by governments, NGOs, international organisations, private sector, and research institutions, with growing career opportunities.