MA Environmental Humanities

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 combines the study of environmental history with that of literary texts concerned, in various ways, with the environment, while also reaching into other relevant disciplines including philosophy and anthropology. In addition, the programme offers an international perspective, exploring interactions between cultures and environments from across the world. Teaching methods include field trips and workshops as well as seminars and one-on-one tuition, while innovative assessment design encourages collaboration between students and enables them to develop interests through practical projects (such as filmmaking and exhibition design) as well as more traditional essays.

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 core units on Environmental Humanities with a range of optional and open units across literature, history, modern languages, philosophy, and other disciplines.
• Explore real-world environmental challenges by working with our partners on real initiatives and solutions. You will have opportunities to engage with local organisations, community initiatives, and creative practitioners, as well as with researchers at the Cabot Institute for the Environment.
• Develop vital communication and research skills in preparation to undertake large-scale research projects. The programme allows students to undertake either a written or a practice-based dissertation: past students have, for example, designed exhibitions, created artwork, performed a stand-up comedy set, and produced short documentaries. The development of relevant expertise is supported by a research skills unit taken in advance of the dissertation.
• Gain relevant skills for a number of careers. Alumni have pursued careers in the public sector and the environmental sector; the degree will also prepare students for work in heritage and conservation, media and science communication, and other fields.
• 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.