Course summary
Ethnobotany is quintessentially interdisciplinary, involving knowledge and use of plants and their ecology in the context of their cultural, social and economic significance. Ethnobotany is the study of the interrelationship between people and plants, historically and cross-culturally, particularly the role of plants in human culture and practices, how humans have used and modified plants, and how they represent them in their systems of knowledge. This programme combines anthropological studies of human-environment interaction and sociocultural knowledge of plants in different parts of the world with ecology, conservation science, biodiversity management and climate change science. It also covers medicinal plant use and ethnopharmacology, plant conservation and sustainable management practices, taxonomy, and economic botany. Students will receive practical training in mixed methods and learn to conduct interdisciplinary research in Ethnobotany, in preparation for doctoral research or a career in related fields. The programme is partnered with the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, Botanical Gardens Conservation International, The Eden Project and The UCL School of Pharmacy.
Modules
Possible modules may include: Holism, Health and Healing; Botanical Foundations of Ethnobotany ; Anthropological Research Methods I; Environmental Anthropology; Ethnobiological Knowledge Systems; Plant Resources and their Conservation; Contemporary Issues in Ethnobotany and Environmental Anthropology; Practical Methods in Conservation Social Science; Anthropological Research Methods II; Contemporary Ethnography in Environmental Anthropology; Conservation and Community Development; Economics of Biodiversity Conservation; Dissertation: Ethnobotany.
Assessment method
Assessment is by written reports, oral presentations, written student feedback forms and the dissertation.
How to apply
International applicants
For detailed information see our English language requirements web pages. Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
Entry requirements
A good honours degree (2.1 or above) in anthropology, botany, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, geography or similar. All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and experience will also be taken into account when considering applications.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Kent
Recruitment and Admissions Office
Registry
Canterbury
CT2 7NZ
Course contact details
Visit our course pageSchool of Anthropology and Conservation
Recruitment and Admissions Office
+44 (0) 1227 768896
+44 (0) 1227 827077