MA Environmental Humanities

The challenges of building a greener society have risen to the top of political, social and cultural agendas. This MA programme will enable students to gain interdisciplinary knowledge and skills crucial to this growth area. The MA in Environmental Humanities opens up a wide range career opportunities for graduates in areas such as

• social-environmental research and education
• ‘green’ cultural and creative industries such as film, TV, art and creative writing and other media
• environmental journalism and communication
• eco-tourism
• private companies with a sustainability agenda
• conservation and environmental non-governmental organisations
• local, national and international governmental agencies concerned with conservation, climate change, and sustainable development.

• Develop your environmental interests through humanities-based perspectives.

• Design your own interdisciplinary pathway by choosing from a range of modules in English, History, Anthropology, Sociology and Education. 

• Work with world-leading experts in a range of different disciplines.

• Study at a university with strong environmental credentials; Plymouth is home to the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute, which connect the environmental sciences to the arts and humanities through a range of exciting collaborations and events.

• Benefit from University connections with a range of local and national organisations, such as the National Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, the Marine Biological Association, National Marine Aquarium and The Box.

• Make the most of the local area for both curricular and extra-curricular activities, with easy access to Dartmoor, as well as miles of beautiful coastline, numerous Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty nearby and the UK’s first National Marine Park in Plymouth Sound.

• Year 1

• In your first semester you take our core module which hones your skills in postgraduate research and familiarises you with key debates in the environmental humanities. You will also choose a further module from our exciting range of optional modules which range across numerous disciplines. In your second semester, you’ll take two further optional modules. Over the summer period you research and write your dissertation on a subject of your choice, with one-to-one supervision and support. This is a chance to work independently on a sustained project that interests and excites you.
  
  The optional modules on offer will change slightly each year but will be made up of a wide selection from the list below.
  

  • Poetry and the Environment
  • The Utopian Novel and Modernity
  • Ocean Modernity: Literature and the Sea 1850 – present
  • Coastal Cultures: Environmental and Maritime Anthropology
  • Alternatives in Education and Society
  • Learning for Sustainability and Global Literacy
  • The Experience of Outdoor Learning
  • Filth and the Victorians
  • Media, Culture and the Environment
  • Independent Research Project

A good degree (normally a 2.1 or above) in any discipline. Outstanding candidates without a degree but with relevant professional qualifications or experience are also welcome to apply. 

You will also need to meet the University’s language requirements. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is normally 7.

English language requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full. 

Before you apply

• evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  
• evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  
• a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  
• your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  
• proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
  

Disability services

If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by University of Plymouth, please visit our Disability Services website. 

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email international-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply now' icon on this page).

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.

We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.

If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:

Telephone: +44 (0)1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk 

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced by downloading our Student Admissions Policy Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.