| UCAS code | QVH3 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Discipline | Environmental Humanities |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | QVH4 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Discipline | Environmental Humanities |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | QVH5 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Discipline | Environmental Humanities |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | QVH6 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Discipline | Environmental Humanities |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
Overview
- Environmental Humanities is a global interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary field of study, enabling you to discover new and fresh ways of thinking and acting upon urgent environmental, ecological and societal problems.
- Our BA in Environmental Humanities offers a wide-ranging programme of study from different disciplinary perspectives but keeps the critical contribution of the Humanities at its intellectual and methodological core.
- Explore the key contribution of humanities methods (in history, literature, anthropology, archaeology, cultural geography for example) to scientific and political understandings of local and global crises and challenges.
- We will teach you how to consider the problems and limitations of dealing with these challenges from a single disciplinary perspective and the rich potential of working together and collaboratively across disciplines.
- You will pursue humanities-led questions on a range of connected issues from climate change, environmental and social injustice, oceanic and aerial pollution, and global resource depletion, and will engage in critical enquiry of the narratives and representations, infrastructures and inequalities that continue to reproduce environmental and societal problems.
- You will gain a range of highly transferable skills whether your interests lie in project management, creative thinking and practice, critical enquiry and strategy, communication and behavioural change, planning and problem solving, heritage, museums and archives within the context of climate and environmental challenges.
- Engage with local businesses, charities and societies and participate in practical field-based activities.
- Tailor your programme to your future career with a choice of environmentally focused modules in history, literary studies, politics, geography, law, business and environmental science.
Top 15 in the UK for English and History
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025: 14th for English, joint 10th for History
Top 100 in the world for English and History
QS World University Rankings 2024
Drawing on established interdisciplinary climate research across the University
Opportunities for Study Abroad and Employment Experience in the UK or abroad
Top 15 in the UK for English and History
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025: 14th for English, joint 10th for History
Top 100 in the world for English and History
QS World University Rankings 2024
Drawing on established interdisciplinary climate research across the University
Opportunities for Study Abroad and Employment Experience in the UK or abroad
This programme explores some of the most pressing environmental questions of our time and enables ways in which you can facilitate change.
You can choose from a diverse range of modules taught by world-leading researchers, and build your experience and skills portfolio through work-based projects and internships. Our course enables you to develop key skills in communication and creative critical thinking that are invaluable to producing more environmentally responsible societies for the future.
Read more from Dr Natalie Pollard
Dr Natalie Pollard
Senior Lecturer
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | ABB | n/a |
| IB | 32/655 | n/a |
| BTEC | DDM | n/a |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade. | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Course content
Our BA Environmental Humanities has been designed for those who have a deep interest in the environment but do not wish to pursue a science-based degree. On this exciting and innovative programme, you will focus on pressing current and global challenges from an arts and humanities perspective. You will have the opportunity to contribute to new thinking on the future of humanity and the planet in this time of accelerating climate and environmental change.
We will teach you how and in what ways the Humanities brings critical insights to understanding and solving current and global problems of climate and environmental change.
Our BA Environmental Humanities is a creative, flexible, future-facing and innovative Humanities course that allows you to explore climate and environmental change as urgent local, global and planetary challenges. This course is unique in the following ways:
- Our interdisciplinary focus and module options allow you to follow interests in law, politics, geography and archaeology, for example, alongside literature and history.
- Our location at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall, in the South West of the UK, places you among students and staff with expertise in environment and sustainability, giving you opportunities to engage with cutting edge research, teaching and student activism across disciplines.
- Our commitment to embedding employability within teaching programmes and providing opportunities for you to engage with creative industries and organisations through work placements. We will support you in developing and attaining your future career goals.
- Our focus on some of the most urgent global challenges of the twenty-first century and giving you the opportunity to contribute to current global debates and challenge-led solutions.
- Our practical, interdisciplinary field-course teaching designed to take you outside the lecture and seminar room where you can apply your knowledge and skills to real world problems.
Stage 1: 60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HIC1010 | Foundations of Environmental Humanities | 15 |
| HIC1602 | Crafts of Research and Writing | 15 |
| HUM1005 | Climate Emergency - An Introduction to Environmental Humanities | 15 |
| HIC1610 | An Introduction to Histories of Science and the Environment | 15 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Humanities Stage 1 options 2024-5 | ||
| BEP1100 | Understanding Work and Organisations | 15 |
| GEO1401B | Approaches to Geographical Knowledge | 15 |
| GEO1408B | Global Issues in Environmental Science | 15 |
| GEO1413 | The Geography of Cornwall | 15 |
| HIC1306 | World History: Globalisation | 15 |
| HIC1604 | New Approaches to History | 15 |
| LAW1016C | A Legal Foundation for Environmental Protection | 15 |
| POC1023 | Participating in Politics | 15 |
| POC1026 | Power, Inequality and Global Justice | 15 |
Stage 2: 30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HIC2030 | Environmental Humanities Field Methods: Research and Practice | 30 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Humanities Stage 2 options 2024-5 | ||
| BEP2150 | Ecological Economics | 15 |
| GEO2442 | The Politics of Climate Change and Energy | 15 |
| GEO2445 | Rural Social Issues | 15 |
| GEO2454 | Waste and Society | 15 |
| GEO2456 | Social and Cultural Geographies | 15 |
| GEO2458 | People and Nature | 15 |
| HIC2007 | Apocalyptic Narratives: Disaster Writing | 15 |
| HIC2009 | Ecology and Empire | 15 |
| HIC2028 | Art and Archaeology in Post-Colonial Nations | 15 |
| POC2103 | Introduction to Postcolonialism | 15 |
| POC2108 | Political Geographies: Local to Global | 15 |
| POC2114 | Green Politics in Theory and Practice | 15 |
| HIC2037 | Earth Matters: Soil, Society and the Humanities | 15 |
| HIC2038 | Caribbean Histories: Colonialism, Resistance, and Environmental Crisis | 15 |
Typically, any placement year will take place in Year 3. If you are not taking a placement year please see the Final Year modules for year 3.
Stage 3: 30 credits of compulsory Dissertation, 90 credits of optional modules
a Wholly taught online (mixed cohort with Streatham)
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HIC3003 | Dissertation in Environmental Humanities | 30 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Humanities Final Stage options 2024-5 | ||
| ECE3001 | Living with Environmental Change | 15 |
| GEO3437B | Climate Change and Society | 15 |
| GEO3458 | Marine and Coastal Sustainability | 15 |
| GEO3467 | Human-Animal Interactions | 15 |
| HIC3006 | Indigenous Heritage and Belief | 30 |
| HIC3316 | The Environment and Everyday Life in Modern Britain | 30 |
| HUC3016 | Irish Stories: History, Politics, Literature and Heritage | 30 |
| HUC3048 | Writing Nature | 30 |
| LAW3301C | Law and Policy for Sustainable Organisations | 15 |
| POC3095 | Environmental Knowledge Controversies | 15 |
| POC3103 | The Resource Paradox: Blessing or Curse? | 15 |
| BEP3011 | Business and Climate Change [See note a above] | 15 |
Course variants
UCAS code: QVH3
Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.
Why Study Abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I Study Abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.
Does it count towards my degree?
Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree. Please refer to your Study Abroad co-ordinator for further details.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your Study Abroad year.
UCAS code: QVH4
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience?
Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Find out more
Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities.
UCAS code: QVH5
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience Abroad?
Spending up to a year living and working in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. By carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements abroad you can demonstrate to employers your adaptability, cultural awareness, independence and resourcefulness and, depending on where you stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector and country you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fee?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Is the placement paid?
You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.
Find out more
Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,700 per year
Please note, some optional/alternative field courses may incur additional costs. You may also need to provide your own specialist personal equipment appropriate to the field course destination. You may incur additional costs depending on the specific demands of the research project chosen.
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
As well as lectures, seminars and tutorials led by internationally respected academics at the forefront of research in this field, you will engage in field-courses, workshops and challenge-focused activities. You will participate in group tasks, discussion groups and independent study. You will become active learners using a variety of materials for your modules, including documentary material, film, photography and visual sources, historic documents, journalistic and creative writing and digital sources. We encourage presentation work and written coursework, because it involves you actively in the teaching and learning process and develops important transferable skills such as good verbal and visual communication, as well as effective interaction with other people. You will grow your skills as writers and communicators in preparation for seminars, presentations, fieldwork and workshops. You will also develop a range of transferable professional skills, such as time management and team working, plus valuable critical and analytical skills.
Modules
You will be introduced to the broad foundations of environmental thought as well as the methods and practices available to environmental humanities students by engaging with climate and environmental challenges that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. You will engage with students from across the environmental sciences, geology, geography, archaeology, technology, business studies, politics and International relations.
Teaching hours
You’ll have on average 1-3 teaching hours per module and will need to allow for up to nine additional hours of private study. You should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time. As well as attending lectures and writing essays and assignments, you’ll be expected to make presentations in seminars or tutorials. We encourage your presentation work, because it involves you actively in the teaching and learning process and develops important life skills, such as good verbal and visual communication and effective interaction with other people.
Personal tutor
You'll have a personal tutor as well as tutors in individual subjects and they will work with you to monitor your progress, as well as offering pastoral support and other help. You will have a chance to make your mark on the programmes through regular student evaluations and participation in the Student-Staff Liaison Committees and the student History Societies on both campuses.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Law (Penryn Campus only)
- Leadership
- Management
- Social Data Science
Your future
Employer-valued skills this course develops
This is a varied and interdisciplinary programme that allows you to gain a range of highly transferable skills such as project management, strategy, planning and problem solving within the context of both the humanities and environmental themes.
Career paths
You will be equipped with skills that are attractive to employers across a wide range of careers within the public, private and NGO sectors such as:
- Sustainability / Environmental Manager
- Environmental Planner
- Environmental Specialist / Consultant
- Programme Manager
- Project Manager
You can also pursue further study or research with postgraduate courses.
Employer visits
We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service, with offices at our Exeter and Penryn campuses, ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. We offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award which include employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market. Our graduates compete very successfully in the employment market, with many employers targeting the University when recruiting new graduates. For further information please visit our Careers Service.
