As an international student, deciding what to pursue for my Master’s was one of the biggest steps I had ever taken. It became even more daunting by the fact that I was stepping into entirely unfamiliar territory. Coming from a Mass Communication background, I assumed that enrolling in the MSc Climate Change programme would mean drowning in complex science. Even knowing it was an interdisciplinary module, I prepared myself for the worst. As it turns out, I could not have been more wrong.

Studying within the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED), and Geography being one of the oldest departments in the University of Manchester opened my eyes to a world far richer and more nuanced than I had imagined. From day one, I discovered that climate change is not simply a scientific phenomenon. It is a social, political, cultural and deeply human one. The course introduced me to both physical and social sciences, and while my background naturally drew me towards the latter, what surprised me most was how much I appreciated both.

In my first semester, I encountered a physical science module called Climate change: Past, Present and Future and frankly, it intimidated me. I had never interpreted raw scientific data or constructed scientific graphs from scratch. There were errors, revisions, moments of self-doubt, but with the patient guidance of my module professors, I pushed through. By the end, I had done something I had never done before. That quite sense of achievement stayed with me.

Alongside that, modules like Climate Emergency introduced me to the social science dimensions of climate change. One topic that truly captivated me was the study of climate change perception across different global audiences and how people understand, feel and respond to climate crisis based on their geography and their cultural and socio- political contexts.

Now in my second semester, the learning has only deepened. Climate change Knowledge and Politics has been a genuine revelation that encouraged me to look beyond the conventional scientific narratives and consider artistic approaches, indigenous knowledge systems, and other unheard voices in climate action. It is a kind of intellectual stretch that reminds me why my decision to pursue postgraduate study was worth it. Meanwhile, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation module is equipping me with a solid understanding of policy frameworks and how to translate climate science into actionable recommendations, including drafting policy briefs for policymakers as an assignment.

The interdisciplinary nature of the course helps me learn alongside and from outstanding geographers whose expertise spans disciplines, and that cross-pollination of ideas makes every lecture insightful. As an international student navigating a new academic culture, I have also been fortunate to have professors who are genuinely approachable and invested in their students’ growth

Beyond the classroom, I serve as both the Academic Representative and a Student Ambassador for my course and the department. These roles have strengthened my ability to advocate, communicate and lead. The applied Study Unit module also helped me secure a work placement, giving me industry experience at a stage when everything still feels new.

Studying Geography at SEED has crystallised something profound for me: I feel there is a significant gap in how climate change is communicated to the wider non- scientific communities. That realisation has shaped my ambition to become someone who bridges the world of climate science and understanding.

Because in Geography, when physical science meets social science, it does not just inform the world. It has the power to change it.

Written by Devarsh, a current postgraduate student in SEED. 

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