This Masters in Environmental Science, Technology & Society examines the social, political and cultural implications of environmental science and technology. You will learn to assess scientific and technological innovations as potential solutions to environmental issues. The unique interdisciplinary approach gives you a social science perspective on contemporary environmental issues.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time

This programme trains professionals, decision-makers and students in the social implications of environmental issues, particularly in relation to technologies as potential solutions. It is the first UK degree addressing the wider social and political dimensions behind our scientific and technological choices concerning the environment.

Teaching is through a combination of methods including lectures, seminars, case studies and a programme of guest speakers. You will have the opportunity to study alongside students on related postgraduate programmes.

Core courses

• Environment, technology and society
• Environmental politics and society
• Environmental ethics and behavioural change.
• One or both of Environmental communication and Environmental history.

You will also complete a dissertation.

Optional courses

You will choose up to two from

• Theory and principles of sustainability
• Reading the environment: modern and contemporary nature writing.
• Tourism, sustainability and climate change
• Writing the environment: old and new world romanticisms

Other optional courses are available via Schools at the Gilmorehill campus.

Career prospects

As a graduate you will be able to pursue careers such as technology assessment, carbon management and policy making and analysis with government agencies, environmental consultancies and private companies.

You will have excellent employment prospects in these and other highly interesting and rewarding roles, as well as opportunities to progress to doctoral study.

You will be well prepared for an academic career in this field.

Academic entry requirements

Entry requirements for postgraduate taught programmes are a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject unless otherwise specified.

Candidates should have a prior degree in science, engineering, social science or humanities.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MSc