The MSc in Polar and Alpine Change explores environments, and underlying causes for change, in cold climate parts of the globe. The course educates graduates from a range of science-based disciplines in the concerns over polar and alpine regions by teaching them about the environments found there, and their ongoing changes, whilst delivering skills in scientifically analysing and interpreting these changes. The course has a strong research emphasis, and provides training for future researchers in this environment, as understanding the mechanisms and consequences of change will be of major importance in the scientific study of the region for some time to come.

Many of the ongoing changes, particularly in the Arctic, will have considerable impact on commercial and economic development in the years ahead. For example, new sea lanes are appearing, permafrost is melting, and snow cover receding. A market for graduates with knowledge of these unique areas is likely to develop as industry and commerce move into these regions.

The course directly builds on the research strengths of the department, especially in the Climate and Cryosphere research group, which has 12 core staff actively working on themes such as: polar climate and ocean change; glacial hydrology and biogeochemistry; palaeoglacial geomorphology; glacier, ice-sheet and iceberg modelling; climate and palaeoclimate modelling; remote sensing in polar environments and volcanic and anthropogenic emissions into the atmosphere. Other research groups in the department include Ecosystem Dynamics and Biogeochemistry, Environmental Reconstruction and Observation, Society and Environment, and International Development.