Master of Science by Coursework in Environmental Change and Policy

1. The programme shall be under the supervision of the Graduate Teaching and Examinations Committee of the School of Geography and the Environment.

2. Each candidate will be required to follow a course of instruction in Environmental Change and Policy for one year full-time.

3. Candidates must complete assessments as detailed below, and also attend two electives.

4. Critical Literature Review – Candidates must submit a 4,000 word critical literature review by noon on Thursday of week -1 of Hilary term.

5. Policy Brief – Candidates will sit a written examination during early Trinity term.

6. Funding Application – Candidates must submit a 6,000 word funding application by noon on Tuesday of week 3 of Trinity term.

7. Research - Candidates must:

(a) submit a 1,500 word research proposal by noon on Tuesday of week 1 of Trinity term;

(b) give an oral presentation on the preliminary findings from their research on a date published in the course handbook, usually in late July;

(c) submit an 8,000 word research paper by noon on the first Tuesday in September.

Elements of the dissertation proposal and oral presentation may be submitted as part of the research paper providing:

(i) the material has not been submitted in whole or in part for another degree of the University of Oxford, or a degree of any other university, and the candidate submits a statement to that effect;

(ii) the research paper itself is substantially new; 

(iii) the candidate also submits a statement specifying the extent of what is new.

8. Candidates should refer to the Course Handbook for full details of the requirements for each assessment. 

9. All assessments must be submitted using the University approved online submission system. Technical information on the requirements for online submission is provided in the Course Handbook. 

10. Candidates who fail the critical literature review will have the opportunity to resubmit on the Thursday of week 8 of Hilary term. Candidates who fail the policy brief examination will have the opportunity to resit the examination during the September resit period. Candidates who fail the research proposal and/or funding application will have the opportunity to resubmit the failed assessment(s) in mid-July. Candidates who fail the oral presentation on the preliminary findings from their research, will have the opportunity to make a further presentation the following Michaelmas term. Candidates will be informed of the exact dates for further presentations after the exam board has confirmed that reassessment is required. Candidates who fail the research paper will have an opportunity to resubmit on the first working Thursday in January.

11. Candidates may be examined viva voce if required by the examiners.