We live in a time of great environmental crisis. To fully understand how human beings relate to the non-human environment, as well as the obligations we might have towards it and to each other, we need the cultural, political, and ethical analysis of the Humanities disciplines. This MA will equip students with the knowledge, confidence, and critical ability to reflect on some of the most urgent environmental issues which we face, and to creatively imagine new ways of relating to the natural environment.
Environmental Humanities is a new and interdisciplinary field of study. In taking this course, students will be taught by world-leading academics across humanities subjects, all working on environmental issues. In two core modules, students will be introduced to the central concepts and methodologies of the discipline, preparing them for further study in the area. Students will then choose from a selection of specialist modules in environmental philosophy, literature, religion, history and politics. Through these choices, students will develop their own perspective on environmental issues, culminating in an extensive self-directed research project.
Roehampton’s unique practical focus seeks to integrate students into a community of researchers, and to connect them with external organisations working in environmental areas. Starting from the riches of Roehampton’s own campus and its local environment, the course partners with Kew Gardens and other local groups working in environmental conservation, politics, campaigning, and education, including our award-winning Growhampton project (pictured above). Through practical placements and optional modules, students can develop hands-on experience of working with these organisations.
You may incur additional costs during your education at the University over and above tuition fees in an academic year such as laptops, Stationary and additional resources.
By the end of the course, students will have the academic ability and practical knowledge to engage in a wide range of career paths, including environmental communications; journalism; NGOs; education; government; and environmental research. They will also have personally developed a considered position on the some of the most important political and cultural issues of our generation.
The programme's aim is to produce professionals able to harness the potential of the humanities more broadly for the transformation of public experience, understanding of and commitment to the natural world. Our graduates will therefore be well placed for careers in local or national government, environmental communications, campaigning organisations and environmental charities, education, creative arts and the media, and the recreational, therapeutic and wellbeing sectors.
You can study flexibly with the option to take stand-alone qualification (PGCert / PGDip) or complete the full MA