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Environment, Politics and Society MSc

London, Bloomsbury

This is the programme information for 2026/27 entry

If you require details of the previous year's programme, Environment, Politics and Society MSc (2025/26), click here

This critical, research-led MSc in Environment, Politics and Society explores how science, culture and power shape our relationship with the environment. It unpacks the politics of environmental change and how societies respond to these changes through drawing on interdisciplinary studies. The course will provide you with skills to analyse today’s most urgent environmental challenges, preparing you for further study or impactful careers in NGOs, policy, or the public sector.

Important notice

Please note that the UCL graduate application portal will be unavailable from 5pm (UK time) on Friday, 5 December until 10am (UK time) on Monday, 8 December. Disruption may occur outside of these anticipated times. Applications through other institutions should remain unaffected. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused by this interruption of service.

UK students International students

Study mode

UK tuition fees (2026/27)

£16,800

£8,400

Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)

£35,400

£17,700

Duration

1 calendar year

2 calendar years

Programme starts

September 2026

Applications accepted

Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026

Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026

Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this course is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

This interdisciplinary MSc examines the political, social, economic and cultural processes through which environmental knowledge is produced, contested and used in shaping decisions and policies.

Students explore how environmental challenges are understood and addressed across diverse political and institutional contexts, from grassroots activism to international governance. The course combines conceptual and theoretical training with applied social science methods, equipping students with the critical insight and research skills needed to engage with environmental issues in socially and politically informed ways.

Designed to support careers across policy, advocacy, academia and the environmental sector, the course fosters analytical depth, reflexivity and global awareness in approaching urgent planetary challenges.

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for graduates with backgrounds in geography, environmental studies, politics or related disciplines who are interested in critically examining the relationship between environment, policy, and society. It will appeal to those aiming to pursue doctoral study, research-based careers, or work in environmental policy, advocacy, or consultancy.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

Graduates of the MSc in Environment, Politics and Society develop the conceptual insight and practical research skills to critically engage with global environmental challenges. You will benefit from:

flexible learning pathways, with the opportunity to shape your degree through optional modules and an independent dissertation tailored to your interests and goals
an emphasis on small-group teaching and open discussion, encouraging intellectual exchange and debate on the politics and practices of environment, geopolitics and sustainability
a diverse and interdisciplinary student cohort, bringing a wide range of national, academic and professional perspectives to shared learning and collaboration
direct access to UCL Geography’s research expertise in political ecology, environmental justice, and urban and geopolitical change, supported by academic staff who are active in shaping public and policy debates
opportunities to learn from alumni and guest speakers working across policy, advocacy, research and civil society, offering real-world insights and professional connections
a vibrant academic setting in central London, where students engage critically with the social and political relevance of environmental issues on a global and local scale.

Graduates go on to careers in policy-making, NGOs, consultancy, journalism, and further academic study, with the course fostering independent thinking and a global outlook.

"Now, perhaps more than ever, the world needs critical thinkers who understand the interconnectedness of environmental and geopolitical systems, and who are interested in actively shaping solutions to the triple planetary crises of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution." — Hannah Reid, MSc Environment, Politics, and Society

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Graduates of the MSc Environment, Politics and Society go on to work in a wide range of roles across the environmental, public policy, NGO, and private sectors. According to the Graduate Outcomes survey (2017–2022), 88.1% of graduates were in highly skilled work or postgraduate study 15 months after graduation. Many secure positions as environment professionals, policy researchers, analysts, and consultants, applying their interdisciplinary training to real-world sustainability and governance challenges.

Typical destinations include government departments, international organisations, environmental consultancies, non-profits, and think tanks, with roles often focused on policy development, communications, sustainability strategy, and social research. Others have moved into sectors such as finance, education, and media, while a number have pursued PhD study, contributing to both academic and applied research.

Organisations employing recent graduates include major consultancies, UK government departments, global NGOs, and international development bodies. The course’s critical and interdisciplinary approach equips students with the skills to shape—and challenge—contemporary environmental governance, making them highly competitive across sectors.

Employability

Understanding the complex relationship between society and the environment is essential for responding to global environmental challenges. This course equips students with the analytical, theoretical and practical tools needed to address socio-environmental issues in a wide range of professional contexts.

You will develop interdisciplinary expertise in environmental governance, political ecology, and social theory, alongside key transferable skills such as:

policy and stakeholder analysis
qualitative and quantitative research methods
critical thinking and debate
academic writing and public communication.

These graduate attributes ensure you are well prepared to pursue further research—including PhD study, or to contribute effectively to international organisations, public policy roles, advocacy, and the non-profit sector.

Networking

Students benefit from the expertise of world-class researchers working at the intersection of environment, politics and society. The course’s interdisciplinary nature allows students to connect with academics not only from Geography but also from a wide range of departments across UCL, enriching their intellectual and professional networks.

The Department of Geography hosts annual careers events featuring alumni who share their insights on careers in policy, NGOs, consultancy, and research. These events, together with UCL’s wider postgraduate networks and career development resources, provide valuable opportunities to connect with professionals, explore diverse career pathways, and build lasting relationships within and beyond the university.

Teaching and learning

The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, presentations, discussions, workshops, practical classes, and, when possible, field trips. This varied approach fosters an interdisciplinary understanding of environmental issues and encourages students to critically engage with contemporary debates in politics and society.

Dissertation seminars provide dedicated support for independent research and offer opportunities to learn from previous students’ experiences and career paths.

These teaching methods are designed to build analytical, research, and communication skills aligned with the course’s learning outcomes.

Assessment on this course is designed to support students in developing a critical understanding of the complex interrelations between environment, politics, and society. You will be assessed through individual coursework across a range of modules, and an independent research dissertation.

These assessment types are intended to develop your ability to synthesise theoretical perspectives, evaluate policy and practice, and communicate complex arguments effectively—key skills for careers in environmental policy, research, and advocacy.

Each 15-credit module involves approximately 150 hours of learning, which includes lectures, practical sessions, pre-recorded lectures, independent study, peer-to-peer learning, tutorial support, and assessment preparation. This is supplemented by voluntary in-person activities such as research seminars and assessment feedback sessions.

For full-time students, contact time typically averages around 12 hours per week. Outside of lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, full-time students use their remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments (approximately 20-25 hours).

You will also be expected to complete a dissertation worth up to 60 credits, maintaining regular contact with your supervisor who will provide guidance and support throughout your research and writing.

Modules

As a full-time student, you will complete eight taught modules and a research dissertation across the academic year.

Term 1:
You will take three compulsory modules and one optional module. One of the compulsory modules includes methodological training in qualitative social science. These modules provide a theoretical foundation in geo- and environmental politics and explore how these debates are applied in practice.

Term 2:
You will take one compulsory module and three optional modules. Optional modules allow you to engage more deeply with specific empirical topics.

Term 3 and Summer:
Dissertation planning begins in Term 2, with research and writing conducted in Term 3 and continuing through the summer. The dissertation provides an opportunity to apply the theoretical and empirical approaches explored throughout the course.

As a part-time student, you will undertake eight taught modules over two academic years and complete a research dissertation. The course provides a strong theoretical grounding in environmental politics and social theory, with optional modules allowing you to explore specific empirical and thematic areas of interest.

Dissertation planning begins in the second year, with research and writing conducted during Term 3 and over the summer.

Year 1
Term 1: You will complete two compulsory modules, introducing key debates and conceptual frameworks in environment, politics and society.
Term 2: You will complete one compulsory and one optional module, deepening your understanding and beginning to tailor the course to your interests.

Year 2
Term 1: You will complete one compulsory and one optional module, including methodological training relevant to your dissertation.
Term 2: You will complete two further optional modules.
Term 3 and Summer: You will focus on completing your research dissertation, which can have a significant fieldwork and data collection component.

Compulsory modules

Environmental Knowledges

Social Science Research: Methodologies and Methods

Environmental Governance

Environment, Politics and Practice

Research Dissertation

Optional modules

Geographies of Material Culture

Politics of Climate Change

Precarious Urban Environments

Conservation and Environmental Management

Postcolonial Cultural Geographies

Urban Policy

Introduction to Citizen Science and Scientific Crowdsourcing

Social Science Research: Methodologies and Methods

Migratory Activisms, Creative Citizenship

Public Space and the City

Geo-Politics

Designing and Managing Citizen Science

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Environment, Politics and Society.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students

Fee description	Full-time	Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£16,800	£8,400
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£35,400	£17,700

Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

There are no compulsory additional costs for this course. However, some modules may include local field trips that require travel within London. Students will need to cover their own transport costs for these visits. For example, a research trip to Elephant and Castle would typically incur the cost of a one-day travelcard (an Off-Peak Day Travelcard for zones 1–9 currently costs £17.80, according to Transport for London), although most trips will be within zones 1–3.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) studentships are available for eligible applicants who wish to undertake the MSc Environment, Politics and Society as preparation for a three-year PhD course.

For further information about available funding options and eligibility criteria, please consult UCL’s Scholarships Finder.

Overseas students may be eligible for: British Chevening Scholarships, Shell Centenary Scholarships, Karim Rida Said Foundation and other similar scholarships from their countries of origin.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

: Aziz Foundation Scholarships in Social and Historical Sciences

Value: Full tuition fees (equivalent to 1yr full-time) (1 year)

Criteria Based on financial need

Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application, we would like to understand:

your motivation for studying the intersections of environment, politics, and society and how these interests have developed
why you are applying to the MSc Environment, Politics and Society course at UCL
what specific aspects of the course, such as its interdisciplinary approach or focus on critical debates, particularly attract you
how your academic and/or professional background equips you for the intellectual demands of this course
how this course aligns with your long-term academic, research, or professional ambitions

In addition to meeting the academic entry requirements, your personal statement provides an opportunity to showcase how your background, interests, and goals resonate with the ethos and aims of this course. We value applicants who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a commitment to addressing complex environmental challenges, and a clear vision for how this training will advance their career or research trajectory.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

This course only requires one reference in support of your application. Your reference should be academic unless you have been out of university education for more than four years. Further information regarding references can be found on this Selecting your references page.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.