MSc in

Climate policy and regional development

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About the programme

Drive impactful change towards climate resilience, from local communities to global strategies.

Gain the knowledge and skills needed to contribute creatively to the formulation of policies, strategies, and plans for climate-resilient development at local, national, and global levels
Become an expert with multidisciplinary knowledge — including economics, policy, economic geography, and spatial planning —enabling you to analyse environmental issues holistically
Focus on addressing challenges and development opportunities in specific sectors such as energy, food, and tourism, as well as in regions particularly affected by climate change
Develop a deep understanding of EU policy, while also recognising regional differences and alternative perspectives
Understand both key dimensions of building climate resilience: reducing emissions (mitigation) and preparing for a warmer world (adaptation)
Learn to analyse and display spatial data using GIS software
The programme is taught in partnership with the Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research, leading experts on climate and energy policy in CEE
Graduates are prepared for analytical, planning, and research roles, or to lead teams in the public, non-profit, academic, and private sectors

Who is expected to attend the training

This programme is designed for students who wish to actively shape the future of their communities and enabling them to thrive in the era of climate change.

We will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to transform your concern for climate and environmental issues into practical knowledge and effective, real-world solutions. We welcome students from a diverse range of academic and professional backgrounds who are eager to engage with complex problems requiring multidisciplinary approaches and critical thinking. If you aspire to a career that goes beyond personal success to make a positive contribution to the sustainable development of your community and the wider world, this programme is for you.

Details

Programme name Climate policy and regional development

Programme award Master, MSc

ECTS 60

Duration 2 semesters (1 years)

Teaching hours 20 hours / week

Includes internship No

Start date September 2026

Tuition fee (EEA)

990 000 HUF/semester

cca. 2 500 EUR/semester*

Tuition fee (Non-EEA)

3 700 EUR/semester

*The official price list can be found in the annex to the Regulation on Student Fees and Benefits.

This programme is only available in English.

How to take the exam

Most courses are assesed through a combination of various individual or group assignments during the semester and a final examination. Some courses are graded based on assignments only or exam only. The final assesment of the programme consists of a thesis defence.

Corvinus University of Budapest

What will you study?

Semester 1

Core Modules*

Climate Policy
Tourism Policy and Governance in a Changing Environment
Contemporary Regional Geography
Territorial Statistics and GIS

Semester 2

Core Modules*

Sustainable Food Security
Governance of the Energy Transition
Sustainable Spatial Planning and Development

* The above is not an exhaustive list. Corvinus University of Budapest reserves the right to change modules.

International opportunities

Exchange programmes

Corvinus has nearly 200 partners worldwide, and depending on the type of funding, you can apply to study at these institutions.

Application for international students

Application for Hungarian students

Corvinus University of Budapest

Anna Széchy

Associate Professor

Program Director

Responding effectively to the challenge of climate change is vital for the future of communities, countries, and the world as a whole. While all sectors of society have a role to play, policy can make the greatest difference, as it has the power to shape the actions not only of public actors but also of individuals and companies. Within our programme, you will learn from leading experts in climate policy, spatial planning, and key sectors essential for achieving climate resilience, enabling you to become an active participant in shaping future policies.

The EU is a global forerunner in ambitious and innovative climate action. Based in Budapest, we are uniquely positioned to provide you with in-depth insights into EU policy, while recognising the need to adapt these ambitious approaches to diverse local contexts and balance them with other development goals. Climate resilience involves both reducing emissions to limit global warming and preparing for a warmer world. While mitigation requires global cooperation translated into local action, adaptation is even more deeply rooted in local needs and capabilities.

Our programme offers you comprehensive knowledge of international climate governance alongside an understanding of its spatial dimensions, preparing you for decision-making, analytical, or advisory roles at any level of climate policy.

Corvinus University of Budapest

Vad Demenski

Estonia

Student

Corvinus is very much the Oxford of Hungary, so coming to study here means you’re surrounded by incredible people with fresh perspectives that can actually impact the world. The Corvinus student life is vibrant, where you get to talk to a wide cast of students from all around the globe – I’ve made friends with someone from every continent besides Antarctica here. Corvinus is the place to be if you want to enjoy your student life while not compromising academic success.

Leading university

Rankings

#3 Best Business School in the region

EdUniversal Rankings

#351-400 in Business and Management

QS WUR Ranking by Subject

TOP 70 in Master’s in Finance in the world

Financial Times

Accreditations and networks

Career Opportunities

National & local governments, including government agencies
International organisations (EU institutions, UN agencies)
Think tanks and consultancy firms specialising in climate policy or regional development
NGOs (national or international) active in climate policy or regional development

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