Environmental Governance

Environmental Governance at the University of Essex equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex environmental challenges through effective policy-making, institutional management, and sustainable development practices. This programme offers a multidisciplinary approach, combining insights from politics, law, economics, and environmental science to prepare graduates for careers in government agencies, NGOs, international organizations, and private sector companies focused on environmental issues. Students explore topics such as environmental law and policy, governance frameworks, climate change adaptation and mitigation, resource management, and sustainable development strategies. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical applications, including case studies and project work, to deepen understanding of environmental governance processes at local, national, and global levels. The programme fosters an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of various actors involved in environmental decision-making, as well as the political and socio-economic factors influencing environmental policies. With a strong emphasis on research and practical engagement, students have opportunities to participate in internships, fieldwork, and collaborations with industry partners. The programme aims to produce graduates who are capable of designing, implementing, and evaluating environmental policies that promote sustainability, resilience, and equitable resource distribution. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in policy analysis, environmental consultancy, advocacy, and leadership roles in sustainability initiatives. The course also provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing further academic research or postgraduate study in related fields. Access to our extensive networks, dedicated faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities ensure a comprehensive learning environment that supports academic excellence and professional development. Overall, the Environmental Governance programme at Essex prepares students to become effective change-makers committed to creating sustainable solutions for some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.

A Masters course is an academically rigorous programme during which you explore your subject in depth, reaching a high level of specialist knowledge. You draw on knowledge and skills from your undergraduate study or your professional life to produce work of a high academic standard, informed by current thinking and debate.
A Masters course lasts for twelve months (full-time), starting in October, and consists of taught modules during your autumn and spring terms, and normally a research-based dissertation or other project-based work submitted in September. Your balance of modules and research varies according to the subject but, typically, your research counts for 60 credits and there are 120 credits of modules, varying from 10 to 40 credits each. (If you are from the EU, then our Masters courses are regarded as second-cycle qualifications under the Bologna Declaration and consist of 90 ECTS credits).
In some subjects, Postgraduate or Graduate Certificates and Diplomas are available, which last for six to nine months (full-time) and consist of 60 or 120 credits, respectively. These include the modules and assessed work of a Masters, without a dissertation. Our Graduate Diplomas equip those with a Bachelors with knowledge to proceed to a Masters in a different subject.
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Modules
Compulsory modules
Dissertation: Environmental-Based Masters Courses
Natural Resources
Research Skills And Data Analysis

Optional modules
Climate Change
Colonialism, Culture And Human Rights
Conservation Management And Practice
Environmental Economics
International Environmental Politics
Managing For Ethics And Sustainability
Natural Resources
Pollution: Impacts And Management
Research Skills And Data Analysis
Sustainability
The New Nature Writing
The Wild East

Core modules must be taken and passed.
Core with options modules selected from limited lists must be taken and passed.
Compulsory modules must be taken.
Compulsory with options modules selected from limited lists must be taken.
Optional modules are selected from course specific lists.

The MSc in Environmental Governance at the University of Essex requires applicants to have a good undergraduate degree, typically a second-class honours degree or equivalent, in a relevant discipline such as environmental studies, politics, geography, social sciences, or a related field. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a strong interest in environmental issues, policy-making processes, and sustainable development. Prior experience in environmental projects or activism may be considered an asset but is not mandatory. The program encourages applications from both recent graduates and practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of governance frameworks influencing environmental management.

Prospective students must submit an online application through the university's admissions portal, providing academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining their motivation and suitability for the programme, and references. International applicants need to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS, with a typical required score of 6.5 overall, with no individual component below 5.5, unless they have completed previous studies in English-medium institutions.

The program comprises several core and optional modules, with a total of credits that fulfill degree requirements. Core modules include topics like Environmental Policy, Governance and Institutions, Sustainable Development, and Research Methods. Optional modules may cover areas such as Climate Change Policy, Environmental Law, and Resource Management, enabling students to tailor their studies to their interests.

To successfully complete the MSc in Environmental Governance, students must undertake a dissertation involving independent research on an approved environmental governance topic. This research project allows students to apply theoretical frameworks, methodological skills, and policy analysis techniques learned during the course. Throughout the programme, students participate in lectures, seminars, group work, and practical exercises. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, case study analyses, and the dissertation.

The programme aims to equip students with critical analytical skills, understanding of environmental governance structures, and practical policy-making tools to contribute effectively to environmental management and sustainable development initiatives worldwide. It prepares graduates for careers in governmental agencies, NGOs, international organizations, research institutions, or consultancy firms focused on environmental governance and sustainability policies.

Tuition fees for the Environmental Governance program at the University of Essex vary depending on the student's residency status and study mode. For international students enrolling full-time, the annual tuition fee is approximately £16,500. For home (UK) students, the fee is around £9,250 per year. Part-time study options typically allow students to pay fees proportionally, with annual costs adjusting accordingly. Funding opportunities include university scholarships, which are awarded based on academic merit or financial need; these can reduce the overall tuition costs. Additionally, students may be eligible for government loans, such as the Student Loans Company in the UK, which provide financial support for tuition fees and living expenses. The University of Essex also participates in employer-sponsored funding schemes and offers information on external scholarships and grants from various funding bodies. To assist with living costs, students can consider applying for government grants, bursaries, or student maintenance loans, depending on eligibility criteria. International students are encouraged to explore visa regulations and associated costs, which may include health surcharges and visa application fees. The university’s financial services provide detailed guidance on the application process for financial aid, as well as advice on managing tuition payments and budgeting throughout the course. It is advisable for prospective students to consult the university’s official website or contact the admissions office directly to obtain the most current information on fees and available funding options, as these figures are subject to change annually.

The MSc Environmental Governance at the University of Essex is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the political, social, economic, and environmental factors that influence the governance of environmental issues on local, national, and global scales. The program offers a multidisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from politics, policy analysis, law, sustainability science, and international relations to prepare students for careers in environmental policy, advocacy, research, or consultancy. Students will explore contemporary challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and resource management, learning to develop effective strategies for sustainable environmental governance. The curriculum includes core modules on environmental politics, governance frameworks, policy analysis, and research methods, complemented by optional modules that allow specialization in areas such as resource management, environmental law, and social innovation. Throughout their studies, students engage in critical debates, case studies, and practical projects that develop their analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. The program also emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement, ethical considerations, and the role of international institutions in shaping environmental policies. With access to Essex’s strong research community and facilities, students can benefit from expert lectures, seminars, and collaborative research opportunities. Graduates of the MSc in Environmental Governance are well-prepared for roles in governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, consulting firms, or further academic research. The program’s location in the UK, a hub for environmental policy development, offers additional networking and employment opportunities in the field. The university’s commitment to sustainability and interdisciplinary research underscores its focus on solving real-world environmental challenges through innovative governance solutions.