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Accessibility & LanguageClimate Change, Agriculture & Food Security (MSc)
MSc (Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security)
College of Science and Engineering- Title of Award
- Master of Science
- Course Code
- MSC-MCA
- Average Intake
- 30
- Delivery
- On Campus
- NFQ
- Level 9
- Award Type
- Major
- Next Intake
- September 2026
- Duration
- 1 year, full-time
- ECTS Weighting
- 90
Why Choose This Course?
Course Information
Who is this course for?
As the climate change challenge for sustainable development on the planet intensifies, there is a need in all organisations for personnel skilled in both climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies for the development of greener economies, agrifood systems and low-environmental footprint supply chains. Achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change will require transformation of food and agricultural systems worldwide, while the most marginalised farmers and communities must be helped to adapt to climate change through a just transition.
Graduates of the MScCCAFS are extremely well positioned for strategic “change agent” positions in government, policy, research, enterprise, business, administration and other activities across a wide range of public and private sector institutions internationally.
Career mentoring, advice, strategy and facilitation is provided to all students on the MScCCAFS program to ensure that they rapidly enter employment in relevant institutions and activities, where they can build from their interests, experience and training. The MScCCAFS program at University of Galway has a Theory of Change where the impact of the program on climate change, agriculture and food security globally is realised through our graduates.
What will I study?
The full-time programme comprises three seminar courses during the academic year, taken as a full-time degree taken over a twelve-month period (September to August). The year is divided into two teaching semesters (September to December and January to April). The summer period is used to complete.
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
- Credits
- You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
- Module
- An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
- Optional
- A module you may choose to study.
- Required
- A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
- Semester
- Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.
Year 1 (90 Credits)
RequiredPAB5133: Climate Change & Sustainable Development Perspectives
PAB5133: Climate Change & Sustainable Development Perspectives
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5
This module will provide a range of different and multi-disciplinary perspectives on Climate Changeand Sustainable Development involving seminars and discussion with experts from government, research centres, universities, NGOs, private sector and other stakeholders. The module will develop students breadth of knowledge and perspectives regarding climate change and sustainable development, and develop critical thinking skills that are of relevance for research to inform decision-making and actions regarding climate change, and sustainable development.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Consider how different disciplines and sectors have differing perspectives regarding climate change and sustainable development.
- Appreciate how presentations on climate change and sustainable development topics can be differently framed by different sectors and disciplines
- Critically review case studies and perspectives in the context of climate change and sustainable development challenges.
- Present and discuss opinions in an open forum as a group and individually.
- Learn how to present questions to different climate change and sustainable development stakeholders and to engage in dialogue with other disciplines/sectors.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- PETER MC KEOWN 🖂
- CHARLES SPILLANE 🖂
- MARY COLEMAN 🖂
- GALINA BRYCHKOVA 🖂
- UNA MURRAY 🖂
- Una Canney 🖂
- Anne Mullen 🖂
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPAB5132: Sustainable Development Communication Skills
PAB5132: Sustainable Development Communication Skills
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Communication can aim to generate support for research or study on sustainable development topics, to inform decision making, political and policy thinking. This module will develop an understanding of the interactions between research, innovation and society. This module with introduce topics in communication, internet and social media skills, social marketing and critical thinking regarding communication activities relating to sustainable development.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate which sources of information regarding sustainable development are most reliable and trustworthy.
- Discuss a technical scientific topic for various audiences through news print, broadcast and social media
- Identify key approaches and constraints for communication regarding sustainable development.
- Assess the efficacy of different communication approaches in context of sustainable development.
- Consider different approaches for the analysis and implementation of effective communication in arena of sustainable development.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Communicating climate change: Why frames matter for public engagement. Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development, 51(2), 12-23." by Nisbet, M. C.
- "Constructing the scientific citizen: science and democracy in the biosciences. Public understanding of science, 10(1), 1-18." by Irwin, A.
- "What’s next for science communication? Promising directions and lingering distractions. American Journal of Botany, 96(10), 1767-1778." by Nisbet, M. C., & Scheufele, D. A.
- "Social marketing: Influencing behaviors for good." by Lee, N. R., & Kotler, P.
Publisher: Sage Publications. - "The new influencers: A marketer's guide to the new social media" by The new influencers: A marketer's guide to the new social media
Publisher: Linden Publishing.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPAB5131: Sustainability Research Skills & Techniques
PAB5131: Sustainability Research Skills & Techniques
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5
This module aims to formally introduce students to the research process including theory, critical thinking and provide an overview of methodologies and methods associated with carrying out independent research or research within a team. This module is designed to provide a basic understanding of the research process and how to identify quality research that is robust and reliable.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Provide an overview of the research process in relation to sustainability challenges.
- State clearly their research problem and associated research questions arising, including both descriptive and either explanatory or exploratory questions
- Conduct a preliminary literature review of the concepts comprising the research questions
- Set out clearly a series of theoretical propositions for testing and demonstrate clearly how they arise from the literature review
- Set out the main elements of a potential research instrument for testing the hypotheses
- Develop skills for how to classify, analyse, interpret and present quantitative and qualitative data
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- PETER MC KEOWN 🖂
- CHARLES SPILLANE 🖂
- MARY COLEMAN 🖂
- GALINA BRYCHKOVA 🖂
- UNA MURRAY 🖂
- Una Canney 🖂
- Luis Quiroz 🖂
Reading List
- "Research methods for Science" by Marder, M.
Publisher: Cambridge Press. - "Research Methodology-An Introduction." by Goddard, W., and Melville, S.,
Publisher: Juta & Co. Ltd. - "Media and Communication Research Methods." by Berger,A.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPAB5101: Climate Change, Agricultural & Global Food Security
PAB5101: Climate Change, Agricultural & Global Food Security
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module provides an introductory overview of the key topics on the Climate Change, Agriculture and Global Food Security masters degree. The module will provide students with an introduction to a range of climate change, agriculture and food security topics in the context of current challenges regarding sustainable global development.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of the current climate change challenges regarding sustainable global development.
- Display a clear understanding of the implications of these challenges on sustainable production and global food security.
- Identify and discuss the issues and evidence surrounding these challenges and related approaches to mitigation.
- Evaluate options for climate change mitigation and adaptation stategies in the context of sustainable production and food security.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- PETER MC KEOWN 🖂
- CHARLES SPILLANE 🖂
- MARY COLEMAN 🖂
- GALINA BRYCHKOVA 🖂
- UNA MURRAY 🖂
- Una Canney 🖂
- Anne Mullen 🖂
Reading List
- "Climate Change, Agriculture & Global Food Security" by Godfray, H. C. J., Beddington, J. R., Crute, I. R., Haddad, L., Lawrence, D., Muir, J. F., ... & Toulmin, C.
- "Achieving food security in the face of climate change: Final report from the Commission on Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change." by Beddington, J., Asaduzzaman, M., & Clark, M.
- "Simultaneously mitigating near-term climate change and improving human health and food security. Science," by Shindell, D., Kuylenstierna, J. C., Vignati, E., van Dingenen, R., Amann, M., Klimont, Z., ... & Fowler, D.
- ". Food security, farming, and climate change to 2050: Scenarios, results, policy options (Vol. 172). Intl Food Policy Res Inst." by Nelson, G. C., Rosegrant, M. W., Palazzo, A., Gray, I., Ingersoll, C., Robertson, R., ... & You, L.
- "Options for support to agriculture and food security under climate change. Environmental Science & Policy, 15(1), 136-144." by Vermeulen, S. J., Aggarwal, P. K., Ainslie, A., Angelone, C., Campbell, B. M., Challinor, A. J., ... & Wollenberg, E.
- "Climate change impacts on global food security. Science," by Wheeler, T., & von Braun, J.
- "Handbook on Climate Change and Agriculture." by Ariel Dinar, Robert O. Mendelsohn
- "Climate Change and Food Security: Adapting Agriculture to a Warmer World." by David B. Lobell, Marshall Burke
- "Impact on Agriculture and Costs of Adaptation" by Impact on Agriculture and Costs of Adaptation
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPAB5102: Climate Change, Agriculture, Nutrition & Global Health
PAB5102: Climate Change, Agriculture, Nutrition & Global Health
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
The module covers the key issues and topics regarding climate change, food systems and global health. The module will provide students with the latest scientific evidence and approaches regarding how climate change can impact on global health, malnutrition, water, sanitation, food systems, infectious diseases, disasters and emergencies and emerging environmental health issues. A key focus will be on case studies and emerging approaches to address problems. This module contributes to SDG2, SDG3, SDG6, SDG10 and SDG12.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Discuss the key global health challenges for sustainable development
- Understand how climate change currently impacts upon global health
- Analyse linkages between climate change, food systems and health
- Identify approaches for assessing future climate change impacts on global and environmental health
- Evaluate emerging approaches for mitigation and adaptation strategies within food systems that improve health outcomes
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Health and climate change: modelling the impacts of global warming and ozone depletion. Routledge." by Martens, P.
- "The effectiveness of public health interventions to reduce the health impact of climate change: a systematic review of systematic reviews. PloS one, 8(4), e62041." by Bouzid, M., Hooper, L., & Hunter, P. R.
- "Public health impact of global heating due to climate change: potential effects on chronic non-communicable diseases." International journal of public health 55.2 (2010): 97-103." by Kjellstrom, Tord, et al.
- "Climate change and infectious diseases: From evidence to a predictive framework. science, 341(6145), 514-519." by Altizer, S., Ostfeld, R. S., Johnson, P. T., Kutz, S., & Harvell, C. D.
- "Science and innovations for food systems transformation" by von Braun, J., Afsana, K., Fresco, L.O. and Hassan, M.H.A.
Publisher: Springer Nature - "Political Economy of Food System Transformation. The Political Economy of Food System Transformation" by Resnick, D. and Swinnen, J
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPAB5103: Policy & Scenarios for Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation
PAB5103: Policy & Scenarios for Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module will highlight the importance of policy analysis methods to address challenges posed by climate change, including how to engage in policy processes and prepare policy-relevant information. The module will cover policy options for dealing with the effects of climate change on agriculture and food security that are being pursued or considered by policy makers globally and locally as well as provide an understanding of how to engage in the policy process.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Display a clear understanding of policy processes and frameworks relating to climate change, agriculture and food security, and the importance of linkages between different policies.
- Demonstrate a knowledge of current policy options for climate change mitigation and adaptation in relation to agriculture and food security
- Identify and evaluate a range of policy options for dealing with the effects of climate change on livelihoods, agriculture and food security.
- Identify, utilise and apply policy analysis tools and frameworks for development of improved policies for climate change, agriculture and food security.
- Critically evaluate policy options for dealing with the effects of climate change on livelihoods, agriculture and food security.
- Understand (through role play) how to engage in policy dialogue, including advocating for policy coherence between sectors in relation to climate change, agriculture and food security
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Handbook on Climate Change and Agriculture." by Ariel Dinar, Robert O. Mendelsohn
- "Climate Change: Impact on Agriculture and Costs of Adaptation" by Gerald C Nelson et a
- "The economics of climate change. Vol. 30." by Stern Review
Publisher: London: HM treasury - "The policy process: an overview. London: Overseas Development Institute." by Sutton, R
- "Policy entrepreneurs and the diffusion of innovation. American journal of political science," by Mintrom, M
- "Moser, S. Maxwell, C., Boykoff, T. 2013. Successful Adaptation to Climate Change: Linking Science and Policy in a rapidly changing world." by n/a
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPAB5104: Gender, Agriculture & Climate Change
PAB5104: Gender, Agriculture & Climate Change
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module will address climate change from a social perspective, including considering how its causes and effects relate to concepts of equity. This will include examining issues such as gender equality, human rights and livelihoods in relation to climate change, agriculture and food security.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Understand climate change and gender linked ramifications in four pillars of food security: food availability, food accessibility, food utilization and food systems stability.
- Outline gender linked differences in other key issues in the context of climate change (water, health, migration patterns due to environmental degradation)
- Underline the importance of involving women as agents of change in climate change responses and incorporate gender perspectives in research agendas, information, and climate change responses.
- Appreciate the gender-relevance of frameworks for policy analysis, databases, methods and ex ante impact assessment for planning responses to climate change in agriculture.
- Generate ideas for gender sensitive responses to the effects of climate change – in technology developments and financing mechanisms (gender analysis of budget lines and financial instruments for climate change, gender-sensitive investments in programmes for adaptation, mitigation, technology transfer and capacity building).
- Outline how governments can incorporate gender perspectives into their interventions on climate change
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Climate change vulnerability, impacts, and adaptation: why does gender matter?. Gender & Development, 10(2), 10-20." by Denton, F.
- "Uncertain predictions, invisible impacts, and the need to mainstream gender in climate change adaptations. Gender & Development, 10(2), 51-59." by Nelson, V., Meadows, K., Cannon, T., Morton, J., & Martin, A.
- "Climate change: Learning from gender analysis and women's experiences of organising for sustainable development. Gender & Development, 10(2), 21-29." by Dankelman, I.
- "The gender dimensions of poverty and climate change adaptation. IDS bulletin, 39(4), 24-31." by Demetriades, J., & Esplen, E.
- "No climate justice without gender justice: an overview of the issues. Gender & Development, 17(1), 5-18." by Terry, G.
- "Climate justice: A new social movement for atmospheric rights." by Pettit, J.
- "Climate justice and historical emissions. Critical review of international social and political philosophy, 13(1), 229-253." by Meyer, L. H., & Roser, D.
- "The Trade-off between Intra-and Intergenerational Equity in Climate Policy (No. 4285). CESifo Working Paper." by Kverndokk, S., Nævdal, E., & Nøstbakken, L.
- "Climate geoengineering: solar radiation management and its implications for intergenerational equity. Stanford Journal of Law, Science & Policy" by Burns, W. C.
- "Women: The key to food security." by Brown, L. R., Feldstein, H. S., Haddad, L., & Peña, C.
- "Gender, development, and climate change." by Masika, R. (Ed.)
- "Climate Change and Global Policy Regimes" by Timothy Cadman
- "Gender and Climate Change: An Introduction." by Dankelman, I.
Publisher: Earthscan - "Gender and Climate Change Research in Agriculture and Food Security for Rural Development http://www.fao.org/docrep/018/i3385e/i3385e.pdf" by FAO and CCAFS
- "Gender in Agriculture Sourcebook" by Gender in Agriculture Sourcebook
Publisher: World Bank, Washington DC, USA
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPAB5105: Low-Emissions & Climate-Smart Agriculture & AgriFood Systems
PAB5105: Low-Emissions & Climate-Smart Agriculture & AgriFood Systems
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
Agriculture and food production/supply is threatened by climate change with impacts of climate change expected to be overall negative, thereby threatening global food supply and food security. This module will evaluate low-emissions and climate-smart agriculture strategies for the emerging decades where sustainable intensification is urgently required to meet food and bio-resource demands.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Describe past and present day impacts of agriculture on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
- Evaluate the synergies and trade-offs which exist among emissions reductions, food and energy security, climate change adaptation and other sustainable development goals.
- Examine the incentives for lower emissions food systems that have a lower environmental footprint.
- Assess how to quantify greenhouse gas emissions from smallholder farming systems.
- Assess emerging technologies for precision and smart agriculture for their potential to deliver significant emissions reductions from agriculture
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Climate-smart agriculture: smallholder adoption and implications for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Mitigation of Climate Change in Agriculture Working Paper, (3)." by McCarthy, N., Lipper, L., & Branca, G.
- "Precision agriculture and food security. Science," by Gebbers, R., & Adamchuk, V. I.
- "Achieving food security while switching to low carbon agriculture. Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 4(4), 041405." by Fan, S., & Ramirez, A.
- "The poverty implications of climate-induced crop yield changes by 2030. Global Environmental Change, 20(4), 577-585." by Hertel, T. W., Burke, M. B., & Lobell, D. B.
- "Achieving food security while switching to low carbon agriculture. Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 4(4), 041405." by Fan, S., & Ramirez, A.
- "Energy and the food system. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 365(1554), 2991-3006." by Woods, J., Williams, A., Hughes, J. K., Black, M., & Murphy, R.
- "Where are the best opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the food system (including the food chain)?. Food policy, 36, S23-S32." by Garnett, T.
- "Integrated food–energy systems for climate-smart agriculture" by Bogdanski, A.
- "Life cycle assessment: past, present, and future†. Environmental science & technology, 45(1), 90-96." by Guinee, J. B., Heijungs, R., Huppes, G., Zamagni, A., Masoni, P., Buonamici, R., ... & Rydberg, T.
- "Climate Change and Crop Production" by Matthew P. Reynolds
- "Climate Change and Crops." by S.N. Singh,
- "Climate Change and Global Crop Production" by K. Raja Reddy, H. F. Hodges,
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPAB5106: Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation & Risk Management
PAB5106: Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation & Risk Management
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
Managing risks associated with climate change is an integral component of a comprehensive strategy for adapting agriculture and food systems to a changing climate. This module will assess climate innovations for managing climate-related agricultural risk at local, national and international level and strategies for their implementation in both the developed and developing worlds.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the underlying basis and parameters of climate change prediction models in relation to agriculture and food security.
- Identify evidence-based risks associated with climate variability and emerging strategies for adapting agriculture and food systems to a changing climate.
- Identify and evaluate innovations in partnerships between rural communities that enable then to better manage climate-related risk and build more resilient livelihoods.
- Apply strategies/tools to use advance information to better manage climate challenges associated with food production, supply and crisis management.
- Appreciate the role of risk management through enhanced prediction tools and techniques for climate impacts on agriculture and food security.
- Show awareness of the need to evaluate climate-smart agriculture projects, and the principal methods for doing this.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Quantification of modelling uncertainties in a large ensemble of climate change simulations. Nature," by Murphy, J. M., Sexton, D. M., Barnett, D. N., Jones, G. S., Webb, M. J., Collins, M., & Stainforth, D. A.
- "Prioritizing climate change adaptation needs for food security in 2030. Science, 319(5863), 607-610." by Lobell, D. B., Burke, M. B., Tebaldi, C., Mastrandrea, M. D., Falcon, W. P., & Naylor, R. L.
- "Global response of terrestrial ecosystem structure and function to CO2 and climate change: results from six" by Cramer, W., Bondeau, A., Woodward, F. I., Prentice, I. C., Betts, R. A., Brovkin, V., ... & Young?Molling, C.
- "Climate change and global water resources. Global environmental change" by Arnell, N. W.
- "Adaptation to climate change in forest management. Journal of Ecosystems and Management, 4(1)." by Spittlehouse, D. L., & Stewart, R. B.
- "Adapting agriculture to climate change. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 104(50), 19691-19696." by Howden, S. M., Soussana, J. F., Tubiello, F. N., Chhetri, N., Dunlop, M., & Meinke, H
- "A climate-change risk analysis for world ecosystems. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 103(35), 13116-13120." by Scholze, M., Knorr, W., Arnell, N. W., & Prentice, I. C.
- "Extinction risk from climate change. Nature, 427(6970), 145-148." by Thomas, C. D., Cameron, A., Green, R. E., Bakkenes, M., Beaumont, L. J., Collingham, Y. C., ... & Williams, S. E.
- "Climate Change and Flood Risk Management" by E. Carina H. Keskitalo
- "Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management." by Walter Leal Filho
- "Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction" by Rajib Shaw, Juan M. Pulhin, Joy J. Pereira
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPAB5107: Sustainable Bio-Based & Circular Economy
PAB5107: Sustainable Bio-Based & Circular Economy
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
Humanity needs to meet the climate change challenge and stay within critical planetary boundaries over the decades ahead. This will require transitioning to a more sustainable bio-based economy and to circular economy business models.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Appreciate the drivers for the development of a more sustainable bio-based economy
- Describe different models of biorefineries and associated cascading concepts
- Highlight the potential of Bioenergy and Carbon Capture Systems (BECCS)
- Communicate and understand the principles underlying the Circular Economy concept
- Explain the importance of Life Cycle Analysis for developing more sustainable systems and the barriers to its use.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Five Minutes to Midnight? Ireland and Climate Change" by Hickey K
Publisher: White Row Press - "Global Warming: The Complete Briefing" by Houghton J
Publisher: Cambridge University Press - "A Short introduction to Climate Change" by Eggleton T.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press. - "Air Pollution and Global Warming: History, Science and Solutions" by Jacobsen M. Z.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press - "Climate and Weather, New Naturalist Series No. 115" by Kington J.
Publisher: Collins - "The City and the Coming Climate: Climate Change in the Places we Live" by Stone B
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPAB5113: CCAFS Research Project
PAB5113: CCAFS Research Project
12 months long | Credits: 30
The CCAFS research project placement will allow students to conduct research to address the challenges climate change poses to agriculture and food production and overall sustainable global development. The CCAFS research project will be conducted with partners & research groups who are engaged in research on climate change, agriculture and food security.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of the specific climate change challenges regarding sustainable global development in the region where CCAFS research project is conducted.
- Display a clear understanding of the implications of these challenges on sustainable production and global food security in the region of their CCAFS project placement.
- Identify and discuss the issues surrounding these challenges and related approaches to mitigation in a practical context in the region.
- Evaluate options for mitigation and adaptation stategies in the context of sustainable production and food security given the available resources.
- Identify future projects that can be valuable in the region of the CCAFS project placement.
- Engage in a research program or support an existing research program in the region of the CCASF research project that is already addressing some of the challenges of climate change, agriculture and food security.
Assessments
- Research (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module PAB5113: "CCAFS Research Project" and is valid from 2023 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPAB5108: Climate Change, Natural Resources & Livelihoods
PAB5108: Climate Change, Natural Resources & Livelihoods
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
This module deals with how climate change is affecting soils, microbes, water and marine systems, including impacts on sustainable livelihoods and livelihood security. In many instances, climate change impacts are requiring an urgent need for response measures that minimize current vulnerabilities. By understanding how climate change impacts on natural resources and capital, response and resilience systems for adaptation and mitigation of negative effects of climate change can be fostered.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Describe which social or economic groups within communities are particularly vulnerable to climate change
- Evaluate which resources are most important to the livelihoods of different social groups with respect to the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework.
- Identify how current climate hazards affect livelihoods and related resources of different groups
- Assess the vulnerability of water supplies, soils and nutrient cycles to climate change.
- Investigate adaptation and mitigation strategies to maintain viable livelihoods and agrifood when faced with climate change challenges to natural capital and ecosystem services.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module PAB5108: "Climate Change, Natural Resources & Livelihoods" and is valid from 2023 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPAB5109: AgriBiological Responses to Climate Change
PAB5109: AgriBiological Responses to Climate Change
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Global climate change impacts can already be observed in many physical and biological systems. Climate change will affect agriculture and forestry systems through higher temps, elevated CO2 concentration, precipitation changes, increased weeds, pests, and disease pressure, and increased vulnerability of carbon pools. This module will examine biological responses of plants/crops and agri-systems to climate changes.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the principal consequences of climate change on crop and livestock production in different parts of the world
- Explain the factors that determine Net Primary Productivity of agricultural systems, including the roles of different forms of photosynthesis.
- Give an overview of the outline of an agricultural breeding program and explain the importance of breeding programs for food security.
- Assess the risks of different biotic and abiotic stresses on species of agricultural importance, and how these might be mitigated.
- Appreciate the importance of agricultural biodiversity, biotechnology and genetic resources for climate-proofing agriculture.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Crop Adaptation to Climate Change" by Yadav et al.
Publisher: Wiley Blackwell. - "Climate Change and Agriculture: An economic analysis of global impact, adaptation and distributional effects." by Mendelsohn, R., and Dinar, A.
- "Plant growth and climate change" by Morison, J., and Moredroft, M.
- "Plants on the Margins" by Crawford, R.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
The MSc in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (MScCCAFS) is run by the School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, and aligned with the interdisciplinary Ryan Institute at the University of Galway. The course is delivered by leading experts on climate, change, agriculture and food security, in addition to many international experts and researchers who act as guest lecturers on the latest cutting edge thinking and topics.
Every module is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG2: Zero Hunger, SDG13: Climate Action and SDG15: Life on Land. There is also an important focus on social equity, including gender equality and climate justice, and the need for just transitions.
All modules are taught by world-leading scientists, thinkers and researchers in their areas of expertise. Students will encounter a wide variety of teaching methods including web-based learning, lectures, exercises, seminars, excursions and group/project work. Students also attend high-profile events organised by the Irish Forum for International Agricultural Development (https://ifiad.ie/).
The MScCCAFS program has strong partnership linkages to international development organisations globally, including across the UN System, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and leading international development NGOs.
The MScCCAFS builds your knowledge, skills and experiences across the broad fields of climate change, agri-food systems and food security. Taught modules are delivered by leading experts in these fields from the University and from guest lecturers around the world.
Our alumnus network includes graduates who are based in dozens of countries worldwide, in increasingly leading roles across government, research institutions, NGOs, companies, consultancies, universities and other entities.
Career mentoring, advice, strategy and facilitation is provided to all students on the MScCCAFS program to ensure that they can rapidly enter employment in relevant institutions and activities, where they can build from their interests, experience and training. The MScCCAFS program at University of Galway has a Theory of Change where the impact of the program on climate change, agriculture and food security globally is realised through our graduates.
Examples of current roles of past MScCCAFS graduates include:
- AI and Strategy Consultant for International Finance Corporation (IFC)/ World Bank Group.
- Postdoctoral Fellow on land-use planning for climate mitigation pathways to net zero.
- University Lecturer on climate change, agriculture and food security.
- Program Officer, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
- Project coordinator at CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance.
- Consultant, Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains at South Pole.
- Program Officer, Ireland’s Climate Change Advisory Council.
- Research Fellow, Environmental Change Institute (ECI), University of Oxford.
- Political Advisor, President of South Africa.
- Food and Agribusiness Analyst, Farrelly & Mitchell, Dublin.
- Youth Policy Board Member at the FAO’s World Food Forum Youth Assembly, leading the Bioeconomy thematic area.
- Business Sustainability Specialist at Bord Bia.
- Sustainability Specialist at Ornua Foods.
- Associate, Climate Rights International, San Francisco, USA.
- Researcher, Wageningen Economic Research (WEcR) institute, Netherlands.
- Environmental & Sustainability Officer, Midlands Meats, Ireland.
- Coordinator, Climate Systems Analysis Group, University of Cape Town.
- Project Manager, Forest Stewardship Council, Germany.
- Environmental Scientist, Jennings O'Donovan & Partners.
- CEO GreenEnergy Pacific, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
How Will I Be Assessed?
A range of assessment methods are integrated and applied throughout the MScCCAFS.
These include reports, data exercises, group presentations, online literature tests, and analysis of policy case studies. All students prepare receive communications and career training and produce a publication-style Thesis after their MScCCAFS research project.
Student engagement with many launches, symposia and visiting speakers is built into our modules, including visits to national Teagasc research centres, making online presentations critically evaluating progress in climate negotiations at the UNFCCC COP Climate Summits, and attending the Annual Conference of the Irish Forum for International Agricultural Development (IFIAD).
Both individual exercises and group work are integrated into our assessment, and peer-to-peer learning is an important element of the student experience.
EAT-Lancet Panel Discussion
Masters students from the MSc in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (MScCCAFS) recently attended a panel discussion on the latest EAT-Lancet Report. The event, run jointly by the Ryan Institute at the University of Galway with IFIAD, featured a panel discussion with course coordinator Dr. Peter McKeown and graduates Dr. Noel Ndlovu and Angharad Johnston. Students enjoyed sampling EAT-Lancet compatible foods during the event as well.
Participation in 10th Anniversary Galway Climathon
The MScCCAFS class recently attended the Ryan Institute’s 10th Climathon! The annual event challenges students, researchers, entrepreneurs and members of the public to pitch innovative ideas to enhance Galway City’s sustainability.
Completion of research surveys with smallholders in Zambia by Irish Aid-funded students
MSc CCAFS students Mukwiza Halwindi and Paul Kakumba recently wrapped up their research surveys, completed as part of their thesis work under the Legumes for Development (LEG4DEV) project.
Incoming class attend National Ploughing Championships
In yearly tradition, the MScCCAFS cohort attended the National Ploughing Championship in County Offaly. Students met with farmers, entrepreneurs and food system specialists across Ireland’s agricultural system.
Vietnamese Masters students meet with Ministers for Agriculture in Vietnam and Ireland
The 2024/25 Ireland Vietnam Agrifood Partnership (IVAP) Fellows met with Minister of State Noel Grealish recently, following the Minister’s visit to Vietnam. The fellows are studying in MScCCAFS, MScAST and MIDP courses through the support of the Ireland Vietnam Agrifood Partnership (IVAP), implemented by Sustainable Food Systems Ireland (SFSI) and funded by the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam.
MSc graduates publish theses in academic journals
MScCCAFS graduates work with MScCCAFS faculty where possible to published their research work in academic journals.
- Margareth Mollel, Programme Officer on Global Communities, has published her MScCCAFS thesis research, ‘Digital technologies to accelerate the impact of climate smart agriculture by next-generation farmers in Africa’ in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems.
- Jacinta Barrins, who has been leading the innovative 6 step Climate Course since graduation, published her MScCCAFS thesis work, ‘What constitutes “institutional arrangements” for Member State reporting within the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement?’ in PLOS Climate.
- Caitlin Breen, Business Sustainability Specialist at Bord Bia, has published her MScCCAGS thesis work: Legume seed system performance in sub-Saharan Africa: barriers, opportunities, and scaling options. A review’ in Springer Nature’s Agronomy for Sustainable Development.
Congratulations to our students for an outstanding achievement!
MScCCAFS graduate Noel Ndlovu awarded PhD
MScCCAFS graduate, Dr. Noel Ndlovu recently received his PhD in ‘Machine learning and genomics based LCA to optimize productivity and environmental sustainability’.
We are incredibly proud of Noel’s achievement and delighted that he will continue his research and teaching as a Lecturer on the MSc CCAFS program.
MScCCAFS graduate Angharad Johnston works on legume scaling in sub-Saharan Africa
MScCCAFS graduate Angharad Johnston recently returned from field trips to Ethiopia and Kenya as part of her work as Project Manager on the Legumes for Development (LEG4DEV) project. Angharad, who has been working with Prof. Charles Spillane as Project Manager of the €7.2 million EU-funded LEG4DEV project, represented the project at CGIAR’s inaugural Science Week in Nairobi, Kenya in April.
All members of our MScCCAFS Faculty are world-leading researchers in their fields of interest. More than 20 MScCCAFS theses have given rise to subsequent publications, which are consistently geared to the production of peer-reviewed publications, or of working papers of direct relevance for partner organisations or other stakeholders.
Examples include:
Fundira T et al. (2025) ‘Entrepreneurship pathways for scaling legume-based agroecological intensification in Eastern and Southern Africa. A review’, Journal of Agriculture and Food Research.
Barrens et al. (2025) ‘What constitutes “institutional arrangements” for Member State reporting for UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement?’ PLoS Climate.
Ndlovu et al. (2024) ‘Genomic loci associated with grain yield under well-watered and water-stressed conditions through linkage mapping and genomic selection in multiple bi-parental maize populations’, Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems.
Silchenko et al. (2023) ‘Assessing the Evidence: Migration, Environment and Climate Change in Ireland’. International Organization for Migration, Dublin.
Rehberger et al. (2023) ‘What climate and environmental benefits of regenerative agriculture practices? an evidence review’, Environmental Research Communications.
Liddy et al. (2023) ‘Food mapping approaches for understanding food system transitions in rapid-growth city regions in the Global South’, Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems.
Huber et al. (2023) ‘Climate-related migration & the climate-security-migration nexus in the C. American Dry Corridor’, Climatic Change.
Ferguson et al (2022) ‘Can remote sensing enable a Biomass Climate Adaptation Index for agricultural systems?’, Frontiers in Climate.
Hanley et al (2021) ‘Impacts of climate smart agriculture interventions on food security and diet diversity in climate smart villages in Myanmar: Insights from community level studies’, Climate Journal.
McLaughlin et al. (2020) ‘Development and Impact Monitoring of a Communication Strategy for the CGIAR Climate Security Program’, CCAFS Working Papers.
Colgan J, McDougall C, Murray U, Spillane C, McKeown PC, Hossain M (2019) ‘Can climate-smart aquaculture enable women's empowerment in Bangladesh?’ WorldFish, Penang, Malaysia.
Costelloe et al. (2018) ‘A strategic approach to collaborative resource mobilization for climate change, agriculture and food security research’. CCAFS Info Note. Wageningen, Netherlands: CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS).
Petitti et al. (2018) ‘Future proofing decentralised evolutionary wheat populations’ seed systems in Italy using a climate analogues approach: the example of Tuscany’, Proc. Symp. Breeding for Diversification.
Course queries:
una.canney@universityofgalway.ie
Programme Director:
Prof. Charles Spillane,
E: charles.spillane@universityofgalway.ie
Programme Coordinator:
Dr. Peter McKeown,
E: peter.mckeown@universityofgalway.ie
School of Biological & Chemical Sciences
College of Science and Engineering
University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL) and prior experiential learning (RPEL).
Candidates who do not meet the usual entry requirements may be eligible for consideration under this scheme and are encouraged to contact the MScCCAFS Coordinator, Dr. Peter McKeown, for guidance.
Graduates of the MScCCAFS will be able to:
- Demonstrate a breadth of understanding of the complexities of climate change, agriculture & food security topics.
- Apply systems learning and circular bioeconomy approach to critically evaluate proposed solutions for agricultural resilience and food systems transformation.
- Work individually and in groups to make presentations describing outcomes of negotiations at COP Climate Summit meetings.
- Develop tools for improved climate communication and stakeholder engagement.
- Develop research study skills which may incorporate qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches.
- Gain familiarity with a breadth of tools for CCAFS advances, including survey-based approaches, climate scenarios, crop modelling, GIS and statistical approaches.
- Develop their strengths and confidence in self-directed learning, technically proficient English and critical analysis of supporting policy documents.
Accreditations & Awards
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With climate change happening in real time around me, I knew I had to do something. The MScCCAFS course ticked all the boxes in what I wanted to study. It armed me with the knowledge to transition into the role of a Sustainability and Wellbeing Consultant. I now work with a company that is making strides in developing net zero strategies and reducing carbon emissions from the construction and real estate industries. The course covered so many topics, I had the opportunity to work with a partner host organisation in Hanoi, Vietnam an amazing experience that opened my eyes to climate injustice.
Alexandra Bracken
Graduate, MScCCAFS, 2019
The MScCCAFS is a well-structured course that provides students with the required skills and tools to become global leaders in innovation for climate adaptation and sustainable agri-food systems. It created opportunities for me to work with various international organizations that support sustainable agri-food systems -including the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (Europe and Central Asia) and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center. If you are looking for a course that brings together scientific, technological, social and policy aspects of sustainability.
Noel Ndlovu
MScCAFFS graduate, 2021
The MSc (Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security) offered deep insight into global food systems, sustainability, and how agriculture shapes climate change. From my scientific background I valued the mix of climate and agricultural science alongside policy and socio-economic perspectives. Students from across the world enriched discussions with international viewpoints. A research project developed my practical research skills and showed real-world applications. I finished with strong subject knowledge, global awareness and lasting professional connections. Highly recommended for leaders.
Caitlin Breen
Business Sustainability Specialist, Bord Bia
Meet our Employers
Entry Requirements and Fees
Minimum Entry Requirements
Candidates must normally hold at least a Second Class Honours Level 8 primary degree in a related subject area, or have relevant equivalent experiential learning.
Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.
English Language Entry Requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not recently studied through English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 5.5 in any band) or equivalent.
More information on English language test equivalency are available here.
You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.
Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.
You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.
Closing Dates
For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.
Notes
- You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
- Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.
Fees for Academic Year 2026/27
| Course Type | Year | EU Tuition | Student Contribution | Non-EU Tuition | Levy | Total Fee | Total EU Fee | Total Non-EU Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masters Full Time | 1 | €8,900 | €28,500 | €140 | €9,040 | €28,640 |
For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.
Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here.
Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships
This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if:
- You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
- You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.
An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.
Global Scholarships
University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.
Application Process
Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.
Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.
Further Information
Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.
Why University of Galway?
World renowned research led university nestled in the vibrant heart of Galway city on Ireland's scenic West Coast.
Contact the College of Science and Engineering
University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland, H91 TK33
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Meet Our Alumni
Course Introduction
The MScCCAFS program provides motivated students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills in climate change, agriculture, and food security. Our classes are international and multidisciplinary, where we accept students from any background. Our graduates are “Agents of Change” who enable climate mitigation, adaptation, resilience and just transitions in agriculture and food systems globally.
