In September 2024, we welcomed the first cohort of students enrolled in our new MSt in Climate, Environmental, and Urban Policy. Now, with the cohort back in Cambridge for their second residential, we catch up with them to find out what prompted them to join the course and how they’re finding it so far.

This is the second in a series of articles about the first cohort of the new MSt in Climate, Environmental, and Urban Policy. Read the first instalment here.

Urban planning professional based in Alberta, Canada

Tell us a bit about your professional background and career to date. What do you do? How did you get into the line of work you’re in?

I’m a Canadian-based planning professional who assists several municipalities in northwest Alberta, Canada, to navigate complex planning challenges. A native of Ghana, I have a BSc in Planning from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, as well as an MSc in Planning from the University of British Columbia in Canada.

I joined my current employer, Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency, in 2017 as a municipal planner, where I advised and worked with multiple municipalities—both rural and urban, small and large—on myriad planning projects, including land use and zoning bylaws, strategic and long-range planning, policy development, recreation planning and revitalization initiatives. In 2022, I was promoted to my current position as manager of planning, where, in addition to mentoring new planning staff, I oversee the delivery of full suite planning services to client municipalities. 

What made you want to apply for the MSt in CEUP? How do you see the course fitting in with your longer-term personal or professional goals?

Over the course of my professional career, and particularly within the past few years, I’ve gained renewed interest in the sustainability transition and the role of urban planning within it. This is partly driven by some burgeoning issues and challenges that are confronting the municipalities and wider region I live and work in, which are directly or indirectly linked to climate change: sustained dry periods, wildfires, overland flooding, heatwaves and housing insecurity.

While my planning education and background have without doubt given me some useful insight into the nexus between climate change and urban planning, so much has changed over the course of the past decade, highlighting some knowledge gaps, including new analytical tools. This, plus my desire to develop a niche expertise in public policy and urban planning as an aspiring academic and policy expert in the long-term, led me in search of a postgraduate programme that fuses climate science and sustainability transition with governance, law, policy, economics and urban design.

However, there were three important caveats, namely: (i) that I can pursue my education without quitting my job; (ii) that the course is both rigorous and offered by a globally reputable institution; and (iii) that the fees are relatively affordable. Thankfully, the MSt in Climate, Environmental, and Urban Policy at Cambridge met all three criteria, which informed my decision to apply.

How have you found the course so far?

The MSt in CEUP has been both exciting and challenging at the same time. So far, it has exceeded my expectations. Several reasons account for this, but three of these deserve mention.

First, the course instructors, some of whom are leading experts in the field of climate change law, public policy, environmental economics and urban planning, are very knowledgeable and engaging.

Second, though intense, the residential sessions, which allow students to come to campus to engage with course materials through lectures, seminars, and tours while immersed in Cambridge’s beautiful and historic milieu, are perhaps the most rewarding part of the programme. Unlike many traditional online programs, which allow students to complete their studies independently and online, the MSt is a uniquely designed and blended programme, in that it combines in-person learning with independent work, ongoing virtual supervisory and pastoral support, optional online discussion sessions, access to both college and campus-wide virtual events as well as mentoring opportunities, making students feel a full part of the Cambridge community.

Finally, as one would expect, Cambridge attracts some of the brightest minds in the world. While this can be intimidating at first, you’d be surprised to learn that many students feel the same way about other students too, including you! But in the end, each student within the cohort (which includes not just planners, but career diplomats, asset portfolio managers, UN staff, World Bank officials, corporate leaders and former journalists) brings their own unique perspectives, thus enriching both the programme and experience.

Is there anything you wish you’d known before you applied? What would you say to someone thinking of applying for the course?

I wish I had discovered the programme early on—that is, several months before the application deadline, to give me enough time to put together my application and required documentation. For some reason, I only discovered the MSt in CEUP by chance online barely a month prior to the application deadline, which gave me a small window of opportunity to prepare and submit my application (including personal statement, research proposal, CV and reference request/support). I am, however, very glad and grateful that I gave it a shot and was offered a place.

Since the MSt in CEUP is designed for working professionals, emphasis is placed on both professional accomplishments and academic achievement, so even if you didn’t graduate in the top 5% of your class, you may succeed in persuading the admissions committee to give you a chance, if you make a strong case for yourself, through your write-ups, reference letters and interview. I would strongly urge anyone who is on the fence to give it a go!

Energy Consultant

Tell us a bit about your professional background and career to date. What do you do? How did you get into the line of work you’re in?

I am currently an Energy Consultant at Guidehouse, supporting the U.S. Department of Energy. My work focuses on delivering clean energy projects to rural and remote communities across the U.S., managing a $1 billion portfolio to drive sustainable development and increase energy access.

My journey into this field started with a deep interest in community development and environmental policy. Prior to my current role, I worked at Opportunity Finance Network, where I supported Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in addressing critical issues such as climate resilience, affordable housing, and racial equity. My work allowed me to engage with diverse stakeholders—from tribal nations to corporate investors—helping to mobilize millions in funding for community-driven projects.

This trajectory has given me a unique perspective on the intersection of policy, finance, and sustainability, ultimately inspiring me to pursue further expertise in climate, environmental, and urban policy.

What made you want to apply for the MSt in CEUP? How do you see the course fitting in with your longer-term personal or professional goals?

I applied for the MSt in Climate, Environmental, and Urban Policy at Cambridge because I wanted to build a stronger foundation in clean energy and environmental policy. My work has given me first-hand experience in supporting clean energy projects, but I recognized gaps in my knowledge—particularly around energy policy, grid infrastructure, and climate adaptation. I wanted a more comprehensive understanding of these topics so I could be a stronger advocate for the communities I serve and help ensure they have equitable access to sustainable energy solutions.

This program stood out because of its interdisciplinary approach, combining policy analysis, economics, and urban planning with a focus on climate solutions. In the long term, I hope to use what I’ve learned to bridge the gap between policy and real-world implementation, making sure government initiatives and private investments lead to tangible, community-driven outcomes, both in the U.S. and globally.

How have you found the course so far?

The course has been an incredibly rewarding experience so far, and one of the best parts has been the people. My classmates come from such diverse backgrounds, spanning different industries, countries, and phases of their careers. Some are early in their professional journeys, while others have decades of experience in government, NGOs, or the private sector. Learning from them has been just as valuable as the coursework itself. They've become not just colleagues but friends—I love that even when we’re just sitting at lunch, we’re having fascinating conversations that range from energy policy to urban design to global sustainability challenges.

Additionally, the faculty and staff have been wonderful. The level of support and expertise they bring to the program has made the learning experience even more engaging. The interdisciplinary nature of the course has challenged me in all the right ways, pushing me to think critically about climate and urban policy from multiple perspectives. It’s exceeded my expectations, not just in terms of academic rigor but also in the incredible network of people I now have around me.

Is there anything you wish you’d known before you applied? What would you say to someone thinking of applying for the course?

For anyone considering applying, I would encourage them to have a clear sense of how they want to use the knowledge gained from this program. The course offers incredible resources and opportunities, but the more intentional you are about your goals, the more you will benefit from it.

The MSt in Climate, Environmental, and Urban Policy is a two-year, part-time master’s course for professionals. It is taught through a combination of online distance learning and eight weeks of intensive in-person residentials in Cambridge.

Applications for September 2025 entry are open until 30 April 2025. Find out more and apply online now by visiting our course page.