Students take core modules on climate change policy and governance, EU and national climate change law, climate change and the media, the physical science basis of climate change, and climate change and societal transition, as well as choosing from a range of optional modules. Students also undertake research methods training and write a dissertation. The programme is open to both full-time and part-time applicants. Full time students take the programme over one year, while part time students take the programme over two years. Classes are scheduled from 14:00 onwards to facilitate part time students.

For admission to the MSc in Climate Change programme, successful applicants will have - A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent. If the applicant has not yet completed their degree than a conditional offer may be made on the basis of most recent grades and pending the achievement of a H2.2 degree. Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness. International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.