An
interdisciplinary MA and MSc course
(formerly Masters in Environment, Science and Society)
Since the advent of concern for sustainable development some 25 years
ago, there have been some successes. These include the spread of more
sustainable agriculture, reductions in air pollution, greater numbers of
protected areas, increase in fair-trade food, greening of some deserts,
more renewable energy production, and the reversal of damage to the
ozone layer. But the negative trends far outnumber the positive: climate
change, famine, obesity, over-fishing, coral reef destruction, water
conflicts, species extinction, competition for oil, forest destruction,
population growth and convergence of consumption patterns. It is widely
accepted in academic and some policy communities that environmental
services are vital inputs to the economy, yet markets, businesses,
regulations and economic systems still act as if the Earth's environment
is unlimited or free to overuse or exploit.
In 1968, a single novel photographic image captured the world’s
imagination. The Apollo 8 astronauts returning from the moon were able
to photograph the Earth set in the middle of dark, empty space. Here was
a lonely blue-green planet with a clear boundary. If something went
wrong, there could be no external solutions. Humans would have to solve
any problems they had created. The Masters in Environmental
Governance addresses this challenge by focusing on the analysis,
conservation, protection and management of natural resources, and the
institutions and policies that shape human actions. Governance works
from local to international levels, and in communities, businesses,
civil society and governments. But there is little agreement on the mix
and types of technologies, regulations, policies, participatory
mechanisms and market instruments needed to produce sustainable patterns
of development.
A number of academic departments from across the natural sciences, social
sciences and humanities at University of Essex contribute to this
scheme. It provides students with the critical capacity to analyse
environmental issues from a range of perspectives, as well as providing
the practical skills necessary for a wide range of careers. It provides
a thorough training in the principles and practices of environmental
governance for those wishing to pursue careers in environmental
management and regulation, in research, and in policy.
The scheme is suited to graduates from all disciplinary backgrounds, and
is available as a 12 months full-time degree or 24 months part-time.
This Masters scheme is directed by
Prof Ian Colbeck.
Degree Structure
The scheme's taught courses are during the Autumn and Spring terms
(until Easter), followed by a dissertation to be completed by
mid-September. The course contains compulsory Core Seminars, three
introductory Thematic Modules and a Research Methods courses, and
choices of specialist options. There are no exams, and all assessment is
by coursework.
Optional modules
Optional modules (choice of three) include:
*
Sustainability
*
Conservation Management and Practice
*
Environmental Economics
*
International Environmental Politics
*
European Environmental Law
*
Society and the Environment: the Global Challenge
*
Coastal Ecology
*
Pollution:
Impacts and Management
*
Climate Change
*
Conservation Management in Tropical Environments
*
The New Nature Writing
*
The Wild East
*
Environment, Sustainability and Management
new for 2012
Managing for
Ethics and
Sustainability
In the coming year we will also be running "Ariadne’s Thread: Cross-disciplinary study sessions".
These weekly study sessions will enable students to analyse ‘real world’ environmental problems
and solutions in a transdisciplinary manner as well as developing an evolving ‘forward’ strategy,
identifying key interests and pathways to future employment.
In addition to the formal teaching there are a wide range of relevant
events in the iCES Film and Seminar Series.
iCES Film series
iCES Seminars
Research Project
You will undertake a research project from Easter to mid-September. This
may be a positional paper, a review or a field investigation, and will
be cross-disciplinary. The choice of research topic is guided by each
student. A supervisor from a contributing Department will be appointed
to guide you during this work. There is always the opportunity to
undertake a project in collaboration with local government, NGOs and
conservation groups.
View examples of research projects
Alumni
Our students have gone on to many career destinations.
Alumni have
positions in local, national and international government; in
environmental NGOs and companies; in research laboratories and have
continued with further study. Recent graduates are now employed by
Sustrans, Deloittes, IBM, Campaign to Protect Rural England,
Alpina Servicios Compartidos (Colombia).
Students from more than 30 countries have taken the scheme with
backgrounds ranging from sociology, architecture, history, law,
biological sciences, economics and law.
Careers
It's never too early to start planning your career once you
have completed your degree. Follow this link for
ideas and suggestions.
Applications and Further Information
Click here for information and sources of
funding opportunities.
For further information about postgraduate study please contact:
Nicola Andrews, Taught Course Graduate Administrator (Dept of Biological Sciences)
International enquiries: email: bsquery
(non non
essex users add@essex.ac.uk)
tel: +44 1206
874470
Home and EU enquiries: email: bsquery
(non non
essex users add@essex.ac.uk)
tel: 01206
872051
For enquiries about the course: Prof Ian Colbeck:
colbi@essex.ac.uk; tel:
01206 872203
Online applications
