University of Warwick

What you'll study

The MA in Environmental Humanities combines critical and creative approaches to environmental issues. Teaching explores historical and contemporary ideas about nature, human–environment interactions, the cultural politics of environmental change, and ethical questions around climate justice, biodiversity and sustainability. The programme is taught through seminar-based core modules, optional modules drawn from related departments and a substantial dissertation.

• Core themes: environmental history, ecocriticism and environmental literature, environmental ethics and political theory, and methods in environmental humanities.
• Typical modules: modules may include Ecocriticism and the Anthropocene, Environmental Histories, Nature and Culture in Modern Thought, Environmental Justice and Political Theory, and Research Methods in the Environmental Humanities.
• Optional study: students often take options in related areas such as cultural geography, science and technology studies, global literature, museum studies, public policy and heritage, enabling individualised pathways.
• Dissertation: a major research project supervised by a member of academic staff, allowing students to develop sustained inquiry and advance original arguments on a chosen topic within the environmental humanities.
• Teaching and assessment: a mix of seminars, workshops, presentations, coursework essays and the dissertation; some modules may include collaborative projects, field visits or creative practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold at least a second-class honours undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) in a humanities or social science discipline; applicants with related degrees and relevant professional experience will also be considered. Admissions take account of academic transcripts, a personal statement demonstrating interest in environmental humanities, a sample of written work or portfolio where requested, and academic references. Non-native English speakers must meet the University's postgraduate English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme move into a range of careers that draw on skills in critical thinking, research, communication and interdisciplinary analysis. Common destinations include doctoral research in environmental humanities or allied fields; roles in environmental and cultural policy, advocacy and NGOs; heritage and museum work; environmental education and public engagement; publishing and writing; and roles in sustainability teams within public, private and third-sector organisations. The programme also prepares students for consultancy work, media and communications roles that require nuanced interpretation of environmental issues.

Why study at University of Warwick

The University of Warwick offers an active interdisciplinary environment for environmental humanities, with access to expertise across humanities, social sciences and environmental science disciplines. Students benefit from small-group teaching, opportunities to work with researchers across centres and institutes, and regular research events and seminars that bring together academics, practitioners and visiting scholars. Warwick's supportive postgraduate community, strong research links and resources—such as libraries and research centres—help students develop rigorous research projects and professional networks relevant to careers in academia, policy and cultural sectors.