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Vincent Hansmann, MSc Environment, Politics and Society
Vincent discusses his journey from studying MSc Environment, Politics, and Society to pursuing a PhD in Political Geography, exploring the political dimensions of the environment.
16 June 2025
Vincent reflects on his time at in the Department of Geography, sharing how the course influenced his academic journey.
He also offers advice for prospective students and insights into his current research on the geopolitical role of materials in water management systems.
What led you to study MSc Environment, Politics and Society at UCL?
“I made my choice for EPS because I wanted to learn more about the interwovenness of politics and the environment.
“As a geography student during my bachelor's, I quickly realised that what interests me most is how politics is shaping our world and the environments we live in, while equally being shaped by them.
“When the time came to decide on a master's programme, I specifically searched for courses that put this close connection of human and more-than-human at the focus.
“With EPS I think I found just that.
As for the decision to study at UCL, the most important aspect for me really was the EPS programme itself!
“Besides, UCL's consistently strong academic output, especially in Geography, made the choice easy for me.
“Being in the heart of London, UCL also seemed like the next step for me to gain international experience and broaden my horizons outside the lecture hall.”
Was there a particular highlight of your time on the course?
“It is hard for me to point to one specific thing. I really enjoyed the tight-knit community within the programme.
“Everyone was super friendly and interesting to talk to, with each student coming from a totally different background and pursuing their unique topics.
“We often got together after classes to continue talking.”
What are you doing now, and what does a typical day look like for you?
“I have very recently started a PhD in Political Geography at Humboldt University Berlin, researching cement and concrete as more-than-human geopolitical actants in water management systems.”
How has your time at UCL shaped what you do now?
“UCL and EPS have profoundly shaped what I do now. Before attending UCL, I never thought I would ever pursue a PhD.
“But conversations with my fellow classmates and staff not only showed me that a career in academia might be an option, but the perspectives and academic knowledge I gained in the programme still are at the core of my research.
“I also remained in close contact with some of the EPS teaching staff, one of which, Professor Jason Dittmer, is now co-supervising my PhD thesis.
“It was also through a newsletter I got during my studies at UCL that I had the opportunity to spend two years in China pursuing a second Masters degree at Yenching Academy of Peking University.
Do you have any advice for current or prospective students interested in this area?
“I think prospective students should seize the opportunity EPS can give them to tailor their studies uniquely to their interests and engage with a wide variety of topics.
“I think EPS is so interesting precisely because it manages to show the interconnectivity of so many research areas.
“Students should take this an inspiration to themselves explore which connections they find interesting and build their curriculars accordingly.”