Course summary
The MSc Environmental Anthropology explores the ecological, social and cultural relationships between people and the environments they live in. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from theories and case studies in climate change research, multispecies ethnography and many other areas of contemporary environmental anthropology from around the world. Environmental Anthropology gives you the chance to explore the intersection between people’s everyday lives and some of the key issues of our time, including climate change, the biodiversity crisis, and multispecies relationships. You’ll be introduced to theoretical and practical perspectives from across the subject. Aberdeen’s Department of Anthropology is renowned for environmental anthropology. We have a strong portfolio of projects and publications that you’ll learn from, on multispecies ethnography, climate change, environmental art, mobilities and indigenous rights amongst others. Our long-standing focus on the Circumpolar North, stretching from Siberia and northern Europe to Canada, is complemented by research in many other regions and we supervise students from all over the world. Many of our courses include field trips and there are wonderful resources in landscape and wildlife close to our campus and across north east Scotland. This programme's core courses focus on Environmental Anthropology and Climate Policies, Realities and Justice. Optional courses are available in topics related to our expertise, along with training in research methods. Relevant courses from across the University will also be open to you. For your final research project, you will choose between a dissertation focused on your own research and a work placement, where you’ll bring your skills to a project with a relevant organisation. Environmental anthropologists work in diverse cultural and environmental settings around the world. They often use long-term ethnographic fieldwork that centres the experiences of those they work with. Their findings contribute to environmental and social policies, community rights and well-being, and academic debate. Upon graduation, you will have the opportunity to enter a wide range of careers including environmental management, consultancy and policy-related jobs across the public and private sectors. You can also progress to a PhD in Anthropology.
Modules
View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your master’s degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.
Assessment method
Assessments combine written coursework with project-led work based on students’ own interests. Working with course staff, you’ll have many opportunities to design topics in environmental anthropology that work best for you. You’ll write policy briefs, take part in online discussion boards, and develop creative work, all showing how your learning in environmental anthropology can be applied to the contemporary world.
How to apply
International applicants
When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs. In addition, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling, as they can change. Students without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK. You should allow plenty of time to organise your visa and ensure you are aware of all your responsibilities under the terms and conditions of your visa. Please note that the advice provided via the University is the Student Visa category of the UK's Points Based Immigration Scheme. For further information, please visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
Entry requirements
Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:2 standard from a recognised university or body. Relevant degrees would include social sciences and environmental / biological sciences. Professional experience in e.g. nature conservation or social science would also be considered.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 6.0 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 21 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online test is not accepted. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for 1 year). Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 176 with: Listening - 162 or above; Reading - 162 or above; Speaking - 162 or above; Writing - 169 or above. |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Higher requirements are used by the Schools of Business; Divinity, History and Philosophy; Education; Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture; Law; and Social Sciences. The MSc in Oil and Gas Enterprise Management and the MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience also make use of the Postgraduate Higher requirements. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £15700 | Year 1 |
| EU | £23000 | Year 1 |
| England | £15700 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £15700 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £15700 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £15700 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £15700 | Year 1 |
| International | £23000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Tuition fees given are at the full-time rate. The part-time fee rate for taught postgraduate programmes is 50% of the relevant full-time fee rate.
Sponsorship information
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/. The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of Global Engagement, Marketing and Recruitment
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX