Shaping Climate Change Policy – The Role of Management Consultancy and Thought Leadership - - MScR in Global Environmental Challenges

About the Project
Management and other consulting firms like McKinsey & Co. are key players in the climate change arena. Controversially, they seek to shape debates through ’thought leadership’ in the form of research reports and keynote speeches. These are often easily accessible and yet we know little about the rhetoric they use nor of how both large and small consulting firms link with other actors like thinktanks and NGOs to promote their services or support other corporate clients. This research will explore this feature of policy advisory systems and focus on the rhetoric used in thought leadership and/or the social networks developed.

Why Choose this Opportunity
You will have the opportunity to see something of the politics of climate change as well as the content of the latest policy areas. You will also work as part of a wider research project on the subject of the role of management consultancy and thought leadership.

About You
Ideally, you will have an ability or interest in unpacking what lies behind text and speeches and/or unravelling networks of people over time, from internet based sources among others. You may also be involved in interviewing expert sources such as those in communications, including journalists.

About the programme
The Cabot Institute Masters by Research is a unique opportunity to work with a leading supervisor to deliver a one-year research project that you are passionate about. The programme will bring together exceptional students from all backgrounds with a common mission – protecting the planet and securing our future. As well as learning from your supervisor, you will learn from your fellow students; coming together to share your ideas and developing your problem-solving skills as part of an interdisciplinary team over the year. As well as being hosted within the Cabot Institute you will have a direct relationship within the relevant School for your research area, allowing you to fully take advantage of a wide-ranging research community.
Alongside your research project, you will benefit from a unique personal development and transferable skills training schedule. These unaccredited, optional events will give you the opportunity to come together with your peers to improve your research skills and develop an innovative approach to the global challenges we face today. You will also be encouraged to propose your own interests for a seminar series, giving you a unique platform to mould your studies and get involved directly with the programme. The training schedule will focus on:
• Interdisciplinarity & Collaboration
• Innovation & Enterprise
• Making your research a success
• Research communications
• Ignite your interests (your chance to propose ideas for a seminar series)
You will also gain access to the Cabot Institute’s network of experts across academia, government, business and industry via networking events. These opportunities will not only support your research, but give you the edge in your future career, whatever that may be.