Research in Environmental and Climate Change Policy

This course is available for on-campus & remote (online) learning. All students participate in interactive, real-time classes. This is a research-intensive course that allows students to explore in greater depth a research topic of their own choice in the area of environmental, development and climate change policy. Students will undertake independent research, supported by the course convenor and provided resources. The course is intended to foster students' capabilities and confidence in defining an important research question, developing a rigorous and feasible approach/method, and writing a coherent and compelling research paper. Generally, students undertake policy analysis, conceptual or literature syntheses, or analysis of existing and accessible materials. The final research paper, targeted at around 5,000 words in length, serves to establish and demonstrate the students' area of expertise. High achieving students have pursued, and succeeded in achieving, formal academic publication of their research papers. The course is based around 'class meetings' that are responsive to student needs, and highly discussion-based. Peer learning occurs through these class meetings, as well as a special session toward the end of semester when students present the findings of their research.