Overview

To address environmental challenges, we don't just need to understand the science behind how the world is changing. We also need to understand how the relationship with our environment is shaped by human behaviour, beliefs, values and structures. Studying how human interactions with the natural environment have changed over time, and how those interactions have been explored in culture, is essential to tackling contemporary environmental concerns.

This interdisciplinary master's balances the study of literature with work on visual culture, and our particular strength in environmental history. The programme offers you an international perspective, exploring interactions between environment, culture and history from across the world.

Completing this course will allow you to:

  • Learn directly from our experts working in the world-leading Centre for Environmental Humanities and benefit from the Centre's growing international and community partnerships, including the Greenhouse Center for Environmental Humanities at the University of Stavanger in Norway, and the Environmental Humanities Center at VU Amsterdam.
  • Design your own interdisciplinary pathway by combining compulsory units with a range of optional and open units across literature, history, philosophy, geography and many more.
  • Explore real-world environmental challenges by working with our partners on real initiatives and solutions. You will have opportunities to engage with local organisations such as Bristol Green Capital Partnership, Black & Green Ambassadors, and the BBC Natural History unit, as well as with researchers at the Cabot Institute for the Environment.
  • Benefit from innovative teaching methods, combining student-led discussions and presentations in seminars with collaborative assessments and use of relevant digital tools.
  • Develop vital communication and research skills in preparation to undertake large-scale research projects. The programme's innovative dissertation unit includes collaborative and practice-based options (eg designing an exhibition) that offer you opportunities for working with external partners.
  • Gain relevant skills for a number of careers. Sustainability is increasingly important, and opportunities include research and education, heritage and conservation, media and communications, film and TV, and many more.
  • Study in a city well known for its green agenda and successful creative and technical economy. Bristol is a former European green capital, and the University hosts strong connections with multiple cultural organisations and community groups working on environmental projects.

 

Programme structure

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MA in Environmental Humanities.

Entry requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in any Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences discipline (including Geography).

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.

We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.

We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.

If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:

  • A relevant postgraduate qualification (in all Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines, including Geography).

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

Home: full-time
£14,600 per year
Home: part-time (two years)
£7,300 per year
Overseas: full-time
£29,300 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding and scholarships

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Our graduates go on to a wide range of careers, including media, publishing, environmental consulting, environmental law, planning, teaching, politics, local and national government, and business. The core units on our MA include discussion of potential career pathways and how to prepare for them.

The MA in Environmental Humanities also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue further academic research at doctoral level and beyond, by teaching you advanced independent research skills and clear and concise writing.