Postgraduate study
Edinburgh: Extraordinary futures await.

Environment, Culture and Society MSc

Awards: MSc

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Our MSc Environment, Culture and Society provides up-to-date knowledge of the contemporary issues and debates on the relationships between the environment, nature, culture and society.

Welcoming students from a variety of backgrounds, this exciting MSc will explore the core perspectives, concepts, and practices from the arts, humanities and social sciences needed to imagine and enact sustainable environmental futures.

You will develop the critical and creative skills and abilities to assess the importance and implications of geographical and other conceptual debates which shape environmental policy and practice.

Reputation and relevance

Taught by world-leading experts, the programme draws on expertise from across the University, especially from:

  • geography
  • social and political studies
  • landscape architecture
  • literature
  • archaeology
  • philosophy
  • theology
  • science and technology studies
  • development studies

It provides you with a unique critical and creative perspective on current environmental issues and possible futures.

You will learn to think critically, engage creatively and generate new knowledge related to the environment. In addition, you will be able to use this knowledge effectively to address urgent environmental challenges across a range of specialities such as:

  • policy
  • conservation
  • education
  • public consultation
  • the arts

Is the MSc for me?

The programme's interdisciplinary nature is ideal if you have a background in environmental humanities, social sciences, or creative arts.

It is also suitable if you desire to understand the roots of our current environmental emergency and the possibilities for a better future.

There is a lot of flexibility in the programme, enabling you to customise your learning in areas you are most passionate about. For example, philosophy, policy, creative practice and political action.

Networks

This programme is affiliated with a variety of University networks, including:

  • School of GeoSciences Cultural and Historical Geography Research Group
  • School of GeoSciences Geographies of Social Justice Research Group
  • Edinburgh Environmental Humanities Network

Edinburgh Climate Change Institute

This MSc is associated with the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI).

The ECCI brings together law, business, social science, technology, and policy experts to help develop a low-carbon society.

Through the ECCI, you will have the opportunity to work and network alongside professionals and potential employers within this high-demand field.

What is it really like to study with us?

No one knows what it is like to study here better than the students themselves.

Our students are sharing their experiences - from studying to living in Edinburgh and everything in between.

Get social with us:

When to apply

Please note: Due to high demand for this programme, we operate on a series of early application deadlines.

We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

For dates and details, please refer to 'Application Deadlines' on the right panel of this page.

You should also avoid applying to more than one degree. Applicants who can demonstrate their understanding and commitment to a specific programme are preferred.

If you plan to apply to more than one programme, you should discuss your choices with us before you submit your application.

Where possible, we may make an alternative programme offer if you have been unsuccessful in your chosen programme.

This MSc programme comprises:

  • compulsory and option courses
  • dissertation

Courses are delivered by staff who are active researchers in each field. Their expertise is supplemented by selected guest speakers, generally from industry or other research organisations.

Dissertation

Throughout your studies, we will work with you to prepare you for the dissertation project. This will be your opportunity to explore a topic of your choice in relation to the programme and prepare a dissertation that you can use to demonstrate your work to potential employers.

How will I learn?

You will experience a range of learning styles while studying, depending on the subject matter and courses you are taking. You can view each relevant course for teaching and assessment methods through the ‘Programme Structure’ link under compulsory and option courses below.

Changes to teaching and learning

We are committed to offering high-quality education to all our students. However, please be advised that there may be changes to course options and delivery. All decisions are made to ensure we can provide the highest standards for your educational experience.

Although we endeavour to provide a wide range of optional courses to choose from, these can be subject to change or cancellation at short notice. Places on optional courses can be limited due to course capacity and timetabling constraints. It may not be possible to guarantee every offer holder their top choice of optional courses.

Part-time study

You may study this programme part-time as we are committed to helping people into education while continuing to work or managing family and personal commitments.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

AwardTitleDurationStudy mode
MScEnvironment, Culture and Society1 YearFull-timeProgramme structure 2023/24
MScEnvironment, Culture and Society2 YearsPart-timeProgramme structure 2023/24

On completing the MSc Environment, Culture and Society, you will be able to:

  • Understand the importance of ideas in historical, contemporary and future approaches to the environment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts in the environmental literature.
  • Critically assess a range of philosophical and conceptual approaches to the environment from across the humanities, arts and social sciences.
  • Think about environmental problems across disciplinary boundaries.
  • Use concepts, ideas and methods from the environmental literature to address urgent environmental challenges across a range of specialities such as policy, conservation, education, public consultation and the arts.
  • Create and generate new knowledge about the environment through a range of media, including academic and creative forms of text and image.

Our MSc Environment, Culture and Society will equip you to think critically across disciplinary divides, generate new knowledge related to the environment and use this knowledge to address urgent environmental challenges.

You will be encouraged and supported to develop your interests at an advanced level in an area you are most passionate about.

Our graduates have been successful in pursuing a variety of careers, including:

  • environmental policy
  • conservation
  • animal welfare
  • corporate social responsibility
  • education
  • business communications
  • research

Due to the diversity of the topics within the programme, you can work in a range of sectors, including government, NGOs (such as environmental charities and development organisations), the private sector and academia.

Our graduates

Examples of the organisations our graduates have gained employment with include:

  • Conservation International
  • National Forestry Commission
  • Scottish Natural Heritage
  • The Climate Group
  • The Conservation Volunteers
  • UNESCO World Heritage Centre
  • Provincial Ministry of Environmental and Climate Change (Canada)
  • KPMG Sustainability (Japan)
  • Environmental Law Institute (USA)
  • Barcelona Lab for Urban Environmental Justice and Sustainability
  • American Sportfishing Association (USA)
  • Clean Up Australia

Networks

Through this MSc, you will meet a range of practitioners who offer their perspectives on taught courses, or through dedicated postgraduate career activities, and potentially through collaborations during your own dissertation research. We also organise career events and encourage dissertations conducted in partnership with external organisations.

Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience at the University, providing:

  • tailored advice
  • individual guidance and personal assistance
  • internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
  • access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network

We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.

Field trips

This programme provides several day trips and workshop opportunities across southern Scotland.

Previous locations have included the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh and Jupiter Artland.

There are no additional charges for compulsory field trips.

Where you will study

You will have access to the University's facilities across all University sites.

For example:

  • laboratories
  • libraries
  • study spaces (some of which are open 24 hours)
  • computing facilities
  • social spaces
  • leisure facilities

Most of your compulsory courses will be taught within the Central Campus in the city's historical centre, including the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute.

Depending on the option courses you choose, you may study at various campus locations in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Climate Change Institute

This programme is linked with the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI). You will have access to the shared 'Masters Hub' study space in ECCI as well as the café and shared working spaces on the ground and first floors. Some of your teaching will take place in the ECCI.

ECCI is also close to many teaching spaces and facilities within the Central Area campus. For example, the Main Library and gym.

Take a virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the School of GeoSciences and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site. Discover our city's landmarks, our campuses, accommodation and get video tours - all in one place.

Edinburgh is your ideal base

Edinburgh is ranked 2nd in the UK and 10th in the world in the QS Best Student Cities 2023.

Edinburgh is not only a fantastic city to live in - it is the perfect location to study the subject you're studying. Our vibrant capital is an irresistible blend of history and modern city life. We have rich environmental locations to explore right on our doorstep. Immerse yourself among rugged coastlines, misty mountains, forest glens and sparkling freshwater lochs.

It is no surprise we are regularly voted one of the most desirable places to live in the world!

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

We may also consider a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with relevant industry experience.

Students from China

This degree is Band B.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Deposit

If you receive an offer of admission you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place.

  • £1,500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)

Find out more about tuition fee deposits:

Field trips and field courses

We do not charge extra fees for compulsory field trips or field courses.

The programme fees will cover costs of travel on compulsory field trips. However, you must pay for incidental or personal expenses. This may include suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.

Living costs

You will be responsible for covering living costs for the duration of your studies.

Tuition fees

AwardTitleDurationStudy mode
MScEnvironment, Culture and Society1 YearFull-timeTuition fees
MScEnvironment, Culture and Society2 YearsPart-timeTuition fees

School of GeoSciences scholarships

Scholarships and student funding

You can find funding opportunities, tuition fees and costs of living for prospective UK and international postgraduate students on the University website.

You are also encouraged to undertake your own research into the range of potential scholarships and other funding outside the University for which you may be eligible.

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

  • School of GeoSciences
  • Institute of Geography
  • Drummond Street
  • Central Campus
  • Edinburgh
  • EH8 9XP

Due to high demand for this programme, we operate on a series of selection deadlines.

We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications may close earlier than the published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

We may make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis. However, the majority of applications will be held until the advertised deadline.

We aim to make the majority of decisions within eight weeks of the selection deadline.

If we have not made you an offer by a specific selection deadline this means one of two things:

  • your application has been unsuccessful, in which case we will contact you to let you know
  • your application is still being considered, it will be carried forward for consideration in the next selection deadline, and we’ll be in touch once a decision is made

The final deadline may be extended if any places remain on the programme.

Selection Deadlines

Round Application Deadline Decisions made or applications rolled to next deadline
1 15 December 1 March
2 31 March 31 May
3 31 May 31 July

You must submit one reference with your application.

Please submit a CV/Resume with your application. Find out more about writing a suitable CV:

Failure to submit all required documents will prevent the Admissions team from considering you for a place on the programme. It may also delay the decision on your application beyond the stated deadline.

We advise you do not apply to more than one programme.

Where possible, we may make an alternative programme offer if you have been unsuccessful in your chosen programme.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

Further information

  • School of GeoSciences
  • Institute of Geography
  • Drummond Street
  • Central Campus
  • Edinburgh
  • EH8 9XP