When Kirsten Duncan first heard of the Master of Climate Change at the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, she knew the degree would be the perfect opportunity to explore her interest in environmental policy.

Kirsten is currently in her second year of the Master of Climate Change and also works as a Senior Graphic Designer for science communication company Biotext. Kirsten says that the flexibility of this Master degree has provided her with an opportunity to develop a unique program in accordance with her interests, current employment and career goals.

“I’ve been able to tailor the degree to my existing skills in communication while broadening my understanding of the social, economic and political drivers and scientific processes of climate change and its impacts,” she said.

“It has given me a variety of analytical tools and critical thinking skills, which I’ve developed through examining case studies from around the world.”

Kirsten says one of the highlights of the degree has been her interactions with renowned ANU academics, as well as with the diverse student cohort.

“It is phenomenal to be taught by so many leading academics in the Crawford and Fenner Schools who are actively involved in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, government and NGO processes; not to mention making friends with students from places like Malawi, Mongolia and Kiribati who all bring their rich real-world experiences to the classroom.”

Kirsten has already compiled an impressive career, holding various roles across government and private organisations including the Royal Australian Navy, JP Morgan, the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Looking ahead, she hopes to use her degree to help solve the complex environmental problems facing our world.

“My intention is to utilise the skills and knowledge gained through my degree to encourage the community to have more and deeper conversations about climate change, its drivers and impacts, and to participate in the social and economic transformation we need to mitigate and adapt to it.”

The Master of Climate Change is jointly facilitated by the Fenner School of Environment & Society and the Crawford School of Public Policy. Find out more about the program.