Course summary
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.
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2026/ma-environmental-humanities.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in any Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences discipline (including Geography). If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional qualifications. If you have additional qualifications, please include your CV (curriculum vitae/résumé) when you apply, showing: A relevant postgraduate qualification (in any Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences discipline, including Geography). See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £14600 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £14600 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £14600 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £14600 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £14600 | Year 1 |
| EU | £29300 | Year 1 |
| International | £29300 | 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
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
For more information, please view the programme page on our website.
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU