Environment Society & Culture
The MA/M Sc Environment, Society and Culture focuses on the interplay between natural environment and human society, and covers a range of advanced topics across human and physical geography, drawing heavily on MIC staff research expertise. This programme is highly flexible, for instance allowing students to choose, principally via their dissertation research, whether to pursue an Arts or Science Master's qualification.
Key Features
The scope of the programme is relatively broad, mirroring the integrated nature of this subject in the real world, and incorporating themes from both the social and physical sciences (i.e. in disciplinary terms, from both human and physical geography). The subject material covered in the programme draws on the expertise of the staff base, which, while maintaining a general focus throughout on the relationship between environment, society and culture, enables specificity and depth of study on themes related to individual staff members' research interests.
The interplay between human society and the natural environment is one of the most pressing issues in the world today. Anthropogenic activities are now firmly understood to be causes of global heating, yet environmental governance and management continue to be highly contested subjects due to conflicting human interests. Irrespective of the relative success of governance, there is an unquestioned and ongoing need for knowledge on the relationship between human society and culture and the environment, and significant economic potential and job opportunities in this area.
Professional Skills
There are important environmental, and also moral, reasons to study this programme, but there are also strong professional reasons. This is a busy and growing employment sector, and this programme enhances provides both subject-related and transferable skills that are sought after by employers. To ensure our students are ready for the world of work, the programme includes a novel Environmental Consultancy module, where student groups undertake real-world projects commissioned by external organisations.
Master of Arts or Master of Science?
The Environment, Society and Culture Masters programme has both Arts and Science routes, and students choose a route to pursue depending especially on their dissertation research. It is necessary to enrol on one or other degree – MA or M Sc – at the outset, but there are no barriers to students switching their preference later in the programme.
Subjects taught
Programme Content
For full-time students, the curriculum is structured into three 30 credit semesters, where students take three foundational modules in the Autumn semester, three more advanced modules in the Spring semester, and the dissertation module over the Summer period. For part-time students, the taught curriculum (first six modules) is spread out over two years (four semesters), followed by the dissertation.
Environment, Society and Culture: Framework and Mapping
Autumn Semester; 12 Credits
Module Coordinator: Professor Paul Aplin
Climate Change: Causes and Consequences
Autumn Semester; 9 Credits
Module Coordinator: Dr Angela Cloke-Hayes
Heritage Management and Sustainable Development
Autumn Semester; 9 Credits
Module Coordinator: Dr Helene Bradley Davies
Sustainability Transitions and Transformations
Spring Semester; 9 Credits
Module Coordinator: Dr John Morrissey
Environmental Consultancy
Spring Semester; 9 Credits
Module Coordinator: Professor Paul Aplin
Geographical and Geospatial Methods
Spring Semester; 12 Credits
Module Coordinator: Dr Julian Bloomer
Dissertation
Summer; 30 Credits
Module Coordinator: Dr John Morrissey
Entry requirements
Applicants will be considered for entry on the basis of a primary degree in Geography or a cognate discipline at a minimum of 2.2 honours.
Potential students who do not meet the normal entry requirements may be considered for admission and should contact the Programme Director for information.
Go to https://www.mic.ul.ie/international/study-in-ireland/essential-information/english-language-requirements for English language requirements.
Application dates
EU Applicants
Applications for September 2023 entry are now open.
Closing date for receipt of completed applications for September
2023 intake is 30 June.
Complete all the steps below:
Download and complete the application form.
You will be required to send your university transcripts (and applicants may be required to name one or more referees on request).
In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IETLS (or equivalent) is required.
Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using Stripe here, and return the completed application and transcripts by email to TaughtProgrammes@mic.ul.ie.
Non-EU Applicants
You are advised to contact the MIC International Office before applying:
E: International@mic.ul.ie or T: +353 61 204988 /+353 61 774790
Entry requirements and the application process vary according to country of origin. For information that is specific to your home country.
Please complete your application through PAC here.
You will be required to upload your university transcripts.
In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IELTS (or equivalent) is required.
The application fee is €50 and is non-refundable.
Duration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face and/or online
Location: MIC Limerick/online