Anthropology Environment and Development

The Anthropology, Environment and Development programme at University College London offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum that explores the complex relationships between human societies and their natural environments. This programme is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of cultural, social, ecological, and political dimensions of environmental issues across the globe. Students will examine the ways in which different communities interact with their environments, addressing critical topics such as climate change, sustainability, resource management, and environmental justice through anthropological perspectives. The course combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, allowing students to develop analytical skills, ethnographic research techniques, and policy analysis competencies. Throughout the programme, students engage with a diverse array of case studies from various regions, fostering a global perspective on development challenges. The curriculum includes modules on ethnography, ecological anthropology, political ecology, and global development, among others. Practical components such as fieldwork, participatory research, and internships provide valuable hands-on experience. The programme prepares graduates for careers in environmental consultancy, policy-making, development agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and academia. Students will also benefit from the university’s world-class research facilities and close ties with international organizations working on environmental and development issues. Graduates of this programme will gain the skills necessary to critically analyze the social and environmental impacts of development projects and to contribute to sustainable solutions that respect cultural diversity. By integrating anthropological insights with environmental science and development studies, the programme offers a unique educational experience that enhances students’ understanding of global challenges and empowers them to make meaningful contributions to society.

Drawing on the strengths of our broad-based department and expertise in human ecology, social anthropology and demography, key areas of investigation include: the implications of changing environments for production systems and human welfare, the sustainable use of natural resources in developing countries and the environmental and welfare impacts of changing patterns of resource use with development.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of three core modules (60 credits), two optional modules (30 credits) and a research dissertation (90 credits).

Core modules

• Resource Use and Impacts
• Anthropological Research Methods
• Statistics

Optional modules

Choose two options from within the department - and in some cases outside the department - including at least one of the following that have been designed specifically for this programme:

• The Ecology of Human Groups
• Population and Development
• Anthropology of Development

Dissertation/report

All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, group presentations, tutorials, interactive teamwork, video, and film and web based courses. It includes a non-examined weekly seminar series with both internal and invited speakers. Assessment is through essays, seen and unseen examinations, and the research dissertation.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The Anthropology, Environment, and Development program at University College London offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Funding opportunities include scholarships, bursaries, and grants designed to assist both domestic and international students in managing their educational expenses. UCL provides specific scholarships for postgraduate students, such as the UCL Graduate Scholarship Scheme, which is awarded based on academic achievement and potential. Additionally, there are country-specific scholarships and funding programs that cater to students from particular regions or backgrounds. Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, including government-sponsored scholarships, international organizations, and charitable foundations, which often support students undertaking development-related studies.

UCL's financial aid services offer comprehensive advice on available funding options, application procedures, and deadlines. It is recommended that students apply early to maximize their chances of securing funding. For postgraduate taught students, the program's fees vary depending on the student’s nationality; domestic students benefit from lower fees compared to international students. UCL also provides options for students to support themselves during their studies through part-time work opportunities on or near campus, in accordance with visa regulations for international students. Additionally, some students may be eligible for student loans or sponsorship programs through their government or employer.

The university ensures transparent communication regarding tuition fees and funding opportunities through its official website and financial aid office. Prospective students should regularly check these resources for updates and detailed information on the application process. In some cases, departments may have specific funding schemes or departmental scholarships to support research projects or fieldwork activities associated with the program. Overall, students are advised to plan their finances carefully, seek guidance from university support services, and explore all available funding routes to ensure a smooth academic journey in Anthropology, Environment, and Development at UCL.

The Anthropology, Environment and Development programme at University College London (UCL) offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the complex relationships between human societies and their environments. This programme is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors that influence development processes within diverse communities around the world. Integrating anthropological theory and methods with insights from environmental studies, the course provides students with the analytical skills needed to address contemporary challenges such as climate change, resource management, and sustainable development.

Students enrolled in this programme have the opportunity to engage with a wide range of topics, including the impact of globalization on indigenous communities, the role of cultural practices in environmental conservation, and the sociopolitical factors underpinning development initiatives. The curriculum combines core courses in anthropology and environmental studies with optional modules allowing for specialization in areas such as political ecology, development studies, human ecology, and ethnographic research methods. Fieldwork is an essential component of the programme, offering students practical experience in ethnographic techniques and community engagement, often through opportunities provided by UCL’s extensive network of field sites.

The programme aims to produce graduates who are critically aware of the ethical considerations and power dynamics involved in development work, and who possess the analytical capability to contribute effectively to policy-making, research, and advocacy efforts related to environmental and developmental issues. Graduates of the programme have gone on to successful careers in international development organizations, environmental consultancy, research institutes, academia, and governmental agencies, often working on initiatives that promote social justice, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation.

Being based at UCL’s renowned Institute of Archaeology and Department of Anthropology, the programme benefits from interdisciplinary collaboration, access to a diverse academic community, and opportunities for international fieldwork. The programme typically spans one to two years for full-time students, providing a balance of theoretical foundations and practical applications. Overall, the Anthropology, Environment and Development programme prepares students to become informed, reflective practitioners capable of addressing some of the most pressing issues facing societies and environments globally in innovative and culturally sensitive ways.