Environmental Humanities (Taught)

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's innovative dissertation unit includes collaborative and practice-based options (past students have designed exhibitions, and produced short documentaries, for example) that support the development of practical and creative skills alongside academic research and writing.

• Gain relevant skills for a number of careers. Sustainability is increasingly important, and opportunities include research and education, heritage and conservation, media and communications, politics, 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.