Environment Politics and Society

The Environment, Politics and Society MSc programme explores the way scientific, political and cultural practices shape our understanding of the relationship between society and the environment. It is an academic rather than vocational programme with most students pursuing further education or careers in international organisations, the public sector, NGOs or charities.

The programme explores the social, economic, cultural and political processes through which expert and lay knowledges of environmental and political changes is acquired, communicated and incorporated in decision-making. It equips students with a range of social science methods and personal transferable skills which are essential for social and environmental politics, practices and policy.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme offers two routes: standard and research. Standard consists of four core modules (60 credits), options (60 credits) and a research project (60 credits). Research consists of five core modules to include both qualitative and quantitative methods modules (75 credits), options (45 credits) and a research project (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) is offered.

Core modules

• Geo-politics
• Environmental Knowledges
• Environment, Politics and Practice
• Social Science Methodologies (qualitative methods)
• Research route only: Social Science Methodologies (quantitative methods)

All modules running are dependent on staff sabbaticals.

Optional modules

• Changing Landscapes - Nature Conservation
• Changing Landscapes - Nature, Culture and Politics
• Community Participation in City Strategies
• Conservation and Environment Management
• Geographies of Material Culture
• Marine Conservation
• Advanced Geopolitics
• Politics of Climate Change
• Social Science Methodologies
• Thinking Space
• Social Science Methodologies (standard route optional module only)
• Precarious Urban Environments
• Postcolonial Cultural Geographies

Students may also select one module outside the department with the permission of the programme convenor.

Module availability is dependent on staff sabbaticals.

Dissertation/report

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

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, presentations, discussions, workshops, practical classes and field trips. Dissertation seminars provide opportunities to meet previous MSc students to discuss their dissertations and subsequent career. Assessment is through coursework and the research dissertation.

Fieldwork

The Changing Landscapes optional modules have additional costs related to fieldwork.

Normally 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.