About the Climate Change MSc
This page provides information about the academic structure of the MSc, plus links to advice and descriptions of the facilities available for use by Climate Change MSc students.
Academic content and structure
- Overview of MSc structure and content
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Modules and timetable slots
- The modular nature of the MSc (described in the overview) allows students to select some modules from the wide range of subjects offered within the School of Environmental Sciences, or even from others Schools, while still taking the compulsory modules that cover the science of climate change, together with the impacts and policy aspects of climate change.
- Information about compulsory and optional modules
- Timetable slots
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Coursework, Dissertation and Assessment
- These are all now explained in the ENV Taught Postgraduate Student Handbook which you must read in detail. You will be given a copy of this handbook when you start your course.
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Academic writing and avoiding plagiarism
- Academic writing is a key skill that students need to develop and forms an important part of the assessment for your MSc. Part of academic writing involves the presentation, synthesis or criticism of ideas and results published by other people. This requires knowing how to reference properly and accurately, when and how to use direct quotations from other's work (and when not to!), and how to present your material without simply copying the work of other people. Presenting information and ideas using your own words is a good way of testing whether you really understand the material involved, which is why it forms such an important part of the assessment.
- Poor academic writing will result in obtaining lower marks than you might otherwise achieve. However, plagiarism is even more serious, because it could result in penalties and/or disciplinary action. You must learn what plagiarism is and how to avoid it. Simply, plagiarism is copying the work of others without making it very clear that it is not your work.
- The university provides extensive guidance, help and advice about plagiarism (and indeed support for learning many skills, including academic writing skills), including quizzes to test whether you understand what is, and what is not, acceptable. This information is available here (and the many links listed under the "Learning Enhancement Service"). You should read this material, especially the parts related to plagiarism, and then discuss with your Academic Adviser anything that you do not understand.
Facilities and advice
- Climatic Research Unit library
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ENV Taught Postgraduate Student Handbook
- You will be given a copy of this handbook when you start your course. An online copy will be available soon.
- This guide covers the academic content and structure of the various MSc and MRes degrees offered by the School of Environmental Sciences, including the Climatic Change MSc. It also covers many of the practical aspects and rules relevant to MSc and MRes students taking courses within the School of Environmental Sciences.
- Careers and vacancies