TISS introduces masters in climate change

If you are interested in studying climate change, head to Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

The first such course in India, the two-year masters’ programme will start from next academic year of 2012-2013.

Offered by the school of Habitat Sciences at TISS, the course will focus on creating professionals to deal with the burning issue with socio-economic-political analysis.

“There is a dire need of professionals to deal with this issue. ‘Going Green’ is the emerging way for development and environment care to go hand in hand. Thus, the government as well as the corporate sectors needs professional minds to provide such solutions,” said T Jayraman, dean of the School of Habitat Science, at TISS.

There have been short-term programmes conducted by environmental organisations on the climate change issue but this is the first one to offer a masters’ degree.

Jayraman said: “In the current era, one needs to understand that development needs to be sustainable. The course will include technicalities to understand the science behind the issue. Another part will deal with the socio-economic-political understanding of the issue to provide practical solutions.”

The course will start with a batch of 15 students in the first year and the seats would be increased to 25. The institute eventually plans to bring in specialisation in water policy and energy policy in the second year.

“We want to make trained professionals to be able to think and look for solutions. In the current era, public as well as private sector companies have departments to work on action plan on climate change. Environment-related departments of the government and corporate social responsibility departments of the private sector are looking for professionals who will have the grip of this issue,” said Jayraman.