University of Oxford

Overview

The Nature, Society and Environmental Governance (NSEG) programme at the University of Oxford is designed to equip students with the skills needed to analyze the interplay between environmental change and various social processes, political dynamics, and governance frameworks. This master’s programme emphasizes social-science perspectives on environmental governance and global transformation.

What you'll study

The NSEG programme integrates core teaching with research-led supervision, fostering a deep conceptual understanding and research proficiency in environmental social sciences.

• Core academic teaching: Engage intensively with theoretical discussions in human geography, political geography, political ecology, and science and technology studies.
• Conceptual development: Delve into key concepts such as governance, territory, politics, and nature, analyzing how these ideas influence the understanding of environmental changes.
• Research methods and design: Receive training in research methodologies pertinent to contemporary environmental social sciences, focusing on critical approaches.
• Supervision: Graduate supervision is coordinated through the School of Geography and the Environment, with preferences considered for allocation.
• Assessment: The programme includes extensive written assignments that reflect the academic themes and research training provided.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

• Degree: A strong undergraduate degree, typically with a minimum of an Upper Second Class standard or its equivalent.

English language requirements

• IELTS: Overall score of 7.5
• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 110

Application documents

• Official transcripts
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose (maximum 700 words)
• Two written essays (maximum 2,000 words each)
• Three academic references

Career prospects

Graduates of the NSEG programme are well-prepared for a variety of career paths in environmental governance, policy-making, research, and academia. The comprehensive training and analytical skills developed throughout the course enable graduates to contribute effectively to addressing global environmental challenges across different sectors.